HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, the flagship property of Hoshino Resorts, has announced its “Mountain Kaiseki” menu for the summer 2026 season. Located in the highlands of Nagano Prefecture, the resort offers a retreat from the mid-summer heat, centered around the culinary offerings of its main dining venue, Nihon Ryori Kasuke. The seasonal menu highlights the rich terroir of the Shinshu region, utilizing local ingredients such as highland vegetables, river fish, and gibier to reflect the transition of the seasons.
A Seasonal Focus on Shinshu Terroir
The summer kaiseki (a traditional multi-course meal) is designed to bring out the inherent flavors of local materials through refined cooking techniques. Executive Chef Junya Ikejiri, who joined Hoshino Resorts in 2023 after training in the culinary hubs of Kyoto and Osaka, oversees the menu. The cuisine focuses on the bounties of the surrounding mountains and rivers, providing a sense of place through seasonal ingredients like Shinano Yukimasu trout and fresh highland produce.
Highlights of the Summer Menu
The menu features three distinctive signature courses. The “Seika” appetizer is presented in a Chinese lantern plant husk, containing abalone, duck with an apricot sauce, and Shinano Yukimasu sushi. This is followed by “Kogyo,” featuring charcoal-grilled sweetfish (ayu). The fish is noted for its characteristic melon-like aroma, a quality enhanced by the charcoal grilling process.
The final highlight is “Shuka,” a chilled dish designed to soothe bodies weary from the summer heat. This course combines roasted summer venison with traditional Maru-nasu eggplant, topped with a chilled venison broth ankake (a thickened savory sauce). The combination of lean summer game and seasonal vegetables offers a refreshing yet substantial finish to the meal.
Dining at Nihon Ryori Kasuke
The architecture of Nihon Ryori Kasuke is designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings of Karuizawa. The dining room features tiered seating areas inspired by riverbeds, with large windows overlooking a terraced rice paddy garden. Guests are encouraged to dine comfortably in samue (traditional work clothing provided by the resort) while enjoying the views of the landscape.
The Summer Mountain Kaiseki is available from July 1 to August 31, 2026, exclusively for guests staying at HOSHINOYA Karuizawa. Reservations are required, and menu items may vary based on the daily availability of seasonal ingredients.
Property details
- Property
- HOSHINOYA Karuizawa
- Address
- Hoshino, Karuizawa-machi, Nagano 389-0194
- Access
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station; 40 minutes by car from Usui-Karuizawa IC; shuttle bus available from Naka-Karuizawa Station (Shinano Railway).
- Official site
- https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyakaruizawa/
- Telephone
- 050-3134-8091
- Rooms
- 77
- Pricing
- Summer Mountain Kaiseki: 21,780 JPY per person (includes tax and service charge, excludes room rate)
- Opened
- July 20, 2005
