Design Concept

With the reconstruction and expansion of the aging restaurants in the west area of Prince Grand Resort Karuizawa, the renewal of the existing buildings, beloved by many through the years, was in response to the increasing demand for better Meeting, Incentive travel, convention and Exhibition Event (MICE) Facilities.

The grand concept being “Nature Link – Connecting both with and to Nature, envisaged as a new all-season type of resort, some of the large existing chestnut trees on site were reused as a major building material for the renewal featuring the 100-year-old memories related to the site as an informal reminder upon welcoming the guests to the new facilities. In the same manner, many of the other materials incorporated were characteristically “Karuizawa” in essence with new terraces using Asama stone and local larch pine from Nagano prefecture introduced to connect the various zones in continuity as well as creating a seamless boundary between the outside and the inside.

All-Day-Dining and Lounge bar named “Primrose”, reflects the four seasons in Karuizawa,  with the large open indoor space divided into areas of “Spring”, “Summer”, and “Autumn to Winter” according to their sub-themes in color gradually changing in scheme whist giving a sense of unity. Yet again the aged timber and newly installed color glass partitions discretely separate each space, creating a natural atmosphere in each area. The showcase kitchen at “Peach Lee” in the Chinese restaurant, clad in large Anji stone, the sub-theme is based on Karuizawa’s gentle terrain, and the strength of earth with artwork displayed representing wild flowers blooming in Karuizawa plateau to evoke the charm of seasonal colors in nature at Karuizawa. On the other hand, the large public bath in the hot spring building has a large opening to picture frame the majestic Mt. Momiji in the background seen from the hot spring, while relaxing and enjoying a dip under the maple leaves that turn red in autumn.