ANA Holiday Inn Resort Karuizawa, located in Kita-Karuizawa, Gunma Prefecture, opened on September 12, 2025, and will mark its first anniversary on Saturday, September 12, 2026 with a dedicated anniversary event. Around that date, the resort is also running a September-only anniversary program from Tuesday, September 1 to Wednesday, September 30, 2026, themed around nature, food, and experience, offering guests a special resort stay amid the highland scenery of Kita-Karuizawa at the foot of Mt. Asama.
September 12: A Day of Events, Taiko Performances, and Fireworks
On the opening anniversary date of Saturday, September 12, the resort will host a family-friendly participatory event, a taiko drumming performance rooted in local culture, and a fireworks display. Special prize drawings, including accommodation vouchers, will also be on offer throughout the day, along with a one-night-only special menu at Foggi Forest Dining.
Photo Rogaining and Capsule Toy Prize Drawing
Guests can take part in Photo Rogaining, a hands-on event that has participants exploring the resort grounds and surrounding area. Those who complete the mission earn a chance to enter a capsule toy prize drawing (one draw per group, one group per room).
Capsule toy prize drawing lineup:
- Breakfast-included accommodation voucher (for two; valid for one year, blackout dates apply) — 1 set
- Foggi Forest Dining lunch or dinner invitation voucher (for one room; valid during the stay) — 2 sets
- Nature Hills Karuizawa Country Club round voucher (for two; valid through the end of October 2027, blackout dates apply) — 2 sets
- Karuizawa Snow Park one-day lift ticket (for two; valid for one day during the 2026–2027 season) — 5 sets
- Karuizawa Snow Park one-day snow play ticket (for two; valid for one day during the 2026–2027 season) — 5 sets
- ¥3,000 in-hotel cash coupon (for one room; valid during the stay) — 3 sets
- Hotel mascot "Ruri-chan" plush toy — 3 sets
- Original hotel eco bag — 30 sets
- Snacks — multiple sets
Anniversary Night: Taiko Performances and a 105-Shot Fireworks Finale
As a special evening program, the resort will host performances by two taiko groups with local roots: Kitakaru Ryukyu Taiko and Kitakaruizawa Asama Oni-oshi Taiko.
September 12 event schedule:
- Part 1: 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
- Part 2: 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Fireworks display: 8:00 PM
Kitakaru Ryukyu Taiko is an eisa troupe rooted in Fujioka Ryukyu Taiko, based in Fujioka City, Gunma Prefecture. The group relocated its base to Kita-Karuizawa in 2025 and began performing in earnest from April 2026. Drawing on Okinawa's traditional eisa dance, the troupe combines powerful movement and music with resonant taiko drumming, varying its expression from piece to piece while keeping tight ensemble timing.
Kitakaruizawa Asama Oni-oshi Taiko was formed in 1971 with the goal of revitalizing the local community and building a new local tradition. The group initially performed without its own drums, relying on the support of neighboring troupes, before becoming fully operational in 1982 once equipment was in place. Today the group is centered on children, who build technical skill and community spirit by performing at local events, helping carry the area's traditional culture forward to the next generation.
Starting at 8:00 PM, the evening closes with a finale of 105 fireworks lighting up the night sky over the resort.
Foggi Forest Dining Anniversary Dinner
At the live kitchen, a chef prepares authentic sushi to order in front of guests. The menu also features roast beef made generously with Joshu beef, a Gunma-brand beef, letting guests savor the quality of the ingredient. For dessert, there's crepe flambe finished with a tableside flame and choux pastry topped with chocolate. With a varied menu that engages all the senses and a lively, hands-on style of presentation, the anniversary dinner adds a festive touch to the milestone celebration.
September-Only Anniversary Program (September 1 to 30)
Throughout September, the resort will offer the "Anniversary All-inclusive Resort Stay," a stay plan that includes free-flow dining and drinks alongside a range of activities. Guests can enjoy dishes made with seasonal Gunma ingredients along with their choice of drinks, including beer and wine, plus activities such as putter golf, tennis, and the indoor pool, and a late checkout until 2:00 PM for a more relaxed stay.
The restaurant will also host an Anniversary Buffet, generously featuring highland vegetables and seasonal fruit, with colorful dishes made from local ingredients and seasonal desserts.
As a daily welcome service, the lobby will offer Asama Shaved Ice, made with natural spring water from Mt. Asama. Additional content on offer during the month includes:
- Photo Rogaining and capsule toy prize drawing — every day (prizes include accommodation vouchers, restaurant invitation vouchers, an original hotel eco bag, and more)
- Nature Hills Karuizawa Country Club golf cart nature tour — Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
- Instagram campaign for a chance to win an accommodation voucher — @anaholidayinnresortkaruizawa
Reservations and details for the Anniversary All-inclusive Resort Stay: https://karuizawa.holidayinnresorts.com/offers/anniversary-all-inclusive-stay/
Anniversary event information: https://karuizawa.holidayinnresorts.com/events/anniversary-event/
Nature Hills Karuizawa Country Club: First Anniversary Golf Plan
To mark the resort's first anniversary, Nature Hills Karuizawa Country Club will offer a period-limited First Anniversary Plan starting Saturday, July 11. Every round includes lunch, a two-some play guarantee, and no additional fee when two people play together. Prices start from ¥13,000 per person for bookings of two or more, making it an easy way for couples or friends to enjoy resort golf in Kita-Karuizawa.
Reservations and details: https://www3.golfyoyaku.jp/rsv_sys/naturehills/naturehills/mcalendar/index/start:202607
About ANA Holiday Inn Resort Karuizawa
ANA Holiday Inn Resort Karuizawa sits at an elevation of 1,300 meters at the foot of Mt. Asama in Kita-Karuizawa. The surrounding nature changes with the seasons — fresh greenery in spring, cool highland breezes in summer, vivid foliage in fall, and a snow-covered landscape in winter — offering guests a relaxed resort stay along with walking and a range of activities. The grounds include Nature Hills Karuizawa Country Club for golf and Karuizawa Snow Park for skiing and snow play, while guest rooms look out over Mt. Asama. Guests can unwind in the hot spring bath, enjoy dishes made with local ingredients, and take part in seasonal experiences throughout their stay. The hotel is also equipped with a kid-friendly "Kids Stay & Eat Free" program and family-oriented facilities, making it a comfortable choice for families traveling with young children.
Kids Stay & Eat Free
Holiday Inn offers a range of programs for children aged 12 and under to make family stays more comfortable. When sharing a room with up to two adults, up to two children aged 12 and under can stay free of charge, and children dining with an adult can also order from the restaurant's kids' menu at no charge.
Details: Kids Program
Address: 2032-16 Kita-Karuizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-1412
Official website: https://karuizawa.holidayinnresorts.com
