The Karuizawa Hoshino Area and Shinanorailway's sightseeing train "Rokumon" are launching their first-ever year-round collaboration, titled "A Culinary Cruise Through the Four Seasons." Each season, a different facility within the Hoshino Area will curate a dining experience onboard, blending Shinshu's scenic landscapes with distinctive cuisine.
Background
Hoshino Area, which has shaped Karuizawa's culture and hospitality for over 100 years, and Shinanorailway, which supports both the daily lives and tourism of the Nagano region, have teamed up to highlight the appeal of Shinshu and the Karuizawa area. As tourism continues to evolve, combining the resources of both parties aims to propose fresh ways to experience travel while promoting local revitalization.
First Year-Round Food Collaboration for Hoshino Area
This marks the first time the Hoshino Area has curated food experiences across all four seasons. By pairing Shinanorailway's beloved "Rokumon" — cherished as a "train packed with local charm" — with Hoshino Area's culinary expertise, the collaboration introduces a new dimension to sightseeing in Shinshu under the concept of "A Culinary Cruise Through the Four Seasons."
Spring Run (May 31, 2026): French Cuisine by Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court
The first spring edition features French cuisine by Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court. Appetizers pair the world's three great delicacies — including caviar — with local Shinshu ingredients. The main course is a beef fillet poché (gently cooked in low-temperature liquid to seal in flavor). A colorful dessert, designed to complement the passing scenery outside the train windows, rounds out the meal. The lavish and festive spread is designed to heighten the sense of occasion that comes with travel.
*Poché: A cooking method that involves slowly heating food in low-temperature liquid.
Seasonal Dining Experiences Across Hoshino Area Facilities
Beyond spring, different Hoshino Area venues are scheduled to curate the experience each season — from casual meals to sake-paired Japanese dishes. Each visit promises a fresh taste of Shinshu. Details for summer and beyond will be announced as each season approaches.
About the Venues
Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court
Nestled among the trees on a gentle hill, Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court — whose name means "Garden of Bliss" — is a resort hotel celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025. The hotel has long been a cornerstone of Karuizawa's refined hospitality culture, offering stays in standalone cottage-style rooms, morning breakfasts bathed in natural light, and gourmet dining at the main restaurant "Yukawatan."
Karuizawa Hoshino Area
The Karuizawa Hoshino Area traces its roots to the opening of Hoshino Onsen Ryokan in 1914. The area is home to a variety of distinct accommodations — from "Hoshinoya Karuizawa," a secluded retreat nestled in a valley, to "Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court," known for its exceptional dining, and "BEB5 Karuizawa by Hoshino Resorts," a casual hotel for friend groups. Dining options range from the riverside Harunire Terrace and Sonmin Shokudo to the standalone forest restaurant "Bleston Court Yukawatan" and its "Water Gibier" menu. The area also features hot spring baths at "Tombo-no-Yu" and guided forest experiences by nature guide service "Picchio."
Shinanorailway Sightseeing Train "Rokumon"
"Rokumon" began service in 2014 as a "train packed with local charm." It runs between Karuizawa Station and Nagano Station on the Shinanorailway Line, taking approximately two hours while offering views of the majestic Mt. Asama. The train was designed by Eiji Mitooka, who has worked on numerous sightseeing trains, and features warm wooden interiors using Nagano Prefecture timber, along with carriages inspired by the Sanada clan's iconic "red armor."
"A Culinary Cruise Through the Four Seasons" — Spring Edition Overview
Date: May 31, 2026 (Sunday)
Route: Karuizawa departs 12:25 PM → Yashiro → Karuizawa arrives 3:48 PM
Rokumonsen Sasuke Course (Standard)
A plan to fully savor the finest of Shinshu cuisine.
- Capacity: 28 guests
- Price: ¥28,000 per adult (tax included)
- Includes:
- French cuisine course by Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court
- Original non-alcoholic wine "Fresheur" (red & white) by Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court
- 2 pairing wines
- Original Florentine cookie "canutte" by Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court
Rokumonsen Yukimura Course (Premium)
An upgraded plan offering special experiences and added privileges.
- Capacity: 20 guests
- Price: ¥36,000 per adult (tax included)
- Includes:
- French cuisine course by Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court (with dessert upgrade)
- Original non-alcoholic wine "Fresheur" (red & white) by Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court
- 3 pairing wines
- Original Florentine cookie "canutte" by Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court
- Karuizawa-carved chopstick rest
- Craft experience: Karuizawa wood-carving sculpting workshop by Osaka-ya Furniture Store
- Dedicated lounge access: Food & drink service at "Rokumon Lounge" inside the former Karuizawa Station building
Reservations: Via the official Rokumon booking website at https://rokumon-yoyaku.shinanorailway.co.jp/
