MANPEI HOTEL in Nagano- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Mampei Hotel, founded in 1894, is a highly recommended classic hotel located in Karuizawa, Japan, celebrated for its deep historical roots and harmonious blend of natural beauty with a serene resort atmosphere. It is an ideal retreat for escaping the oppressive summer heat of cities, offering a cool, refreshing environment enhanced by the region’s lush greenery and elegant architecture.

The hotel’s rich history began with the transformation of the "Kameya Inn," originally established in 1764, into a Western-style hotel by Mampei Sato in 1894, catering especially to foreign missionaries and guests. The name changed from Kameya Hotel to Mampei Hotel in 1902 to simplify pronunciation for international visitors. The hotel moved to its current scenic location in Sakuranosawa in 1902, where it has since become a historic cultural symbol of Karuizawa.

Manpei hotel in Nagano, Japan- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

A highlight of Mampei Hotel is its "Alps Wing," built in 1936 and designed by architect Kume Gonkuro. This main building has been registered as a tangible cultural property of Japan, reflecting a unique fusion of Japanese and Western architectural styles. It features deep red carpets, stained glass windows by artist Hideo Unozawa, and Karuizawa-style woodwork that evoke timeless elegance. These historic elements blend seamlessly with modern renovations, allowing the hotel to operate year-round while preserving its classic charm.

Breakfast- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Omlet for breakfast

The hotel’s extensive grounds include beautiful gardens and a café terrace where guests can relax amidst the surrounding natural beauty of Karuizawa’s changing seasons—from fresh greens in spring to vibrant autumn leaves and snow-covered winters. The café terrace is well known for its traditional apple pie made with locally grown Shinshu apples and the signature “Royal Milk Tea,” a unique blend passed down from a guest request and famously associated with John Lennon, one of the hotel’s notable guests who summered here regularly.

Mampei Hotel’s dining experience is equally renowned. The main dining room within the Alps Wing offers refined French cuisine developed over 130 years, showcasing dishes made from high-quality local ingredients. Signature menu items include a famous breakfast omelet, trout meunière, and traditional curry served in an elegant space featuring large stained-glass windows, a high ceiling, garden views, and tableware embossed with the hotel’s lily of the valley emblem. This dining space maintains a smoke-free environment and welcomes guests without imposing a strict dress code.

Manpei hotel in Nagano,Japan- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Accommodations reinforce the hotel’s blend of old and new. Guests can choose from multiple wings—the classic Alps Wing with its characteristic lattice sliding glass doors and clawfoot bathtubs, the Atago Wing featuring rooms with hot springs fed by nearby Shiozawa Onsen, and the modern Usuikan Wing providing comfort in a contemporary style. This variety caters to those seeking traditional nostalgic ambiance as well as modern amenities. The hotel also now operates year-round following its recent major renovation in 2023 that modernized facilities while preserving its historical essence.

Throughout its long history, Mampei Hotel has welcomed a number of cultural figures and celebrities including John Lennon and Yukio Mishima, adding to its prestigious cultural legacy. Despite updates and expansions, the spirit of "Mampei Hospitality," a warmth and attentiveness established by founder Mampei Sato and his descendants, continues to define the guest experience, making the hotel a beloved destination for those who appreciate a blend of refined tradition and relaxed resort living.

In summary, Mampei Hotel offers a uniquely rich experience with its 130-year legacy, classic architecture, elegant dining, beautiful natural surroundings, and heartfelt hospitality. It remains a quintessential getaway in Karuizawa that preserves the atmosphere of a bygone era while accommodating modern comfort and year-round resort enjoyment.

The Room

A room with a classical design- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Main Dining Room

The centerpiece of the restaurant at Manpei Hotel is the traditional "Main Dining Room," located inside the main building. Here, you can enjoy classic French cuisine made with high-quality local ingredients unique to Karuizawa, prepared using recipes and techniques that have been handed down for over 130 years.
The Main Dining Room is situated in the main building, which was rebuilt in 1936 (Showa 11), featuring high ceilings and an elegant historical atmosphere. Guests can enjoy their meals while gazing out over lush garden views through the windows. Popular course dishes include the famous breakfast omelet, the long-loved meunière of rainbow trout, and the traditional curry.
Additionally, the essence of traditional French cuisine—the soups and sauces—are made using original recipes that have continuously evolved since the hotel opened. They are characterized by the aroma of herbs and the colorful presentation reflective of Karuizawa, offering a classic yet light taste. The tableware features the hotel's symbol, the lily of the valley motif, adding a special touch to the entire dining experience.
The Manpei Hotel’s restaurant is a place where you can experience a harmonious blend of inherited traditional flavors and a refined setting. It offers the charm of a classic hotel’s prestige combined with cuisine that makes the most of local blessings. It operates by reservation only, is completely non-smoking, and has a relatively relaxed dress code, making it accessible and comfortable to visit.

Main Dining Room- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

French for dinner- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

French for dinner- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

French for dinner- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

French for dinner- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Bar

The bar at Manpei Hotel features an authentic atmosphere with a classic and nostalgic mix of Japanese and Western décor, making it a place where you can relax, forget the time, and enjoy conversation. There are several original signature cocktails— I had a matcha cocktail and gin and tonic, while my husband enjoyed a fruit cocktail.

Bar- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

A cocktail with matcha and gin, garnished with Japanese pepper(sansho)- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Classical atmosphere- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Fresh grapes cocktail-Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Royal Milk Tea

The hotel’s milk tea, known as “Royal Milk Tea,” was born about 50 years ago from a guest request, and the traditional recipe is still preserved and served today. It is famous as the flavor directly imparted by John Lennon, characterized by rich and full-bodied tea topped with a light cloud of whipped cream. Priced at 1,300 yen (including service charge, as of 2025), it is recommended to enjoy it alongside apple pie in the elegant setting of the café terrace.
Furthermore, Manpei Hotel’s official online shop offers the original blended tea used for this Royal Milk Tea, so you can enjoy the same taste at home.

The Royal Milk Tea Loved by John Lennon- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

In front of the hotel- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

The environment, surrounded by the rich forests of Karuizawa and enveloped in the chirping of birds and the sound of the wind in the trees, brings healing and relaxation. You can also enjoy the seasonal changes of nature, allowing you to spend a quiet and leisurely time.