Tatehata House. Private Sauna. Outdoor Bath.

Entire home hosted by Tatehata House

4 guests
1 bedroom
1 bathroom

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the lockbox.

Great check-in experience

90% of recent guests gave the check-in process a 5-star rating.

Unwind in the hot tub

This is one of the few places in the area with this amenity.

Every booking includes free protection from Host cancellations, listing inaccuracies, and other issues like trouble checking in.

This modernist tiny house was built in 1968 and sits within the rolling forests of Kitakaruizawa’s Mount Asama. Originally conceived as the weekend hideaway of a prominent architect who used the property for contemplation.

- Preserved example of midcentury Japanese modernism.
- Ideal for romantic getaways, creative weekends and family excursions in nature.
- Quiet forest walks.
- Historic holiday home area popular with many of Japan’s great 20th century artists, writers and filmmakers.

The space
Approved by Go To Travel campaign. Please enquire Airbnb for the details.

Karuizawa Forest Cabin was conceived in the late 1960s by Tatehata Yoshikado, a prominent architect of the time. His vision was for a simple modernist cabin offering the basic essentials for peaceful weekends away within nature.

Built into a small hill, the home was designed with three overlapping levels, all with large windows opening out into the forest. Ceilings, cabinets and details are mostly done in teak. The home features elements familiar from both traditional Japanese architecture and mid-century modernism.

The entryway opens into the middle floor, a small dining area mixed with a compact but charming kitchen. Wooden stairs curve up to the top floor, which features Tatehata’s large custom-designed wood burning stove and a cozy reading corner with a sofa and large sliding windows looking out into the tree tops. A second stairwell beside the kitchen leads to the bottom level, where the Japanese-style bedroom is located — traditional white plaster walls, tatami flooring, fusuma sliding doors, elegant lighting and thick comfy sleeping futons.

The home’s backyard has a patio area perfect for small barbecues and relaxing outdoors.

Where you'll sleep

What this place offers

Kitchen

Wifi

Dedicated workspace

Free parking on premises

Private hot tub

Private sauna

Private patio or balcony

Private backyard – Not fully fenced

Indoor fireplace

Unavailable: Carbon monoxide alarm

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Guests

1 guest

4.81 out of 5 stars from 73 reviews

Cleanliness

Accuracy

Communication

Location

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Where you’ll be

Naganohara, Agatsuma District, Gunma, Japan

Kitakaruiza sits at an elevation of 1,200 meters, giving it a famously breezy and pleasant climate throughout summer. A popular escape from Tokyo’s oppressive summer heat, the area is packed with outdoor activities and nature attractions, including hikes around Mt. Asama, geological parks, golf courses and driving ranges, farms and produce sellers, nice restaurants and cafes, and — of course — onsen hot springs.

Compared to historic Karuizawa, which is much more developed and resort-like today, Kitakaruizawa has a very low-key sense of idyllic charm.

But there are many famous onsen and vacation destinations nearby, including:

Central Karuizawa: 30 minutes by car
Harunire Terrace: 20 minutes
Tsumagoi: 15 minutes
Kusatsu Onsen: 30 minutes
Manza Onsen: 50 minutes
Azuma Valley: 30 minutes

Karuizawa Forest Cabin's immediate surroundings were once a popular holiday home area for Japan’s great mid-century artists, novelists, scholars, filmmakers and poets. There are many pleasant walks and bike rides to be found along the roads and trails just outside the house. Please just be aware that the area is famous for its tranquil, contemplative ambiance— try to be respectful of everyone’s cherished peace and quiet. This is a place for creativity, romance or happy family time. No party people please.

After completing Karuizawa Forest Cabin in 1968, Tatehata-san designed two neighboring homes for friends – one a famous author, the other a film actor. Those homes were built with a similar rustic but clean aesthetic, creating a sense of visual harmony among neighbors.