Design Anthology Retreat
Karuizawa, Japan
12 – 16 February 2025
This Design Anthology Retreat will be held from 12–16 February 2025 in the Japanese resort town of Karuizawa in partnership with architecture and culinary destination Shishi-Iwa House. Open to Design Anthology Asia members, the retreat takes place over four nights and five days, with all accommodation, meals and activities included.
Just an hour by train from Tokyo, Shishi-Iwa House comprises three architectural masterpieces, each designed by a Pritzker Prize-winning architect. The first two houses were designed by Shigeru Ban in 2018 and 2022 respectively, while the third house is by Ryue Nishizawa of Sanaa Architects, opened just last year.
The properties were Ban and Nishizawa’s first hotel projects — and we now invite you to join us in Karuizawa to explore the houses and enjoy a bespoke itinerary covering the best of the town’s architecture, design and dining highlights. And given the town’s close proximity to Tokyo, it’s the perfect opportunity to tack on a few days in the capital.
Karuizawa is known for its rich architectural heritage and is home to significant architect-designed buildings and striking examples of traditional styles. Guests will have the unique opportunity to experience and learn about the area’s 19th-century Rokumeikan architecture, a formative period in the development of the Japanese vernacular, and visit landmarks such as Kazuo Shinohara’s Tanikawa House, the Hoshi Onsen and historic soba restaurant Kagimotoya.
The itinerary includes fine-dining and farm-to-table meals, guided tours of all Shishi-Iwa House properties, exclusive access to renowned buildings, private homes and storied hotels, as well as sake and wine tasting, wellness activities and the requisite spot of shopping.
Highlights
• Stay at Shishi-Iwa House, a collection of three striking hotels by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Shigeru Ban and Ryue Nishizawa.
• Discover Karuizawa’s architectural heritage, from 19th-century Rokumeikan influences to modernist icons like Tanikawa House.
• Enjoy exclusive guided tours of all three Shishi-Iwa House properties, each a masterclass in Japanese design.
• Visit landmark buildings, private homes, and storied establishments typically closed to the public.
• Savour a curated food journey, from farm-to-table feasts to traditional soba and sake tasting.
• Rebalance with wellness sessions and enjoy leisurely moments in Karuizawa’s charming boutiques and nature trails.
Inclusions
• Accommodation at Shishi-Iwa House across the three architect-designed properties
• All meals, including fine-dining, local cuisine, and curated tasting experiences
• Guided architecture and design tours with private access to select sites
• Wellness sessions and leisure time in Karuizawa’s scenic surroundings
• On-the-ground hosting and curated experiences by the D/A editorial team
Application
Offer includes hotels, F&B, local activities and experiences and local transfers; costs exclude flights and airport transfers. To reserve your place, a 30% non-refundable deposit is required, with the remaining balance to be charged 90 days before the start of the trip. If you book within 90 days of the start of the trip, the full amount is due.
JPY 465,000-570,000
Double occupancy: JPY 465,000 per person // Single occupancy: JPY 570,000 per person.
Pricing excludes taxes and service charges.
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Our trips are curated by editors and creatives with a deep understanding of design, architecture, and culture. Each itinerary is built around exclusive studio visits, private collection tours, and encounters with designers and tastemakers you won’t find in a typical guidebook.
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Our experiences are ideal for design professionals, collectors, and culturally curious travellers who value thoughtful curation, access, and intimacy over mass tourism.
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We keep our groups intentionally small—usually no more than 12 participants—to allow for deeper conversations, access to private spaces, and a more personal experience throughout.
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Pricing typically includes accommodation, all scheduled activities, most meals, and on-the-ground transportation. Airfare and personal expenses are not included. A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions will be provided before you book.
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Yes. While the days are thoughtfully planned, we always include downtime so you can explore at your own pace or simply unwind.
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Absolutely. Many of our travellers come alone and leave with new friends. We welcome solo travellers and offer single room options (subject to availability).
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We understand plans can change. Our cancellation terms vary depending on the destination and trip. Full details are outlined during the booking process, and we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
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Not at all. While many of our guests are from the design or creative industries, we welcome anyone with an interest in culture, aesthetics, and thoughtful travel.
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You can subscribe to our mailing list or follow us on Instagram for early access and announcements.
Four Reasons to
Join This Experience
Our experience programme isn’t just about seeing a destination—it’s about experiencing it through the lens of creativity, crafsmanship and storytelling.