Experience the Shishi-Iwa House Collection and an architectural tour of Karuizawa over five days in February 2025
February marks the debut of Design Anthology’s travel experiences, design-led trips curated and hosted by our editorial team.
The first 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 only to Design Anthology members, the retreat takes place over four nights and five days, with all accommodation, meals and activities included.
Shishi-Iwa House Collection
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 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.
Itinerary
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.
A full itinerary will be shared with guests in the coming months.
Pricing
The retreat is priced at JPY 465,000 per person (excluding taxes and service charges), based on double occupancy in a Superior room.
Applications
Apply now to express your interest in joining us in Karuizawa. Spaces are limited and available by application only. Successful applicants will be notified by email, after which payment will be due. If you have any questions, please reach out to hello@design-anthology.com.
