みみずく

1. Introduction While browsing through a list of Hilton-affiliated hotels in Japan with a goal to stay at all of them, one name immediately caught my eye: "Kyukaruizawa KIKYO, Curio Collection by Hilton." The name stands out from the other Hilton properties — and that alone piqued my curiosity. So I booked it and went. This hotel isn't part of Hilton's main brands but rather the Curio Collection. The Curio Collection is Hilton's "independent luxury" tier — a portfolio of distinctive, character-rich properties around the world. I went in expecting a hotel that truly captures the spirit of its location, and that expectation only grew as I approached. In July 2026, we stayed for two nights. Just one hour from Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen (my first time in Gran Class ✨), we arrived at Kyukaruizawa KIKYO, nestled in the forests of old Karuizawa. Here's our full stay report. 2. Access ▲ Interior of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Gran Class cabin From Tokyo to Karuizawa by Hokuriku Shinkansen takes approximately 1 hour 11 minutes (Asama No. 609). We traveled in Gran Class both ways. The quiet, elegant cabin with beige leather seats set the tone for a wonderful trip right from the start. (A detailed Gran Class report is planned for a separate article.) From Karuizawa Station, the hotel is about a 10-minute taxi ride. Since the weather was beautiful that day, we strolled around the station area before heading over on foot. The hotel also offers a shuttle service (advance reservation required — please confirm at ...

Introduction: Why ROKU KYOTO? When you think of a hotel in Kyoto, you probably picture somewhere downtown, around Higashiyama or Kawaramachi. ROKU KYOTO is different. It sits a short drive from the city center, at the foot of the Takao hills in northwest Kyoto, beside the Tenjin River (also called the Kamiya River). The name "ROKU" (麓) literally means "the foot of a mountain." The hotel holds a special title: it is the only property in Japan from LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's luxury collection. The fact that Japan's sole LXR chose this quiet setting, rather than the heart of the tourist district, says a lot about what ROKU is trying to be. This was actually my third stay since the hotel opened. I keep coming back for two reasons: the chance to enjoy true luxury in a secluded, peaceful setting, and the fact that ROKU KYOTO is eligible for the free weekend night certificate that comes with my Japanese Hilton co-branded credit card. On my first visit I stayed in a room facing the pool, and on my second, a second-floor room facing the courtyard. Both were lovely, but one thing bothered me: people walking past. In a courtyard-facing room, guests on the outdoor walkway can see in, so it was hard to fully relax by the window with that beautiful view (just my personal opinion). I stayed on November 15–16, 2025 (one night), right at the peak of Kyoto's autumn colors. When I arrived, the blazing red hills of Takao were mirrored in ...