For Waseda University students and faculty members, Seminar Houses offer incredibly affordable accommodation for around 2,000 yen per person per night! It's available not only for seminars and student clubs, but also for groups of Waseda students. Of the five Seminar Houses in total, this time we'll introduce the Karuizawa Seminar House (Karuizawa-machi, Kita-Saku-gun, Nagano Prefecture), which is about 70 minutes from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen, is only open from mid-April to early November, and is surrounded by plenty of tourist attractions! "I've been put in charge of my student club training camp, what should I do...?" If you're in that situation, this article will put your mind at ease! Just by following the article's contents, you can fully enjoy both Karuizawa sightseeing and the Seminar House with this plan, reported on-site by Waseda Weekly reporters Nishimura and Yoneda. Let's take a look together at the rooms and recommended points of the Seminar House.
* All prices in this article include tax. Information is current as of May 2026.
INDEX
▼ You're guaranteed a great experience here. Introducing tourist spots around the station.
▼A charming accommodation environment, from sports and seminars to relaxation time.
▼Book your Seminar House reservation through MyWaseda!
You're guaranteed a great experience here. Introducing tourist attractions around the station.
Reporters for "Waseda Weekly"
Rinka Nishimura, 4th year student, School of Human Sciences
Nanami Yoneda, 4th year student, School of Social Sciences
Off to the Seminar House!
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen, passing through Ueno, Omiya, Kumagaya, and Takasaki stations, and arrive at Karuizawa Station in about 70 minutes. It is the second closest Seminar House to central Tokyo after Honjo Seminar House. If you are traveling with a large group, such as your student club or seminar, and wish to use buses, Shinkansen, or rental cars, you can also request arrangements from the Waseda University Co-op!
At the north exit of Karuizawa Station on the JR East Shinkansen line. Nishimura (left) and Yoneda (right), who will be guiding us on this trip.
Yoneda
As I rode the Hokuriku Shinkansen and watched the scenery change, my spirits gradually lifted! I was chatting with my friend, and in no time, we had arrived at Karuizawa Station. Even in summer, the nights are cool, so I recommend bringing a light cardigan or something to wear over your clothes.
Nishimura
I've been to the Karuizawa Seminar House, so this will be my second time. Last time I went in the summer, so I'm looking forward to enjoying Karuizawa in the spring!
Enjoy sightseeing until check-in!
The area around Karuizawa Station is full of tourist attractions. Between 1pm and 5pm, when you can check into the Seminar House, so let's enjoy sightseeing while strolling around the station area until then! The first place you should visit is "KARUIZAWA T-SITE," which just opened in March 2026 and is directly connected to the north exit of Karuizawa Station. It is a multi-purpose commercial complex with 17 shops, including restaurants where you can enjoy Shinshu cuisine and souvenir shops. It is attracting attention as a new spot where you can feel the charm of Karuizawa as soon as you arrive.
Descending the stairs directly connected to Karuizawa Station, you'll find a row of shops that make you want to take a peek inside.
The Old Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street, just a 5-minute bus ride from Karuizawa Station, is another must-see tourist spot! Amidst the retro streetscape, you'll find everything from long-established shops to trendy cafes, allowing you to enjoy the elegant and tranquil atmosphere characteristic of Karuizawa just by strolling through. The wide variety of street food options, such as curry bread and gelato, is another highlight. This time, we took a break at "Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura Old Karuizawa," which often has long lines on weekends.
(Top left) "Shinshu Nozawana Bread" (left, 529 yen) and "Apple and Camembert" (right, 648 yen), exclusive to "Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura Old Karuizawa". (Top right) At the entrance of the shop, marked by a green sign. (Bottom left) The roundabout of the Old Karuizawa Ginza shopping street. There are several taxi stands nearby. (Bottom right) A view of the Old Karuizawa Ginza shopping street.
From sports and seminars to relaxation time, this accommodation offers a truly appealing environment.
Click here for the Seminar House map.
Checked into the Seminar House.
It takes about 20 minutes by taxi from Karuizawa Station to the Seminar House. Alternatively, you can take the Shinano Railway and get off at Shinano-Oiwake Station, which is about 5 minutes away, and then walk for about 25 minutes to the Seminar House. There are no convenience stores or other shops around the Seminar House, so it's a good idea to do any necessary shopping around Karuizawa Station. There is parking available for 40 regular passenger cars. As you pass through the gate of Seminar House, you will be greeted by a large tree-lined avenue that makes for a great photo opportunity!
Upon arrival, first check in at the reception desk located at the entrance of Building A (Building 82), which is situated near the center of the property. Here, you will submit your pre-booked and printed "voucher" and receive your room key.
Photo on the left: Exterior view of Building A
Photo on the right: The reception area displays the timetable for Shinano-Oiwake Station, the nearest station, and the Wi-Fi password. They also sell bath towels (1050 yen), toothbrush sets (400 yen), and face towels (250 yen) in case you forget to bring your own. Payment is cash only.
Photo on the left: Manager Hayasaki
Photo on the right: Although no bear sightings have been confirmed on the grounds of the Karuizawa Seminar House, bear bells are available for loan as a precaution.
Upon entering Building A after removing your shoes, you will find a lounge area, one Japanese-style room for six people, five Japanese-style rooms for twelve people, one universally designed room with a private toilet, and four vending machines on the first floor. The toilets are located outside the rooms and are shared, but they are kept clean and are comfortable to use.
(Top left) At the entrance, please put your shoes in the shoe rack before entering the building. (Top right) Universal design room. Accommodates up to 2 people. (Bottom left) Japanese-style room for 12 people. Self-service style where guests lay out their own futons. (Bottom right) Japanese-style room for 6 people. Each room is equipped with a fan.
Upstairs on the second floor, accessible by stairs, you'll find a spacious lounge with approximately 124 seats, one seminar room, four Western-style rooms for 12 people, and eight Western-style rooms for 6 people. The seminar room requires advance reservations, and the lounge can also be used for seminars and meetings. Projectors and other equipment are also available.
(Top left) The lounge projector can be used to project onto a white wall. (Top right) Western-style room for 6 people. The two beds by the wall can be folded up when not in use to create a wider aisle. (Bottom left) Western-style room for 12 people. (Bottom right) A whiteboard is installed in the seminar room.
In addition, the Karuizawa Seminar House has cottages! The first floor has bunk beds, and the second floor is a loft space with a unique design where four people sleep around a pillar. It's like a secret hideout. Note that insects appear during the summer, so it's a good idea to take insect repellent measures.
There are scattered cottages: three for 10 people, three for 8 people, and seven for 4 people. Each cottage has a toilet, washbasin, and sink. The usage period for 2026 is only from early May to early October.
Nishimura
The clean and spacious rooms are very comfortable! The fact that it has both Western and Japanese-style rooms is also appealing.
Explore the Seminar House! Historic buildings are located on the grounds!?
One of the attractions of Karuizawa Seminar House is its excellent sports facilities! It boasts a baseball field, 10 tennis courts, 2 athletic fields, an indoor gymnastics room (table tennis court), and 2 volleyball/basketball courts, making it perfect for student club activities, seminar breaks, or even overnight stays during trips. The indoor gymnastics room can be used freely without reservation if it's available. Other facilities require advance reservations. The sports storage room, located to the right of the reception in Building A, is stocked with sports equipment such as tennis rackets and basketballs, which can be borrowed freely.
(Top left) A photo taken at the baseball field. A scoreboard is also installed. (Top right) The indoor gymnasium (table tennis hall) has six table tennis tables. Rackets are in the indoor gymnasium, and table tennis balls can be borrowed from the sports storage room. (Bottom left) Tennis Court. (Bottom right) Sports field. Apparently, there are sometimes deer around.
In one corner of the grounds stands a charming building surrounded by greenery. This building, known as the "Greenhouse" due to its appearance, is a newly constructed and restored wooden Western-style school building that was the first of the Tokyo Professional Schools, the predecessor of Waseda University. Many literary figures who graduated from Waseda University, such as Tsubouchi Shoyo, studied here, and the classroom where Yakumo Koizumi gave lectures has also been recreated and is now available for use as a seminar room. The opportunity to engage in seminar activities in a unique environment is one of its attractions. Check here for more details on the history of the "Greenhouse"!
Photo on the left: Entrance to the greenhouse. There are eight accommodation rooms for faculty and staff on the second floor.
Photo on the right: There are two seminar rooms, with capacities of 52 and 36 people respectively. The photo shows the room for 36 people.
Yoneda
Seeing such a vast field after so long made me want to get some exercise! Being surrounded by nature felt wonderful.
A meal that's both nutritious and filling. BBQ is also recommended.
Meals at Karuizawa Seminar House are generally served buffet-style, but if there are only a few guests, individual meals are provided. What's surprising is the volume and variety of the dishes! In addition to the main course, several side dishes and even dessert are included. The price is separate from the accommodation fee, but at 770 yen for breakfast, 880 yen for lunch, and 1,210 yen for dinner, it's a bargain!
Photo on the left: An example of the breakfast menu. Salmon, omelet, sausage, meatballs, potato salad, Chikuzen-ni (simmered chicken and vegetables), pickles, and yogurt. White rice and miso soup are refillable.
Photo on the right: An example of the lunch menu. Curry rice, minestrone soup, and salad. The curry rice is topped with a croquette and a hamburger patty!
Photo on the left: An example of the dinner menu. Pepper-grilled chicken, sweet simmered sardines, fried shrimp, simmered spinach, pickles, salad, and matcha warabi mochi.
Photo on the right: An example of the dinner menu. Fried chicken, ham cutlet, sweet and sour pickled sardines, carrot stir-fry, boiled egg, chicken meatballs, pickles, salad, cheesecake.
Photo on the left: The dining hall can accommodate 180 people. Large windows let in plenty of light, creating a bright and airy space.
Photo on the right: "Itadakimasu!" For the purpose of this interview, we were given individual meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Nishimura
The breakfast menu was light, while the dinner menu was hearty, making for a very well-balanced meal! In particular, the warm miso soup and the fluffy, moderately sweet omelet warmed me right up, instantly relieving the fatigue from walking around all morning.
Yoneda
Every dish was served warm and generously portioned! The chicken, seasoned with a nice kick of pepper, was incredibly satisfying, and the freshly fried, crispy shrimp were all handmade in the kitchen. It was a wonderful time that filled both my heart and my stomach.
Furthermore, the Karuizawa Seminar House has two BBQ areas that require advance reservations, and they even provide dedicated grills and ingredients, making it very convenient. Enjoying a BBQ in a space surrounded by greenery is sure to create wonderful memories!
BBQ area A, located near Building A, can accommodate up to approximately 50 people, while BBQ area B, located near the sports field, can accommodate up to approximately 30 people (photo shows BBQ area A). The BBQ fee is 1,650 yen per person.
Not only is there a large public bath, but there are also shower rooms available!
There is a large public bath on the first floor of Building B (Building 82-2), where the cafeteria is located. Hand soap, rinse-in shampoo, and body soap are provided in the public bath. However, towels and hair dryers are not provided, so please bring your own if needed. There are also two private shower rooms each in the women's and men's baths. For details on other facilities, please check Student Affairs Section website.
(Top left) Men's large public bath. (Top right) Shower room. (Bottom left) There are three washing machines and three dryers next to the bath. There is a charge, and payment is cash only. (Bottom right) Women's changing room
After being soothed by the morning's nature, check out and head into town.
Upon waking up, we recommend taking a stroll around Seminar House! The crisp air is refreshing, the birdsong is pleasant, and you can start your day feeling refreshed. After checking out of Seminar House by 10 AM, enjoy some shopping at the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Mall, just a 3-minute walk from the south exit of Karuizawa Station! This outlet mall is one of the largest in Japan, with approximately 240 stores selling clothing, miscellaneous goods, restaurants, and a food court. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Asama, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely shopping experience.
Shopping malls have roofs, so you can shop comfortably even on rainy days.
What did you think? Please use this article as a reference and try using the Karuizawa Seminar House!
Use the Seminar Houses through MyWaseda!
What are the five Seminar Houses at Waseda University?
Waseda University Seminar Houses are located in five locations: Karuizawa (Karuizawa-machi, Kita-Saku-gun, Nagano Prefecture), Sugadaira (Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture), Izu-Kawana (Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture), Kamogawa (Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture), and Honjo (Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture). All can be booked through MyWaseda. They can be used not only by seminars, research labs, student clubs, but also by Waseda students themselves. For details on how to book, please refer to the usage guide on the Student Affairs Section website. If you wish to have meals, there will be a separate charge in addition to the accommodation fee. There may also be separate charges for using sports facilities, so please check in advance.
Unlike regular inns and hotels, a Seminar House operates on a self-service basis. There are also rules for use, so please follow the manager's instructions.
Karuizawa Seminar House
Address: 1448-4 Asamayama, Oaza Oiwake, Karuizawa-machi, Kita-Saku-gun, Nagano Prefecture 389-0115
Phone: 0267-45-1502
FAX: 0267-46-2501
Office hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Strictly adhere to these hours; telephone inquiries are also limited to these hours.)
Opening period: Mid-April to early November (some facilities will have a shorter operating period)
Check-in: 13:00 - 17:00
Check-out: 10:00 (Strictly enforced)
For inquiries regarding reservations, please contact:Student Affairs Division, Waseda University Student Affairs Section
Price list as of May 2026 (tax included). Click here for detailed pricing. *Click to enlarge
You can also find information about the facilities and meals inside Seminar House on Instagram!
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Photo: Seiji Ishigaki
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