NATURE WITHIN
4 bathrooms
524 sq m (5,640.29 sq ft)
CONCEPT
Massive lava rocks, dense forests, and dramatically uplifted terrain shape the site's primordial landscape.
Responding to this environment,
the architecture traces the undulating ground with both softness and boldness.
Nature is no longer a "view to be observed,"
but a "space to be inhabited,"
weaving a new narrative among the ancient stones.
LIVING & DINING
evoking the sensation of being deep within the forest.
An original oval-shaped sofa and pendant light, designed to echo the architecture's organic form,
anchor the space—creating a place of ease and gathering.
ONSEN
the private open-air bath offers a moment of oneness with nature. Under the open sky,
the hot spring gently warms the body as guests immerse themselves in the landscape.
BATH & SAUNA
evoking the quiet atmosphere of a cave.
A sauna, cold plunge, and outdoor air-bathing area complete the experience—
allowing mind and body to unwind amidst the whispers of the forest.
BEDROOM
By removing excess ornament,
the space allows the natural landscape beyond the window to take focus, blurring the boundary between inside and out.
From the primary bedroom, guests can step directly onto the terrace and access the pool.
GUEST ROOM
Wood, stone, and soft light come together in quiet harmony,
as the stillness of the forest flows inward—guiding guests into a restful pause.
PLAYROOM
Towering rocks press close to the windows,
creating a dynamic view that conveys both the power and openness of the site—
while offering a reassuring sense of being held by the land.
FIREPLACE
Just steps from the living room, it is a place to linger after dinner, to gather around the fire, and to share unhurried conversations.
In the still air, time spent watching the flicker of flames deepens the experience of staying here.
ARCHITECTURE
Creators
UNFORMED DESIGN
Hassan M. Elgendy
Co-Founder / Architect
UNFORMED DESIGN
Hassan M. Elgendy
Co-Founder / Architect
Hassan M. Elgendy is originally from Egypt. He earned degrees in architecture from universities in Cairo and London in 2014. He has gained experience working with design studios across Egypt, China, and Europe. As co-founder of UNFORMED DESIGN, he focuses on contextual design and visual narrative. He has received numerous awards, including first prizes in international competitions in Michigan, Cyprus, Tianjin, Japan, and various regions across the Middle East.
UNFORMED DESIGN
Nahed Zmeter
Co-Founder / Architect
UNFORMED DESIGN
Nahed Zmeter
Co-Founder / Architect
Nahed Zmeter is originally from Egypt. After earning her degree from an Egyptian university in 2014, she built her career with prominent design studios both in Egypt and internationally. As co-founder of UNFORMED DESIGN, she is based in Milan. One of her representative works is the El Hiez Water Education Center, built in Egypt's Western Desert.
INTERVIEW
Born from NOT A HOTEL's First International Design Competition A Villa That Blends into Nature and Shapes a New Landscape
Concept of NATURE WITHIN｜UNFORMED DESIGN Interview movie
NOT A HOTELDESIGN COMPETITION 2024Grand Prize Winner
In 2024, NOT A HOTEL held its first international competition, the "NOT A HOTEL DESIGN COMPETITION 2024."
"NATURE WITHIN" was selected as the Grand Prize–winning entry from 630 submissions representing 23 countries worldwide.
LOCATION
95 minutes by car or 60 by helicopter—an untouched forest retreat for all seasons.
Just a 30-minute drive from Karuizawa Station, the Kita-Karuizawa area offers untouched nature and serene seclusion. Follow a scenic route with views of Mount Asama to reach a quiet forest hideaway—completely private and undisturbed. A tranquil highland retreat where time flows slowly and every visit feels fresh, no matter the season.
A stay surrounded by nature and filled with activity
The surrounding area is rich in attractions that allow you to fully enjoy nature—such as farms, athletic facilities, ski resorts, and hot springs. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and winter sports.
Getting there
Travel time from Tokyo
Address: 2286-246 Hosohara, Oaza Omae, Tsumagoi Village, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Masterplan
PRICE BREAKDOWN
1/12 shared ownership1,411,000 USD (220,290,000 JPY)Can stay up to 30 nights/year
SIZE AND LAYOUT
Interior size: 288 sq m (3,100.01 sq ft)Total area: 524 sq m (5,640.29 sq ft)
3 bedrooms4 bathrooms
KEY AMENITIES
Open-air Bath & Rock Bath (Onsen)Outdoor fireplaceSaunaPlayroomFull, modern gallery kitchenDining table for 8 guestsTerrace
Property details
- Advertiser name
- NOT A HOTEL Co., Ltd.
- Office address
- 4-7-4 Harumi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Telephone number
- 050-1780-3110
- License number
- Tokyo Governor (1) No. 106188
- Affiliated association
- Tokyo Real Estate Transaction Association (Member of Fair Trade Council)
- Transaction type
- Seller
- Seller
- NOT A HOTEL Co., Ltd., Sankei Building Co., Ltd.
- Project developer
- Same as above
- Property name
- NOT A HOTEL KITAKARUIZAWA NATURE WITHIN
- Property address
- 2286-216 Hosobara, Omae, Tsumagoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture
- Access
- Approximately 35 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station (JR Hokuriku Shinkansen)
- Site area
- 4,845 ㎡
- Land rights
- Leasehold
- Lease term
- Fixed-term leasehold for 50 years
- Indoor floor area
- 288.0㎡
- Total floor area
- 360.29㎡ / 312.03㎡
- Exclusive floor area
- 524.0㎡
- Structure / floors
- Partially Wall-Type Reinforced Concrete Structure and Steel Structure, 1-story building
- Layout
- 3 Bedrooms
- Building confirmation numbers
- Design
- NOT A HOTEL ARCHITECTS
- Construction
- Niitsu Construction Co., Ltd.
- Type of membership interest
- Co-ownership
- Total price
- JPY 83,691,300 (tax included)
- Price breakdown
- Building: JPY 60,138,100 License Fee: JPY 18,519,600 Furniture & Fixtures: JPY 1,613,700 Deposit for Redemption: JPY 3,419,900
- Monthly management fee
- JPY 126,110 per month (tax included)
- Ownership restrictions
- Subject to NOT A HOTEL Owner Agreement T&Cs
- Transfer of rights
- Subject to NOT A HOTEL Owner Agreement T&Cs
- Total number of shares / offering
- Total: 36 units (Each unit includes 10 nights of annual usage) Units available: 36 units
- Total units
- 1 unit
- Scheduled construction completion
- Late November 2027 (planned)
- Scheduled start of use
- Early February 2028 (planned)
- Facility usage fee
- Included in management fee
- Reservation method
- Reservations possible up to 10 months in advance within allotted nights
- Restrictions on use
- Subject to NOT A HOTEL Owner Agreement T&Cs
- Annual usable nights (per share)
- 10 nights
- Ancillary facilities
- None
- Operating entity
- NOT A HOTEL MANAGEMENT Co., Ltd.
- House exchange program
- Available
- Number of house exchange facilities and terms of use
- Can use any NOT A HOTEL nationwide (9 locations at time of sale) by paying the price difference (if any)
- Use by non-members
- Not applicable
- Operational scheme
- Leased to operator, operated as hotel
- Validity of transaction terms
- Until next update
- Disclosure / next update
- As of January 19, 2026 / Next update scheduled for March 1, 2026
Personal assistance,
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Frequently Asked Questions
* Some properties do not have closets, but you can still store your belongings.
* Storage availability, features, and specifications vary by location.