KARUIZAWA PRINCE - SDG VILLAGE
Mountain Resort Revitalization
The SDGs Proposal for Seibu Prince Hotel Group conceptual master plan prepared as a design proposal for selected Prince Hotel resort assets in Karuizawa, including existing ski areas, golf courses, hospitality facilities, and residential land holdings. The project demonstrates how underutilized mountain resort assets can be transformed into a year-round sustainable destination that combines luxury tourism, forestry, agriculture, recreation, and local employment.
The proposal introduces a new generation of ski-in / ski-out mountain residences, including approximately 15 luxury mountaintop villas targeted toward overseas investors, second-home buyers, and high-net-worth families seeking access to Japan's premier mountain resort destinations. The residences are integrated with existing resort infrastructure while preserving the surrounding forest landscape.
A key element of the plan is the creation of a sustainable forestry district featuring organic sugar maple plantations. These forest zones support long-term environmental stewardship while generating new economic activity through maple sap collection and processing. Small-scale ATOM FACTORY micro-processing facilities located throughout the resort allow local production of maple products, specialty foods, and value-added forest products while creating skilled local employment opportunities.
The concept further expands resort activities through the introduction of mushroom cultivation facilities, educational forestry programs, and farm-based tourism experiences. New visitor attractions include strawberry picking, seasonal harvest activities, farm-to-table dining, and recreational fishing experiences designed to encourage longer guest stays and increase year-round visitation.Karuizawa is already home to one of Japan's most successful retail destinations, the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza.
ATOM VILLAGE complements this existing attraction by adding authentic local experiences that connect visitors with agriculture, nature, and regional culture, creating a more complete destination ecosystem.The proposal aligns closely with Prince Hotels' sustainability and SDG initiatives by promoting responsible land use, biodiversity enhancement, local food production, renewable resource management, and regional economic revitalization. Through a combination of hospitality, forestry, agriculture, and residential development, ATOM VILLAGE demonstrates a practical pathway for increasing asset value across Prince Hotels' ski, golf, and resort portfolio while supporting local communities and strengthening Karuizawa's position as a world-class mountain destination.
Key Program Elements:
• 15 luxury ski-in / ski-out mountain villas
• Sustainable sugar maple forestry district
• ATOM FACTORY micro-processing facilities
• Organic mushroom cultivation center
• Strawberry picking and farm tourism experiences
• Recreational fishing and outdoor activities
• Farm-to-table food production
• Local employment and workforce development
• SDG-focused environmental stewardship
• Year-round resort activation and value creation
Project Planning & Engineering - Jacob Reiner
Architectural Design - by ATOM HOUSE
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