Hotel Harvest Karuizawa

Hotel Harvest Kyukaruizawa is a nature-rich hotel nestled in the woods, about a 12-minute walk from Karuizawa Station. A major highlight is the indoor pool available year-round, letting you enjoy the resort atmosphere of Karuizawa regardless of season; through the glass windows you can take in forest scenery that changes with the seasons. Light exercise in the pool can be very effective for relieving daily stress, so it’s well worth trying. Dining options include Western cuisine, Japanese cuisine, and a bar, featuring delicious dishes that use local ingredients. Course meals and breakfast buffet menus change by season, so check the official website in advance. The onsen is especially convenient: it is directly connected to the indoor pool area. There are two indoor baths and an open-air bath where you can soak while looking up at the night sky—particularly recommended if you want to relax under a starry sky you don’t normally get to see. Despite the strong overall offering, some affordable plans come in under 10,000 yen per night, giving it excellent value. Parking is also a plus: it’s free, requires no reservation, and can be used before check-in and after check-out—helpful when you have lots of luggage from shopping or hiking.