Hotel Indigo KARUIZAWA by IHG

A wonderful Karuizawa trip definitely requires a stay at Hotel Indigo – comfortable, pleasant, perfect!

Stepping inside, we were greeted by the iconic stove, and a thoughtful warm drink, which was a lovely touch. The service was very welcoming. The room, for Japan, was quite spacious and even had a balcony, though it was bare in winter. Both breakfast and dinner were extensive. Dinner, which we pre-booked, was a standout with its distinctive and delicious Western cuisine.

The hotel's public areas are lovely, and while breakfast isn't extensive, there's enough to fill you up with good choices. The hot springs area is also great, with complete facilities and amenities. The only downside was the room. When we stayed, there was a constant, strange noise from some equipment – I'm not sure if it was the air conditioning, exhaust fan, or something else. We didn't bother changing rooms to avoid hassle. Also, it was incredibly dry in the room during winter, and even though there was a humidifier, it was very noisy when turned on. 😂 Perhaps a summer visit would be more comfortable.

The environment is fantastic, and the service is impeccable. Breakfast offers a wide variety of choices. The hotel also features a public bath (with both indoor and outdoor pools, though not hot springs). Compared to other hotels in Karuizawa, the price isn't low. The shuttle bus running once an hour is a bit infrequent.

The hotel environment is lovely, and they offer a shuttle service to and from Karuizawa Station. As a member, I was able to check out late at 12 PM, but the 12 PM shuttle unfortunately doesn't connect well with the Shinkansen schedule. I'd suggest adjusting the shuttle time a bit earlier.