Enjoy Winter's Karuizawa with Hoshino Resorts
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A skating rink in the forest of Karuizawa! This article introduces how to enjoy Karuizawa during the winter, including a visit to nearby sightseeing spots after ice skating and our recommended Hoshino Resorts hotels.
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Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 60 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand "HOSHINOYA," hot spring ryokan brand "KAI," countryside resort hotel brand "RISONARE," city tourism hotel brand "OMO," free-spirited hotel brand "BEB," or other unique lodgings.
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Table of Contents
- Experience Ice Skating in Karuizawa!
- Nearby Attractions
- Recommended Hotels Operated by Hoshino Resorts in Karuizawa
- Enjoy Winter in the Karuizawa Hoshino Area
Experience Ice Skating in Karuizawa!
The resort town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture is accessible from Tokyo in about one hour by Shinkansen. This highland resort features rich nature at about 1,000 meters above sea level.
One of Karuizawa's popular destinations is the Karuizawa Hoshino Area, where you can enjoy various activities such as hot springs, dining, and shopping amidst nature.
The outdoor skating rink KERA-IKE Ice Rink located in the forest of the Karuizawa Hoshino Area will be open from October 20, 2023 to March 3, 2024.
At the skating rink, where ice naturally forms above a frozen pond, you can enjoy walking on the icy surface amid fall foliage from October to early November. Additionally, guests can exclusively enjoy the thrill of treading on natural ice during the winter from late December to late February. And of course, you can enjoy ice skating!
The cafe adjacent to the skating rink will sell hot drinks inspired by the forest.
Please sit on the bench located right on the ice while sipping a hot beverage enveloped by the woods.
Event Overview
Event Name: KERA-IKE Ice Rink
Business Period: October 20, 2023 to March 3, 2024 (temporary closures may occur) *Natural ice area is open for skiing from the end of December 2023 to around February 20, 2024.
Business Hours: 10:00-16:00
Additional Information:
- Periods and hours may change, or temporary closures may occur depending on the weather.
- Please wear gloves and a knit cap when ice skating.
- Gloves and knit caps are available for sale (gloves 300 yen/knit cap 500 yen) *All prices include tax
Nearby Attractions
In the Karuizawa Hoshino Area, there are additional locations where you can delight in winter activities in Karuizawa.
Below, we've introduced two popular spots perfect for the chilly season.
Harunire Terrace: Shops & Restaurants
Harunire Terrace is about a 10-minute walk from the skating rink. This area resembles a small town, with nine buildings nestled next to a clear stream connected by wooden decks.
Enjoy dining and shopping at 16 unique shops and restaurants. Alternatively, you can simply relax on the boardwalk or deck while admiring the winter scenery.
Tombo-no-Yu Onsen: A Hot Spring Facility to Immerse Yourself in “Hot Water That Beautifies Skin”
Tombo-no-Yu is located about a 3-minute walk from the skating rink. This hot spring facility is where you can enjoy the soft, soothing spring water known for "beautifying skin."
In the open-air bath surrounded by nature, you can soak in the hot springs with a spectacular view of snow blanketing the ground on days of snowfall.
Recommended Hotels Operated by Hoshino Resorts in Karuizawa
Karuizawa is not only a famous tourist destination in Japan but also where Hoshino Resorts, which operates in the Karuizawa Hoshino Area, opened its first inn.
As of 2023, there are three hotels associated with Hoshino Resorts in Karuizawa that showcase different concepts. We would like to introduce two of these accommodations below.
HOSHINOYA Karuizawa
HOSHINOYA Karuizawa is about a 12-minute walk from the skating rink.
This hotel stands out by its structure, which allows guests to enjoy Karuizawa's nature to the fullest. It is recommended for those interested in booking a luxurious stay with their loved ones and family.
HOSHINOYA: https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/brands/#hoshinoya
Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Karuizawa
Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Karuizawa is about a 14-minute walk from the skating rink.
The highlight here is guests enjoying their stay in Karuizawa with an itinerary that isn't bound by hotel rules or time constraints. This includes the open space TAMARIBA that can be used freely 24 hours a day. Moreover, this accommodation is recommended for those staying with friends.
Hoshino Resorts BEB: https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/brands/#beb
Enjoy Winter in the Karuizawa Hoshino Area
This article introduced how to enjoy Karuizawa during the winter months, focusing on the winter-exclusive event KERA-IKE Ice Rink.
Hoshino Resorts offers various events and accommodation plans at numerous accommodation facilities nationwide, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Japan's four seasons.
Check out the Hoshino Resorts official website to find an accommodation that interests you!
Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 60 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand "HOSHINOYA," hot spring ryokan brand "KAI," countryside resort hotel brand "RISONARE," city tourism hotel brand "OMO," free-spirited hotel brand "BEB," or other unique lodgings.
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