During this stay at Hoshino Resorts in Karuizawa, the on-site facility that impressed me most was definitely Picchio in the Wild Bird Forest. It's not only a place to enjoy the natural scenery; you can also sign up for a guided forest tour and follow professional staff into the woods to look for birds unique to Karuizawa while learning a lot about the ecosystem. It's a very interesting nature experience.
I visited right as fall was turning into winter. The staff explained that once the pond freezes in winter, the park offers a seasonal ice-skating experience. You can rent skates and buy gloves and other supplies there, which is very convenient. Luckily, we arrived just in time for opening and were among the first visitors to try the rink. Since only hotel guests could use it, it wasn't crowded and was especially comfortable to skate. Even beginners can borrow skating aids, so there's no need to worry at all.
I couldn't skate at all, and when I first put on the skates, I was so nervous that I kept holding onto a staff member's hand and wouldn't let go. But after practicing for an hour, I could already skate slowly with an aid, which gave me a real sense of accomplishment! Before I knew it, I'd been there for two hours and reluctantly left. On the way out, I happened to meet three ladies from Taiwan, and I couldn't help recommending that they give it a try. I wonder if they also managed to challenge themselves and make some wonderful memories of Karuizawa?
Picchio | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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KITKAT matcha
There is a wide variety of matcha-flavored snacks. If you want to buy the whole box and distribute it to friends and family, "KITKAT Adult's Sweet Matcha" is the most suitable gift.
Besides the matcha flavor, I also highly recommend the dark chocolate flavor. The chocolate taste is richer than regular milk chocolate, with a slightly bittersweet flavor and more mellow sweetness. The crispy wafers pair well with the rich cocoa aroma, creating layers of flavor without being overly sweet or heavy. It's perfect for people who like rich chocolate or slightly bitter flavors, and the individually wrapped pieces are great for sharing with coworkers.
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Coffee at MARUYAMA COFFEE
MARUYAMA COFFEE is a specialty coffee shop with its main store in Karuizawa. The high-quality coffee beans are purchased directly from overseas by Kentaro Maruyama, the company's representative, who goes to the production areas as a buyer.
Maruyama Coffee is a well-known specialty coffee shop in Karuizawa. Besides freshly brewed coffee, it offers coffee beans and drip bags in many different flavors, making them great souvenirs for anyone looking to take home a favorite blend.
The Harunire Terrace location is surrounded by greenery and elm trees, with a book area and outdoor seating where you can enjoy coffee along with Karuizawa's relaxing natural scenery. The store-exclusive “Harunire Terrace Blend” is also worth trying. It has a mild, smooth taste with a subtle sweetness. -
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KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA
It is one of Japan’s largest resort-style shopping malls, located just outside the south exit of JR Karuizawa Station. There are 10 areas on the premises in a rich natural setting, having about 240 stores offering a wide range of products, including famous brands, interior goods, general goods, and outdoor products. It is an attractive place where you can get high-quality items from top brands at outlet prices.
This was my first time here, and it completely changed how I imagined an outlet mall could be. I never knew a shopping center could be so beautiful! The expansive lawns, ponds, and lush greenery make it feel less like a typical shopping mall and more like a relaxing park. It also attracts many local residents who come to walk their pets.
The grounds are quite spacious and blend beautifully with Karuizawa's natural scenery, making it very pleasant to stroll around. The complex is divided into different areas with many well-known international and Japanese brands, offering a wide selection of clothing, shoes, bags, household goods, and outdoor gear.
Besides shopping, there are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and food courts where you can sit down, rest, and enjoy some food when you're tired from browsing. There are also souvenir shops where you can buy some local Karuizawa specialties to take home. -
