Hotel Indigo Karuizawa Review: The Perfect Family Getaway?

07/18/2025

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What You’ll Find in This Post

The real pros and cons for families.
How to get there with a stroller.
What the kids actually thought.
Tips to save money and time.

Quick Verdict: Is It Worth It for Families?

Pros:

Beautiful, stylish hotel with a cozy atmosphere.
Great amenities for kids (pajamas, slippers, toiletries).
Delicious breakfast buffet with kid-friendly options.
On-site public bath and warm lounge with a fireplace.
Room service with a dedicated kids menu.
Spacious, bright bathrooms with forest views.
Toy rental service including HABA games.
Easy access to a nearby ski resort and local soba restaurant.

Cons:

Breakfast restaurant can get crowded early—expect a wait.
Dining area was quite cold while waiting—bring warm outerwear.
Limited seating at breakfast relative to number of rooms.
Public bath is not a hot spring, but rather carbonated water.

Best for:
Families with young kids looking for a cozy winter escape, especially those planning to visit the ski slopes nearby.

Location & Getting There: The Stroller-Friendliness Test

Hotel Indigo Karuizawa is conveniently located for both public transit users and drivers. During our stay in February, we drove to Karuizawa and visited the nearby Prince Hotel ski resort.

If you’re arriving by train, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle bus from Karuizawa Station, making it even more accessible for families with luggage or strollers.

While the hotel doesn’t sit directly next to a station, stroller access is good throughout the property. The main entrance has a flat approach with automatic doors, and once inside, elevators and wide hallways made navigation easy. Snow was falling when we arrived, so we appreciated the indoor spaces that stayed warm and dry.

Nearby conveniences include:
Convenience stores and local dining spots
Prince Shopping Plaza (5–10 mins by car)

The Vibe: Check-in & First Impressions

From the moment we arrived, Hotel Indigo Karuizawa impressed us with its warm, modern design. The entrance was bustling with international guests, giving it a resort-like feel.

Despite a compact lobby, there were plenty of seats—and about 80% of the guests seemed to be families with children. The central fireplace added a cozy touch, keeping the atmosphere warm even as snow fell outside.

The staff were polite and professional. While not overly interactive with children, they were efficient and helpful.

The Room: A Deep Dive for Families

We stayed in a twin room with a river view. The interior design was elegant, with touches of wood and soft lighting that made it feel both modern and relaxing. The twin beds were comfortable and there was a small sitting area with a sofa and table—perfect for light meals or playtime.

Kid-friendly touches included:

Child-sized pajamas (approx. 110 cm)
A welcome set with child slippers, a toothbrush, and a cute hand towel
A humidifier and air purifier available upon request
A secure in-room safe, plus separate PJs for parents
Bathroom with a forest view, equipped with a deep tub and walk-in shower
Extensive toiletries including cotton pads, Q-tips, razors, and brushes neatly organized in a wooden tray

The bathroom included a separate wash area and was compact but functional—perfect for bathing a young child. Shampoo and body wash were provided in eco-friendly dispensers. The large window view of the snowy forest added a serene touch to bath time.

Food & Dining: What Our Kids Actually Ate

We had both room service and breakfast during our stay.

Room service highlights:

Kid’s pasta, hamburger, and Margherita pizza—all delicious and kid-approved.
Served neatly with a side of fries and dipping sauces, and a small salad.

Breakfast buffet at KAGARIBI:

Opens at 7:00 AM. We arrived at 7:30 and already faced a line, so arrive early!
While waiting, the temperature was quite cold—bundle up.
Japanese and Western dishes available, including freshly cut local fruits.
Grilled salmon, tamagoyaki, local shrimp, steamed vegetables, and mixed rice were standout dishes.
Kids cutlery and plates were available and easy to use (lightweight and colorful bowls, forks, and cups).

Fun for All: Activities On-site & Nearby

Hotel Indigo Karuizawa offers both indoor comfort and easy access to winter fun.

Tip 1: Visit the public bath early.

It was beautifully designed, gender-separated with secure lockers. Note that the baths use carbonated water—not onsen—but are just as relaxing. A key card is needed to enter for both men and women.

Tip 2: Pre-book your ski tickets.

We visited Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, which allows walk-ins, but pre-purchased tickets saved us from waiting in line. Rentals (including kids’ ski wear) are also available in advance. The family snow park area was full of kids, with safe zones for sledding and tubing.

Tip 3: Borrow toys for downtime.

The hotel provides games like HABA’s Zitternix and Sticky, along with baby gear such as cribs, bed guards, and diaper bins upon request.

Q&A Section:

Is the hotel too fancy for kids?: Not at all! Despite its stylish design, it’s surprisingly family-friendly.
Can kids use the public bath?: Yes, as long as they are supervised. Just remember to bring your key card for entry.

Final Thoughts

Hotel Indigo Karuizawa blends stylish comfort with family-friendly practicality. Whether you’re here for the snow, the food, or just a break from daily routines, it’s a relaxing and fun choice for families traveling with young kids. The added touches—from forest-view baths to playful HABA toys and convenient access to skiing—made our stay unforgettable. We would absolutely stay here again!

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