Travel: Japan - General

[junemum72]

djl:

junemum72:

Thank you all for sharing. Actually plan to go Hokkaido + Tokyo OR Osaka end Nov but was told by agent wont see snow at all in Hokkaido during this period.

But if Karuizawa can fulfil my kids's wish to see snow and play with it, I would definitely consider since Hokkaido is not cheap.

Can I ask is it easy to take the bullet train? How much will it cost? Also where can we stay?

TIA.

Hi junemum72,

With regards to Karuizawa, it's probably best to go as late as possible in November or even go in December to increase the chances of seeing (natural) snow. The snow could range from a light dusting to a fair amount of ground cover, depending on weather conditions at the end of this year.

It's easy to take the bullet train - it's a direct train from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa. I use the Hyperdia website to check for train times and ticket prices:

http://www.hyperdia.com/en/

(type Tokyo in the From field - choose the option that is just TOKYO, and type Karuizawa in the To field)

We've stayed at the Karuizawa Prince Hotel East and the Karuizawa Prince Hotel West. Both are quite good, next to the ski slopes and near the outlet mall. East has fewer rooms, is fancier and hence more expensive than West. There's a free hotel shuttle bus from the train station (you can also take the shuttle bus between the hotels and to the outlet mall).

This website gives you links to the hotels and more information about the resort in winter: http://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/karuizawa/

Hope this helps!

Thank you for your detailed information. I had a look at trip advisor and got the prince website. However when I tried to check rates via their reservation web, I couldn't get any information. Website also no email contacts.

BTW, can you share how much u paid for the room? I see from agoda that they only allow max 2 adults and no extra bed provided? Furthermore they classify kids of 6 yrs and above as adult, so does it mean with 2A and 2C, I need to get 2 rooms?

Thanks again.

[djl]

Hi junemum72,


I’ve sent you a PM.

[choonie]

For karuizawa, you can book a cottage for 4 persons if you have 2 adults & 2 kids.


I have already booked mine for mid dec via agoda for 2 nights. East Cottage cost about 400+ with uob credit card promo.

I emailed to Prince regarding their snow conditions & was told near Christmas has higher chance of snow…

[choonie]

It’s 400+ for 2 nights

[dimitri_can]

For 4 persons? 2a n 2c?

[choonie]

Yes karuizawa prince east cottage. Check agoda for their east cottage for 4 persons.

[choonie]

To be exact, 431.33 for mid dec for 2 nights via uob agoda promo

[dimitri_can]

Bf n dinner included?

[choonie]

No. Room only

[djl]

Hi choonie,


Is there a promo for the West cottage too?