Le Mont Vert

We stayed in the corner room in winter and woke up after a night of snow to a view outside the window that felt almost unreal. Breakfast each day was wholesome and delicious. Dinner was good too, especially one of the freshest, best vegetable salads I've had. The room was a good size, and the house had a quaint French-inspired look. There was a living room with hot water, tea and coffee, and comfy sofas for lounging. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were good quality. You can tell the owners want guests to feel comfortable. It's an easy five- to seven-minute walk to Nakakaruizawa station, one stop from the main Karuizawa station. A direct bus goes to Kogen and Stone Church, which are must-sees. For Shiraito Falls, you need to catch a bus at the main station. Winter there is beautiful. Trains and buses only come every 40-60 minutes, so check the schedule. The Prince shopping mall at Karuizawa station is huge and has lots of brands. A 15- to 20-minute walk from the guesthouse takes you to Common Grounds, with a pretty bookstore and cafes where you can sit, have a drink, and enjoy the scenery. When we had too much to carry, we took a taxi between the guesthouse and Karuizawa station. It was 2,300 yen each way, which was okay. If you like a cozy guesthouse and don't mind a bit of travel, I'd recommend this place. Thanks to the lovely hosts for making our trip enjoyable.