Ayano Kato, Local Guide ~ An Original Japan Travel Guide by Hoshino Resorts' Local Staff

Local Guide

Ayano Kato

Karuizawa Gourmet Foods

This is his third year in Karuizawa, where he has been assigned since the beginning of his career. He is such a gourmet that he has probably eaten almost all the French and Italian food in Karuizawa. In order to eat delicious food, he started running and muscle training in the summer.
She uploads delicious food on her Instagram every day, mainly from Karuizawa, and is trusted by the staff as the go-to person when it comes to delicious food! She is trusted by Staff/staff members.

HOSHINOYA Karuizawa: Guest rooms like detached houses are located in the valley of Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest, surrounded by the murmuring of the river. Take a stroll through the grounds where the original Japanese landscape is vividly revived, and bathe in the hot spring water gushing from Mount Asama, which is still pulsating. Dining Area, and stay at the inn as you wish.

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Local Guide FAQ

What do you recommend in the Karuizawa area (places, experiences, food)?: You must visit the Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, which is a royal road that is always in the guidebooks. The main street is of course a good place to start, but the quiet side streets are also nice. You can find seasonal stores and hidden stores. Recently, new stores have been opening one after another.
L'atelier Choux Petanque, a cream puff store, always has about 8 kinds of colorful and cute cream puffs lined up in the show window. (From 220 yen per cream puff.) It is recommended to go there in the morning as they are very popular.

Please sneak in some hole-in-the-wall places that you know because you live there.: I really don't want to tell you about this bakery, but it is located in a residential area five minutes by car from Nakakaruizawa Station. It is a small store with a nice atmosphere and an old man tending the store. The bread, in particular, is sweet and excellent. I would like you to eat it as it is without butter, jam, or anything else on it.

Where did you travel to last year and with whom?: I travel with my mother every year, and for the first time in my life, I went to Okinawa. The beautiful blue ocean! I was really impressed and gazed at it in a daze. I enjoyed my time in Okinawa and fell in love with it. Next time, I would like to tour the islands.

What do you do on your days off?: I wake up in the morning, go for a run, go to a nearby bakery, have my morning breakfast, and do some housework. Up to this point, it's usually the same in the routine. After that, I often go out for lunch or dinner. I still eat a lot.

Is there anything you always take with you on a trip?: Oil. A versatile oil that can be used for both body and hair. With this, I can fully enjoy my trip without worrying about whether I'm in a place with a lot of UV rays or a place where it tends to dry out.