From December 1, 2026 to February 22, 2027, Hoshinoya Karuizawa (星のや軽井沢) serves the winter-only "Terraced Rice Paddy Apple Afternoon Tea" (棚田の林檎アフタヌーンティー). Hoshinoya is a brand whose properties each offer an extraordinary experience built around an original theme, and Hoshinoya Karuizawa is where it all began. The afternoon tea features rare Shinshu-born red-fleshed apples, which are red even when cut and have very little presence on the market.
The stars are Shinshu-born apples such as the red-fleshed Enbu (炎舞), the small Alps Otome (アルプス乙女), the golden Shinano Gold (シナノゴールド), and the popular red apple Shinano Sweet (シナノスイート). They are turned into sweets and savories that bring out each apple's character, from fresh juiciness to the sweetness that deepens when cooked. "Three Apple Mocktails" (3種の林檎モクテル) bring out the flavors even more. A special seat for one group per day is set up in the Terraced Rice Paddy Lounge (棚田ラウンジ), where winter scenery spreads out, for a relaxed and elegant afternoon in the clear air.
The Appeal of Red-Fleshed Apples, Rarely Found on the Market
Red-fleshed apples that are red all the way through
Nagano Prefecture, which ranks second in Japan in apple production, raises high-quality apples by taking advantage of its high elevation, large temperature swings, and low rainfall (*1). Its greatest feature is the abundance of varieties: over about five months from August to December, a different variety is shipped at each time of the season. Among them, the "red-fleshed apple" (赤肉りんご), whose flesh is red all the way through, has evolved in recent years. Most of these apples are grown by individual breeders, so they are so rare that they do not appear even in official statistics. They were once used mainly for processing because of their strong acidity, but improved breeding techniques have produced varieties that are delicious eaten fresh. They also have the strength of a stronger aroma when heated, and are gaining attention as a cooking ingredient along with their vivid appearance (*2). The afternoon tea was developed so that guests can experience Shinshu's apple culture and taste these rare varieties.
*1 Why Nagano Apples Are So Delicious / Go NAGANO
*2 The Appeal and Presence of Shinshu University's Super Red-Fleshed Apples, 豊洲市場ドットコム
Feature 1: An Afternoon Tea Savoring Apples of Distinctive Varieties, Including Shinshu-Born Red-Fleshed Apples
Afternoon tea savoring apples of distinctive varieties
Each variety has a different balance of sweetness and acidity, from apples enjoyed fresh and juicy to those whose sweetness and aroma increase when heated. The afternoon tea uses the Shinshu-born red-fleshed apple Enbu, the golden Shinano Gold, the charming small apple (himeringo) Alps Otome, and the popular red apple Shinano Sweet, among others. The sweets and savories are made to bring out the best of each apple.
Savory With the Red-Fleshed Apple Enbu, Known for Refreshing Acidity and a Gorgeous Aroma
The red-fleshed apple Enbu is first tasted fresh, so guests can sense the acidity within its sweetness and the character of the fruit itself. Taking advantage of its trait that the aroma becomes more pronounced when heated, it is also added to the cheese fondue as cider for a rich flavor.
Sweets Concentrating the Sweetness of the Red Apple Shinano Sweet
Shinano Sweet has little acidity and strong sweetness, and its sweetness becomes even more concentrated when cooked. It is wrapped as a special apple filling in oyaki, a regional dish of Shinshu, together with butter flavored with kuromoji (黒文字), which carries a woody aroma, and it is used as baked apple in the mille-feuille. Guests can fully enjoy the deep flavor of Shinano Sweet.
Dishes Bringing Out Umami With Special "Apple Koji"
Venison and beef are marinated in "apple koji" (りんご麹), made by combining grated apple and koji, which makes the meat tender and concentrates its umami. Besides the "venison cutlet sandwich" (鹿カツサンド) made with the apple koji, dishes such as "roast beef and nozawana sushi" let guests encounter a new side of apples.
Sample Menu (ingredients and menu items may change depending on availability)
- Himeringo small apple steamed with yuba
- Cider cheese fondue
- Roast beef with apple koji and nozawana sushi
- Venison cutlet sandwich with apple koji
- Sushi with apple and yuzu pickled in sweet vinegar
- Apple nerikiri
- Baked apple mille-feuille
- Green apple kohakuto
- Red apple Shinshu oyaki
- Apple gateau chocolat
- Apple warabi mochi
- Red-fleshed apple chips
Feature 2: "Three Apple Mocktails" to Enjoy Aroma and Flavor Alongside the Afternoon Tea
Three Apple Mocktails
Three mocktails are prepared as pairings that bring out the afternoon tea:
- Red-fleshed apple juice, characterized by its sweet-tart taste and clean aftertaste
- A mocktail of vanilla-scented black tea combined with white grapes and dried apple and left to rest overnight
- A warm Japanese black tea made with apple mint, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, to which apple honey (りんご蜜) can be added to taste
An alcoholic apple pairing is also available.
Feature 3: One Group Per Day in the Winter Terraced Rice Paddy Lounge
Snow scene at the Terraced Rice Paddy Lounge
The Terraced Rice Paddy Lounge, a symbol of Hoshinoya Karuizawa, is bathed in soft winter sunlight. The terraced rice paddies grow even quieter in winter, and the sound of water echoes pleasantly in the clear air. In this special space, guests can warm up at a kotatsu while enjoying a relaxed and elegant afternoon tea time. A special seat is set up for one group per day.
"Terraced Rice Paddy Apple Afternoon Tea" Details
- Period: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Monday, February 22, 2027 (excluded dates apply)
- Price: ¥13,000 (tax and service charge included, accommodation fee separate)
- Included: Choice of "Three Apple Mocktails" (3種の林檎モクテル) or "Three Apple Cocktails" (3種の林檎カクテル)
- Capacity: 1 group per day (up to 2 guests)
- Reservations: Accepted on the official website until 6 days before
- Eligibility: Hoshinoya Karuizawa hotel guests only
- Reservations start date: November 1, 2026
- Notes: The serving time and content may change depending on the weather. Ingredients and menu items may change depending on availability.
Hoshinoya Karuizawa
Hoshinoya Karuizawa, full view
Stay in a valley village. The detached guest rooms surround the water's edge, and the terraces let guests feel the changing of the seasons. Facing the Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest (軽井沢野鳥の森), this stay-type property sits in a rich natural environment where visitors can fully enjoy time to rest.
- Address: Hoshino, Karuizawa Town, Nagano 389-0194
- Rooms: 77 rooms; check-in 3:00 PM / check-out 12:00 PM
- Rate: From ¥170,000 per night per room (tax and service charge included, meals not included)
- Access: About 15 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station, about 40 minutes by car from Usui-Karuizawa IC; a dedicated shuttle bus is available from Naka-Karuizawa Station on the Shinano Railway
- Opened: July 20, 2005
