Tabelog ratingThe Cafe Terrace at the classic Manpei Hotel (万平ホテル カフェテラス) is a Karuizawa institution, cemented in popular culture as a place John Lennon and his family frequented during their summer stays. The main draw is a ritual: pairing the hotel's traditional apple pie, often served warm with ice cream, with a pot of its signature royal milk tea. This experience, enjoyed on a spacious terrace overlooking the hotel's green grounds, is what brings most visitors here.
Guest praise is overwhelmingly focused on this iconic pairing. The apple pie is a long-standing recipe, and when served correctly, it's a highlight. Seasonal fruit tarts, such as those with Nagano-purple or Shine Muscat grapes, also receive frequent mentions. The atmosphere is consistently described as relaxed and old-world, offering a pleasant escape, particularly on the dog-friendly terrace.
However, the cafe's popularity comes with drawbacks. Long waits of 30 to 60 minutes are common, especially on weekends and afternoons. Service can be inconsistent, with some reviewers reporting brusque staff or order mistakes. A few guests also noted that their pie arrived cold or with a soggy crust. Prices are at a premium, which some feel is justified by the historic setting and food quality, but not all agree.
Expect to pay around ¥2,000–¥2,999 for a typical visit. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying about ¥2,400 for a cake set (apple pie and a drink), with the pie alone costing around ¥1,500 and royal milk tea about ¥1,300. Note that a 15% service charge is added to the bill.
- Reservations: Bookings are not accepted; it's walk-in only. Expect to queue, especially during peak hours. An on-site ticketing system is used for the waitlist.
- Getting There: The cafe is in the Manpei Hotel, about a 5-minute taxi ride or a 20–25 minute walk from Karuizawa Station.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners, UnionPay), electronic money (transportation IC cards like Suica, Rakuten Edy, iD), and QR code payments (PayPay, Alipay, etc.) are all accepted.
- Service Charge: A 15% service charge is automatically added to the final bill.
- Children & Pets: Children are welcome. Pets are allowed on the outdoor terrace seating only.
- Menus: An English-language menu is available.
- Parking: Parking is available on-site.
