Seasonal story in Karuizawa Karuizawa, a town with rich nature and culture
We will introduce you to places where you can enjoy a time of relaxation through the history, culture, landscapes and nature that are unique to Karuizawa.
Spring storyKaruizawa in the spring
SpringSpringtime full of vitality
Karuizawa's town tree, kobushi magnolia, begins to bloom, announcing the arrival of spring. In May, trees and flowers sprout all at once, and the fresh green season begins. The weather is comfortable, and walking around Karuizawa is recommended.
Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church
The first church in Karuizawa was founded by missionary Alexander Croft Shaw, the "Father of Karuizawa Development.”
The adjacent restored Shaw House was the first villa in Karuizawa and is also a highlight of the area.
About 20 minutes on foot
Shiraito Falls
A beautiful waterfall with ground water flowing from the rocky surface and falling like silk threads over a width of about 70m. You can enjoy the fresh green of spring, the fall leaves and the beauty of nature with the seasonal expressions of the waterfall.
30 minutes by car (including toll roads)
Kumoba Pond (fresh greenery)
Nicknamed "Swan Lake” for that swans that visited here. A sightseeing spot representing Karuizawa’s fresh greenery and autumn leaves. The scenery of the sky and nature reflected in the water create a fantastic mirror-like beauty.
About 15 minutes on foot
Historic Mikasa Hotel
A purely western wooden hotel that is loved by many businessmen and culturists. Designated as a national important cultural asset in 1980, it is now a museum where you can view furniture and other items from that time.
Business hours / 9:00 to 16:30
Adults ¥ 400 Elementary, middle and high school students ¥ 200
About 15 minutes by car
Lake Garden
About 400 varieties of roses and about 300 kinds of herbs flourish here.
Enjoy a healing time with beautiful flowers, waterfalls and birdsong.
Business hours / 9:00 to 16:30 Adults ¥ 1000 Elementary and middle school students ¥ 500
About 15 minutes by car
Picchio
Nature tours introducing seasonal nature are held in "Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest" where about 80 types of wild birds live annually. “Flying squirrel watching" is especially popular and 97.8% of participants are able to view the squirrels. A valuable experience not found in a city.
About 15 minutes by car
Summer storyKaruizawa in the summer
SummerA bustling summer in Japan's leading summer resort
The cool summer of Karuizawa is the area’s liveliest and most vibrant season.
Summer festivals and other summer events as well as sightseeing and activities are attractive ways to enjoy Karuizawa.
Kyukaruizawa Ginza Road
Karuizawa's leading tourist spot with restaurants and shops.
From souvenir shopping to enjoying gourmet food, this is a bustling area where the charms of Karuizawa are gathered in one place.
About 10 minutes on foot
Miharedai
A scenic spot offering panoramic views of the beautiful mountains of Nagano Prefecture, including the Southern Alps and Mount Asama.
It is a famous spot for viewing the sunset as well as daytime scenery.
Kumanokoutai Shrine
An unusual shrine centered on the border of Nagano and Gunma. It is one of “Japan’s Three Great Kumano Shrines”, and the sacred “Shinano” tree is a popular power spot said to bestow good luck and marital blessings.
Agricultural Products Shop Karuizawa Hotchi Ichiba
Fresh local ingredients such as Karuizawa’s "Kirishita vegetables" brand products are sold by local suppliers. Popular vegetables sell out quickly, so going early in the morning is recommended.
About 20 minutes by car
Karuizawa Hotchi Firefly Village
Recently, it has become harder to find fireflies, one heritage of summer. In Karuizawa, a volunteer protection group maintains an environment where fireflies can live, and be appreciated in large numbers. Mid-June is the best time to see them.
About 20 minutes by car
Autumn storyKaruizawa in the fall
AutumnThe whole town wrapped in autumn foliage
The fall leaves of Karuizawa, with its high altitude, are very beautiful, and offer many scenic spots.
Autumn color starts gradually from October and reaches its peak in early November.
Hiking while enjoying the scenery and visiting museums are popular autumn activities.
Kumoba Pond (autumn foliage)
Kumoba Pond is the water source of “Gozensui,” named for having been offered to the Meiji Emperor. Many people from inside and outside the prefecture visit this spot to view Karuizawa’s autumn leaves. There is also a path to walk around the pond in about 15 minutes. The best time to see the autumn leaves is around the end of October.
Lake Shiozawa (Karuizawa Taliesin)
A compound resort offering art and literary museums.
The highlight is the English Garden, full of beautiful flowers, including leisure spots for boating and go-karts. The season when colored leaves spread out around the water is recommended.
Business hours / 9:00 to 17:00 Adults ¥ 800 Children ¥ 400
Art museums
Enjoy visiting museums with unique art in Karuizawa.
You can encounter paintings and art by world-renowned masters and popular artists.
[Recommended museums around the hotel]
◇Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa: about 15 minutes by car / Adults ¥ 1200 High school / college students ¥ 800
http://www.senju-museum.jp/
◇Karuizawa New Art Museum: about 10 minutes on foot / Adults ¥ 1200～ High school / college students ¥ 900～
◇Trick Art Museum Karuizawa: about 10 minutes on foot / Adults ¥ 1200 High school / college students ¥ 1000
Onioshidashi Park
Powerful scenery created by lava flowing out from an eruption of Mt. Asama.
You can also view the magnificent Mt. Asama rising right next to the park.
The Onioshi Highway (toll road) heading to the park is a recommended course where you can enjoy the surrounding rich natural environment.
Business hours / 8:00 to 16:30 Adults ¥ 650 Primary school children ¥ 450
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
One of Japan’s largest shopping malls spreads out from in front of Karuizawa Station. The plaza boasts about 240 shops and restaurants of various kinds. There is also a kids' space and pet facilities so you can enjoy the plaza as a resort for a day.
Winter storyKaruizawa in the winter
WinterTwinkling illumination in winter
The sight of Mt. Asama covered in snow signals the full arrival of winter. Along with the annual Karuizawa Winter Festival, the whole city is colored with illumination.
Tourist attractions decorated with snow is another highlight. You can also enjoy winter sports.
Tombo Hot Spring
A well-known hot spring that has long been famous for enriching beautiful skin. You can enjoy the soft, smooth hot water from the sink. Seasonal hot water is also popular
(May: hot sweet flag water / October - November: hot apple water / December: hot citron water, etc)
Opening hours / 10:00 to 23:00 Adults ¥ 1300 Children ¥ 750
About 15 minutes by car
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area
Karuizawa's only ski resort has excellent access right next to Karuizawa Station.
From the top of the course, you can see Mt. Asama and below you, the town of Karuizawa.
Karuizawa Ice Park (curling experience)
One of the largest year-round sports facilities in Japan where you can experience curling.
There is also a curling experience course for beginners, so you can feel free to try out the topical sport.
※ Reservation required
Karuizawa Garden Farm
You can enjoy picking cultivated strawberries throughout the year. The seasons are divided into summer / autumn strawberry picking and winter / spring strawberry picking, with different types of berries being grown. 2 or 3 varieties are grown every season so you can enjoy eating and comparing different kinds.
※ Reservation required
About 20 minutes by car
