Enjoy sightseeing in Karuizawa to the fullest! Here are some useful tips and background information

When it comes to Karuizawa, it is one of Japan’s top highland resorts. Its stylish and sophisticated atmosphere captivates tourists. With easy access from the Tokyo metropolitan area, it’s a perfect spot for a quick getaway. The seasonal scenery is also enchanting—you can enjoy nature throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In this guide, we introduce helpful information and background knowledge to make your trip to Karuizawa even more enjoyable!

◎ What kind of place is Karuizawa?

◆ One of Japan’s premier historic summer resorts

Karuizawa began its journey as a summer resort in 1886. It is said that Canadian missionary Alexander Croft Shaw was moved by the natural beauty of Karuizawa and spent the summer there. Later, villas and hotels were developed, and numerous missionaries and literary figures visited. It gained popularity, and Karuizawa flourished as a summer retreat. Today, it is recognized as one of Japan’s three major summer resorts favored by foreigners.

◆ Packed with trendy and popular shops

Karuizawa Ginza is the main street of the town. Its charming buildings draw visitors naturally. From gourmet shops to stores selling Karuizawa carvings and souvenirs, there’s a wide variety. You might find yourself loosening your purse strings!

The ultimate shopping destination in Karuizawa is the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza. With about 240 outlet stores, it offers a spacious and excellent location.

At Harunire Terrace, surrounded by trees, you can shop while enjoying a forest bath.

◆ Enjoying bread in Karuizawa

Karuizawa is home to many delicious bakeries. Bread enjoyed in a nature-rich summer resort tastes even better. It’s perfect as a snack while sightseeing or as breakfast during your stay. There are stores featured on TV and hidden gems as well.

Delicious bread also makes a great souvenir. Some shops sell out by evening, so be sure to get your favorite breads early!

◆ The real charm of Karuizawa! Savoring your stay

Karuizawa, as a highland resort, offers a wide variety of accommodations including hotels, inns, and pensions. There are many rental villas and cottages suitable for long stays—unique to a health resort like Karuizawa. Of course, there are also pet-friendly facilities.

Accommodation is one of the key components of travel. Choose the best lodging according to your purpose and budget!

◆ Relax in the hot springs of Karuizawa

Karuizawa is also blessed with hot springs. Enjoying a bath at your accommodation is great, but we also recommend public baths that you can visit between sightseeing spots.

Options include "Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-Yu," opened in 1915 and visited by literary figures like Hakushu Kitahara and Akiko Yosano, "Shiotsubo Onsen Hotel," said to have been discovered by Minamoto no Yoritomo in the Kamakura period, and "Karuizawa Sengataki Onsen" run by the Prince Hotel.

◆ Fully enjoy winter sports in winter

Karuizawa is best known as a summer retreat, but it offers plenty of winter fun too! Its winter sports facilities are excellent. At Karuizawa Ice Park, one of Japan’s largest curling arenas, you can even take curling lessons. It’s beginner-friendly.

You can also enjoy classic winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and skating in the great outdoors of Karuizawa.

◎ How to get around in Karuizawa?

◆ Refreshingly sightsee with a rental bicycle

When it comes to getting around in Karuizawa, rental bicycles are by far the most popular! You can breeze through the fresh highland air while enjoying a refreshing ride. You might even stumble upon a charming café and stop for a break—that’s the beauty of cycling. Its greatest advantage is how easily it lets you navigate narrow streets.

The bicycle signs along the roads are cycling map markers. Following the designated routes can also be an enjoyable experience.

◆ Easy sightseeing by bus

For a more relaxed way to get around, buses are a great option. Karuizawa operates town loop buses. There are three routes: the “West Course,” the “East-South Loop,” and the “North Loop.”

A particularly popular bus is nicknamed the “Red Bus” (service suspended during winter). It runs through Old Karuizawa to the “Miharashidai” observation deck, located at an altitude of 1,200 meters on Usui Pass. Depending on the weather, you might even see a sea of clouds! Be sure to try riding this red bus through the forest.

◆ Go anywhere freely by rental car

A rental car greatly expands your range of movement. You can enjoy scenic drives at the foot of Mt. Asama, including destinations like Shiraito Falls and Onioshidashi Park in the north.

However, Karuizawa is a popular tourist spot, so booking early is recommended during peak seasons. Also, many rental shops close early, so be sure to plan your pick-up and return times along with your itinerary.

◎ Useful information that’s handy to know

◆ The landmark of old Karuizawa shopping street: Karuizawa tourist hall

The Karuizawa Tourist Hall, a charming wooden building that exudes historical charm, stands out in the bustling Old Karuizawa shopping district. The first floor features a general information desk and rest area. It’s a wireless LAN hotspot, so you can connect to the internet for free! (As of March 2017) The second floor serves as a local product exhibition space, showcasing regional specialties.

◆ Explore Karuizawa with a local pro! “Karuizawa tour guide system”

With the Karuizawa Tour Guide System, you can explore the area with a knowledgeable guide and gain a deeper appreciation of what Karuizawa has to offer. Choose from four course types: Oiwake Walking Tour, Naka-Karuizawa Walk, Old Karuizawa Walk, and Nature Walk. The guide will work with you to tailor the content of the tour. Advance procedures are required, so please check the Karuizawa Tourist Association website for details.

◆ With perks for those who pass! “Karuizawa WEB Certification”

The “Karuizawa WEB Certification” might catch your eye with its unique name. It’s a certification test designed to help rediscover the many charms of Karuizawa—its nature, history, and more. What’s innovative is that you can take the exam online using a computer or smartphone.

As of March 2017, those who pass can enjoy perks such as free entry to Karuizawa’s cultural facilities. Gaining knowledge about Karuizawa may just make your sightseeing experience even more rewarding.

◎ Experience the essence of Karuizawa! 5 classic sightseeing spots in Karuizawa

1. Karuizawa Kogen Church

Located north of Nakakaruizawa Station, Karuizawa Kogen Church stands out with its triangular shape surrounded by trees. This church, where you can fully enjoy the warmth of wood, was established in 1921 and became a gathering place for many cultural figures such as Hakushu Kitahara and Toson Shimazaki.

The “Summer Candle Night,” where countless lanterns light up the forest, is incredibly magical! You can also enjoy powerful voices during gospel concerts.

The year-round events and seasonal festivals at Karuizawa Kogen Church are open to everyone. Be sure to stop by when sightseeing.

2. Former Mikasa Kaikan

About a 10-minute drive north of Karuizawa Station lies the Former Mikasa Hotel, also known as the “Rokumeikan of Karuizawa.” It served as a hotel from 1906 to 1970 and was a social venue for business leaders and famous personalities.

Its charming wooden Western-style architecture was equipped with what was considered the most luxurious facilities of the time. In 1980, it was designated a National Important Cultural Property.

From chandeliers to tiles, everything is luxurious, and you might find yourself awestruck while touring the building.

3. Shiraito Falls

About a 30-minute drive north of Karuizawa Station lies the magnificent yet delicate Shiraito Falls. As the name suggests, it appears as if countless white threads are flowing down.

The waterfall is about 3 meters high—not very tall—but what’s striking is its width! A gentle arc stretching approximately 70 meters continues across the landscape.

It’s the top tourist attraction along the Shiraito Highland Way toll road. In summer, projection mapping creates a unique ambiance. The lush green season is refreshing, and in autumn the area transforms into fiery colors. It remains a popular sightseeing spot throughout the year.

4. Stone Church – Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Hall

Near Karuizawa Kogen Church is a church distinguished by its striking stone arches: the Stone Church, Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Hall. It was built based on the non-church movement advocated by Christian leader Kanzo Uchimura during the Meiji and Taisho eras.

One step inside reveals a truly sacred space. Designed by American architect Kendrick Kellogg, it is rooted in organic architecture. You'll witness a beautiful harmony between stone and natural light.

During the summer illumination event, the atmosphere becomes even more romantic! The solidity of the stone combined with the soft light captivates visitors.

5. Karuizawa Taliesin

At Lake Shiozawa in southern Karuizawa lies the comprehensive leisure complex Karuizawa Taliesin. On a vast 100,000 square meter site, you’ll find historic buildings related to Karuizawa.

These include the villa of French literature scholar Toko Asabuki, the Old Asabuki Sanso “Suikyuso”; the “Fukazawa Kouko Wildflower Art Museum,” a nationally registered tangible cultural property; and the villa of author Takeo Arishima, “Jogetsuan.” Each building offers distinct charm.

A highlight is the English Rose Garden, where about 200 varieties and 1,800 rose plants—mainly English roses—bloom. From late June to late September, the roses are in full glory. A leisurely boat ride on Lake Shiozawa is also highly recommended.

◎ How can you get to Karuizawa?

◆ Enjoy scenic views from the train window! Travel to Karuizawa by train

The most comfortable and fastest access from Tokyo is by train. From JR Tokyo Station, it takes about 1 hour and 5 to 20 minutes via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. On clear days, you can enjoy views of the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mount Haruna. From the Nagoya area, the common routes are either via Tokyo Station or using the JR Chuo Main Line’s Wide View Shinano and the Hokuriku Shinkansen. You’ll encounter scenic wonders like the Nagano Basin and the famed Nezame-no-toko of the Kiso River, known as one of Japan’s top three train window views.

◆ Relaxed travel to Karuizawa by highway bus

Buses are attractive for their affordability. From Tokyo, departure and arrival points include “Busta Shinjuku,” “Sunshine City Prince Hotel,” “Yokohama Station East Exit Bus Terminal,” and “Haneda Airport,” among others. Travel time from central Tokyo is about 3 to 4 hours. From the Kansai area, there are overnight highway buses departing from Osaka’s “Abenobashi Station,” “Namba OCAT Building,” “Osaka Station Front – Higashi-Umeda Subway Station,” and Kyoto’s “Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit.” Travel time is approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes.

◆ Enjoy the drive to Karuizawa by car

From the Tokyo area, take the Kan-Etsu Expressway / Joshin-Etsu Expressway and exit at Karuizawa Usui IC. About 100 minutes. From the Nagoya area, use the Chuo Expressway / Nagoya Expressway / Joshin-Etsu Expressway to Karuizawa Usui IC. Travel time is about 240 minutes. Stopping at a service area to enjoy local gourmet food is a great bonus—local specialties await you!

◎ Summary

How was the sightseeing information for Karuizawa? Karuizawa is a highland resort where you can fully immerse yourself in a relaxing getaway. Knowing its history and helpful tips can make your trip even more fulfilling. Use this information to enhance your travel plans and fully enjoy all that Karuizawa has to offer.

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