Karuizawa Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, and food in Karuizawa with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the local culture and customs, where to stay, and how to get around.


Introduction to Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a town located in Nagano Prefecture, in the Chubu region of Japan. Situated in a hilly area, it is a popular getaway spot for locals and tourists alike, especially during the summer months when the weather offers a respite from the heat in the rest of the country. With its stunning natural beauty, hiking and skiing opportunities, and vibrant cultural scene, Karuizawa should definitely make it onto your Japan travel itinerary.

List of Places to Visit in Karuizawa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you are a history buff or just looking to learn something new, Karuizawa has a wealth of culturally important attractions to offer visitors. The most notable include:

  1. Karuizawa Church - A stunning wooden structure built in the late 19th century and a popular location for weddings.
  2. Karuizawa Taliesin - A complex of buildings designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, open to the public for tours.
  3. Hoshino Area - A collection of historic buildings, including an old post office, a former library, and a villa built by a wealthy businessman in the 1920s.

Natural Attractions of Karuizawa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Karuizawa is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here is a list of natural attractions that should not be missed:

  1. Shiraito Falls - A stunning cascade of waterfalls, flowing from Mount Asama.
  2. Usui Pass Observation Platform - Offering a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery, including Mount Fuji on clear days.
  3. Onioshidashi Volcanic Park - A park with unique rock formations formed by volcanic activity.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a popular hiking and biking destination, with many routes accessible from the town itself. Here are some of the best-known routes for both activities:

  1. Mount Asama - A challenging but rewarding hike, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
  2. Karuizawa’s Ginza - A popular shopping district in the town center that can also be explored by bike.
  3. Kazakoshi Park - A park with several hiking trails of varying difficulty, waterfalls, and a picnic area.

Best Things to Do in Karuizawa: Activities and Tours

Aside from the places mentioned above, there are plenty of other activities and tours available in Karuizawa:

  1. Skiing and snowboarding - Karuizawa is a popular winter destination, with several ski resorts nearby.
  2. Cycling through the town - A great way to explore the town’s charming streets and historic sites.
  3. Karuizawa Taste Tour - A food tour of the town’s best culinary offerings, including sake, soba noodles, and pastries.

Week-Long Itinerary for Karuizawa

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay in Karuizawa:

Day Activities
1 Visit Karuizawa Church, walking and shopping in Kyu-Karuizawa
2 Hike Mount Asama and enjoy the stunning scenery
3 Try skiing or snowboarding at one of the nearby resorts
4 Visit Karuizawa Taliesin and the Hoshino Area
5 Take a cycling tour of the town and its surroundings
6 Relax at one of the town’s hot springs or in a nearby onsen
7 Take a food tour of the town’s best culinary offerings

Food and Drink Scene of Karuizawa

Must-Try Dishes

The food scene in Karuizawa is diverse and delicious, with many local specialties worth trying. Some must-try dishes include:

  1. Shinshu soba noodles - A regional specialty made with locally grown buckwheat flour.
  2. Kawanakajima chicken - A breed of chicken raised in the nearby region, known for its tender and flavorful meat.
  3. Karuizawa cheese - A locally made cheese that is creamy and flavorful, often used in pastries and desserts.

Local Beverages

Karuizawa is known for its premium sake and whisky, both of which should be sampled during your visit. Some breweries and distilleries to check out include:

  1. Yoichi Distillery - Famous for its high-quality single malt whisky.
  2. Karuizawa Sake Brewery - Produces some of the finest sake in the region.

Where to Stay in Karuizawa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many accommodation options in Karuizawa, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are a few options to consider:

  1. Hoshino Resort - A luxurious resort with hot springs and a golf course.
  2. Hotel Cypress Karuizawa - A mid-range hotel with modern amenities and a convenient location close to the train station.
  3. Pension Windy Valley - A cozy guesthouse with a homely feel, surrounded by nature.

What to Buy in Karuizawa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are many souvenirs and local products to consider when shopping in Karuizawa. Some popular items include:

  1. Karuizawa whisky - A perfect souvenir for whisky aficionados.
  2. Karuizawa cheese - A tasty gift to bring back home.
  3. Soba noodles - High-quality buckwheat soba noodles, made locally.

Local Culture and Customs of Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a town that prides itself on its elegance and sophistication, with many local customs worth observing. Here are some of the most notable:

  1. Dress code - Dressing elegantly is preferred when dining out or attending cultural events.
  2. Mannerisms - Politeness and manners are valued in Karuizawa, and visitors are expected to be respectful.
  3. Language - While most locals speak Japanese, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Best Time to Visit Karuizawa

The best time to visit Karuizawa is from June to October when the weather is warm and the town is full of life. However, winter is also a popular time to visit thanks to the excellent skiing opportunities in the area.

Do’s and Don’ts of Karuizawa

When visiting Karuizawa, there are several things you should and should not do:

Do:

  1. Try the local cuisine.
  2. Respect local customs and traditions.
  3. Explore the town’s natural beauty on foot or by bike.

Don’t:

  1. Speak loudly in public spaces.
  2. Litter or disrespect the environment.
  3. Disrupt the peace and quiet of the town’s residential areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Karuizawa

Karuizawa is generally a safe town, with low crime rates and a welcoming community. However, visitors should still exercise common sense, especially when hiking or participating in outdoor activities.

Health in Karuizawa

The air quality in Karuizawa is excellent thanks to the surrounding forests and greenery. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the many hot springs and onsens in the area for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Getting to Karuizawa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Karuizawa

The closest airport to Karuizawa is Tokyo’s Narita Airport, which offers several transfer options to Karuizawa including train or bus.

Bus Stations Near Karuizawa

Karuizawa’s bus station offers direct connections to many major cities in the region, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Other Options

Visitors can also easily reach Karuizawa by train, with several trains departing from Tokyo’s Shinjuku station daily.

How to Get Around in Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a walkable town, with many attractions and scenic spots accessible on foot. Visitors can also rent bicycles or take buses or taxis to explore further.

Where to Go Next from Karuizawa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time in the region, there are many nearby destinations and excursions worth considering, such as:

  1. Matsumoto Castle - A stunning castle located in Nagano prefecture, easily accessible by train from Karuizawa.
  2. Jigokudani Monkey Park - A park famous for its hot spring-loving snow monkeys, located a short distance from Karuizawa.
  3. Komoro City - A historic town famous for its well-preserved castle and traditional crafts.

Conclusion

Karuizawa is a hidden gem in the Chubu region of Japan, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, there is something for everyone in this charming town.

Shiraito falls Shiraito falls Old Karuizawa Ginza Old Karuizawa Ginza