On the way to Kobe, Hattori Ryokuchi Park (服部緑地) is another plum blossom hunting spot in Osaka. The park, which was chosen to be one of the Top 100 Urban Parks in Japan, is best known for its plum grove and water park. The fall foliage scenery there is also amazing. Opened in 1950, Hattori
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If you are looking for the most magical photo spot in Saitama, the Kadokawa Musashino Museum (角川武蔵野ミュージアム) is likely at the top of your list. Often called the ‘Harry Potter library of Japan’ due to its towering 8-meter-tall shelves and ‘Hogwarts vibes,’ this architectural marvel by Kengo Kuma is a must-visit for book lovers and
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While many scenic natural spots are not usually close to a train station, Kumoba Pond (雲場池) in Karuizawa is just a 20-minute walk from Karuizawa Station! The spot that was nicknamed Swan Lake (スワンレイク) by Westerners is a place with a very calm atmosphere that you will surely love!
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Just a station away from Karuizawa Station, Naka-Karuizawa has been gaining tourists’ attention! The area has abundant nature along the Yu River (湯川). But that doesn’t mean that heading into the wild is the only thing you can do there. In fact, it is the opposite! Starting with HARUNIRE Terrace, a modern commercial complex for
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In addition to Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church (石の教会 内村鑑三記念堂), another church that can excite architectural buffs is Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church (軽井沢聖パウロカトリック教会). Designed by the famous American architect Antonin Raymond, the church is another landmark in Karuizawa. It was where the first Christian wedding for non-Christians was held in Japan, and nowadays, a
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While many are aware that Karuizawa is a summer resort close to Tokyo, what you may not know about Karuizawa is that it is also a great destination to admire contemporary art. Particularly in the Naka-Karuizawa area, art museums and uncommon architecture are tucked inside the picturesque nature. So if you want a trip more
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As you walk around Karuizawa, you will notice the town has many jam stores. Why? Because Karuizawa is jam’s birthplace in Japan. As the town received many foreign visitors, especially in summer, the method of making delicious jams was passed to the locals. But many shops and cafes in Karuizawa sell homemade jams, so deciding
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When you walk on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street (軽井沢銀座通り), you will notice that there are several bakeries on this 750-meter-long street. Some of them even have a cafe serving light meals! Because each of them has its charm, if you are unsure which one to visit, read on for an introduction to the most popular
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Karuizawa is surely a top-class scenic summer resort close to Tokyo. But spending an entire day exploring the town can be tiring for many. So how about visiting a cafe with a nice ambiance on Old Karuizawa Gina Street for a break and enjoying a plate of nice dessert with a cup of coffee or
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HARUNIRE Terrace (ハルニレテラス) is a commercial complex in Karuizawa operated by the famous Hoshino Resort. The traditional-look terrace has the Yu River (湯川) flowing on its right and is surrounded by a Japanese elm forest. With many trendy restaurants and boutique shops, the terrace is one of the most popular spots in Naka-Karuizawa for those
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