Karuizawa Travel | Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Karuizawa-Shaw-Memorial-Church-Karuizawa-Nagano-Japan

The Best Guide to the Must-Visit Churches in Karuizawa

December 27, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, The Must-Visit Churches in Japan

Discover the serene beauty and architectural wonder of the must-visit churches in Karuizawa, Japan’s premier highland retreat. From the iconic wooden craftsmanship of Karuizawa Kogen Church to the breathtaking stone-and-glass artistry of the Stone Church, these spiritual landmarks offer a peaceful escape into the heart of Nagano Prefecture. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a […]

The Best Guide to the Must-Visit Churches in Karuizawa Read More »

Shinano-Railway-Sightseeing-Train-Rokumon

Rokumon: The Sightseeing Train Connecting Karuizawa & Nagano

January 2, 2026 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Transportation in Japan

You might already be aware that to the Japanese, trains are sometimes more than just vehicles that carry you from A to B. Unlike most countries in the world, Japan’s Sightseeing Trains don’t just run between the tourist attractions in the rural areas. They operate on normal train tracks between cities and prefectures, and compared

Rokumon: The Sightseeing Train Connecting Karuizawa & Nagano Read More »

Usui-Pass-Observation-Platform-Prefectural-Border-Karuizawa-Nagano-Japan.png

The Best Guide to the Usui Pass Observation Platform

October 10, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Hidden Gems, Nagano Prefecture, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Karuizawa‘s natural spots aren’t just about waterfalls and lakes. Driving up the Usui Pass, there is a park close to the summit at 1,200m. The Usui Pass Observation Platform (碓氷峠見晴台) in the park is one of our favorite places to visit in Karuizawa. The observation platform offers a spectacular panoramic view of the ragged mountain

The Best Guide to the Usui Pass Observation Platform Read More »

The Recommended Spots to Visit on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

October 8, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture

The Old Karuizawa Ginza Street (軽井沢銀座通り) in the Karuizawa old town is the must-visit spot when you visit Karuizawa. The 750-meter-long street starts from the Kyū-Karuizawa Bus Stop (旧軽井沢バス停) to Nite Bridge (二手橋). Lined with long-established shops that preserve both traditional and trendy boutique stores, it is the center of Karuizawa for sightseeing. Even if

Snoopy Village Karuizawa Nagano Japan.png

SNOOPY Village Karuizawa: A Peanuts Fan’s Dream

October 8, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Recommended café

Planning a day trip to Karuizawa from Tokyo? Add the charming SNOOPY Village in Karuizawa. This charming facility combines an exclusive gift shop with a delightful themed cafe, offering a perfect blend of retail therapy and relaxation inspired by Snoopy and the gang. Discover the cute desserts menu and merchandise before your visit!

SNOOPY Village Karuizawa: A Peanuts Fan’s Dream Read More »

The Ultimate Guide to Karuizawa; Japan’s Top Highland Resort

September 23, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture

Karuizawa, one of Japan’s best highland resorts, is an ideal destination for a day trip from Tokyo. Since the Meiji period, the post town of Karuizawa-Shuku has attracted many foreign visitors, which is why the traditional township now features several Western-style villas and churches. The town, filled with delicious cafes and restaurants, is also rich

The Ultimate Guide to Karuizawa; Japan’s Top Highland Resort Read More »

The Ultimate Guide to the Former Mikasa Hotel

March 6, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Museums/Galleries, Nagano Prefecture

If you are a history and architecture buff, visit the Former Mikasa Hotel (旧三笠ホテル) when you travel to Karuizawa. It is a purely Western-style wooden hotel designed and completed in 1905 by only the Japanese. The hotel, equipped with the finest facility and furniture at the time, was loved by those with high social status

The Ultimate Guide to the Former Mikasa Hotel Read More »

Kumoba Pond: The Must-Visit Scenic Spot in Karuizawa

December 20, 2024 / Autumn Foliage, Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture

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!

Kumoba Pond: The Must-Visit Scenic Spot in Karuizawa Read More »

The Best Guide to Naka-Karuizawa’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

August 10, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

Compared to the neighborhood around Karuizawa Station, the Naka-Karuizawa area is less commercialized, so you might be worried about not being able to find vegetarian/vegan food there. Surprisingly, there are a couple of good options in Naka-Karuizawa. Although getting to them requires a degree of effort as they aren’t located close to the train station, the food

The Best Guide to Naka-Karuizawa’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Read More »

Shiozawa-Lake-in-Spring-Karuizawa-Nagano-Japan

Your Ultimate Guide to the Naka-Karuizawa Area

August 10, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture

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

Your Ultimate Guide to the Naka-Karuizawa Area Read More »