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 in natural scenery. Between eating and shopping, you can hike or cycle into nature to bathe in the negative ion-rich forest, with a few waterfalls scattered throughout.
The area around Karuizawa Station is just one part of the town. Karuizawa can be largely divided into the six areas below. While Kyū-Karuizawa Area is where most tourists would visit, other areas are also gaining popularity!
- Kyū-Karuizawa Area (旧軽井沢エリア)
- Kita-Karuizawa Area (北軽井沢エリア)
- Minamigaoka ・Minamihara Area (南ヶ丘・南原エリア), also known as the Shin-Karuizawa Area (新軽井沢エリア)
- Naka-Karuizwa Area (中軽井沢北エリア)
- Minami-Karuizawa Area (南軽井沢エリア)
- Oiwake Area (追分エリア)
Tip: Refer to HERE for information on how to get around Karuizawa.
Things to Do in Karuizawa
- Minamigaoka ・Minamihara Area (南ヶ丘・南原エリア)/Shin-Karuizawa Area (新軽井沢エリア)
- Kyū-Karuizawa Area (旧軽井沢エリア)
Tips:
☛ Refer to our article on The Recommended Cafes and Restaurants in Karuizawa for places to dine when you are in Karuizawa!
☛ Refer to HERE for the festivals held in Karuizawa.
Explore Karuizawa With a Guided Tour
If you prefer a guide to introduce you If you prefer a guide to introduce you to the charms of Karuizawa, how about joining one of the following tours?to the charms of Karuizawa, how about joining one of the below tours?
- Recommended Karuizawa Tours Bookable Through Viator
- Shiraito Waterfall & Old Karuizawa Ginza One Day Tour from Tokyo
You can also book to participate in one of the workshops/activities below!
The Best Time to Visit Karuizawa
- The cherry blossom season in Karuizawa is in April.
- The light green spring color covers Karuizawa from May to July.
- For fall foliage, visit Karuizawa from late October to mid-November.
- In December, the town’s illumination makes Karuizawa a winter wonderland!
How to Get to Karuizawa by Public Transportation
By the Bullet Train
The bullet train is the easiest way to get to Karuizawa from Tokyo. It will only take you around 60 minutes. You can take the Asama-gō (あさま号) or Hakutaka-gō (はくたか号) that run on the Hokuriku Line. But note that a couple of Hakutaka-gō services do not stop at Karuizawa.
The Most Useful JR Passes That Cover Karuizawa
Below is a list of JR passes covering Karuizawa and other regions. Please keep in mind that depending on your itinerary, a JR pass may or may not be worthwhile for your trip. You can estimate the transportation cost using Google Maps and compare the total price to a JR pass.
- JR Tokyo Wide Pass: A great pass to have for day trips from Tokyo.
- JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) / 5 Days: Allows you to explore Nagano and Niigata Prefectures from Tokyo.
- JR Hokuriku Arch Pass (7 Days): An ideal pass to explore Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa, and Kyoto/Osaka.
By Bus
While it takes around 3 hours to get to Karuizawa from Tokyo by bus, it is the cheapest option. Bus services depart from Shinjuku Bus Terminal or Tokyo Station, and the fare is approximately 2,000 yen.
You can book your bus ticket HERE.
Getting Around Karuizawa
- For attractions not close to JR Karuizawa Station, you can take a bus from the station and get off at the closest bus stop. The two bus companies that operate in the area are:
- You can also rent a bicycle from one of the rental shops around Karuizawa Station. However, please bear in mind that you cannot park in front of the shops and cafes on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street. Please utilize the free bicycle parking lots instead.
Important: Taxis in Karuizawa are expensive. We don’t recommend taking it unless you are in a hurry.
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (軽井沢・プリンスショッピングプラザ)
Just opposite Karuizawa Station’s south exit, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is Japan’s biggest outlet. Divided into 10 areas, more than 200 stores, restaurants, and cafes are combined! The plaza, surrounded by lush greenery, doesn’t just have high-end branded stores. There are also a couple of discount item stores for you to explore, where you can find amazing bargains. Karuizawa souvenirs can also be bought there.
However, because the plaza is so huge, it is best to plan ahead for efficiency, even if you have plenty of time to spare. Walking for an entire day can be tiring!
For those who are Moomin fans, visit the Moomin Cafe (ムーミンカフェ), newly opened in late April 2023!
Yagasaki Park (矢ヶ崎公園)
Just a 5-minute walk from Karuizawa Station, Yagasaki Park is a serene park featuring a large lake that reflects the surrounding mountains. If you are waiting for the next train, how about taking a relaxing stroll around the lake? Especially in summer, resting on the benches in the leafy area where nice breezes blow through will surely cool you down.
In spring and autumn, you can also visit Yagasaki Park for the cherry blossoms and fall foliage. And in mid-August, it is where the Yagasaki Park Fireworks Festival is held!
In 2025, the Yagasaki Park Fireworks Festival will take place at 7:30 pm on the August 16.
If you plan to visit Karuizawa with young children, there are playsets to keep them entertained. They will also love seeing the ducks and maybe even the ducklings that live in Yagasaki Park!
Tip: If you want to feed the ducks, check with the cafe in Karuizawa Ohga Hall (軽井沢大賀ホール) on the north side of the park. They might still be selling duck feeds.
Karuizawa New Art Museum (軽井沢ニューアートミュージアム)
If you enjoy contemporary arts, Karuizawa New Art Museum is the spot you will want to visit. The museum, which originally focused on artworks by Japanese artists since World War II, now also features special exhibitions of international artists. It is a facility where your imagination will be stimulated!
Although the entire art museum is not completely free to enter, you can explore the fee-free zone on the 1st floor and decide whether you want to enter the paid zone on the 2nd floor.
Of course, Yayoi Kusama’s works can be found in the collections of internationally recognized Japanese contemporary artists at the Karuizawa New Art Museum. You might also enjoy examining the Meissen on display.
The staff there are friendly. If there is anything you are unsure about, please don’t hesitate to talk to them.
Besides the artworks inside the museum, the architecture is another notable feature to explore at Karuizawa New Art Museum. The buildings and interiors designed by famous architects and artists are definitely worth your attention too. For example, the chapel area in the courtyard was designed by Kengo Kuma (隈研吾). Although the area is usually closed to the public, tours are conducted three times daily, lasting 15 to 25 minutes.
- The Chapel Tour is held at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. It has a capacity of 10 people. If you are interested, reserve your spot at the reception.
- The tour is free to join if you have also purchased an exhibition ticket on the same day. Otherwise, the tour costs 300 yen to join.
Tip: Even if you can’t join the tour, you can still explore the chapel area with the museum’s admission ticket. However, please note that you can only do so within 30 minutes of the tour’s starting time.
Karuizawa New Art Museum’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Karuizawa New Art Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
- It closes late at 6 pm from mid-July to mid-September.
- If Monday is a public holiday, it will close the next business day.
- The last admission is 30 minutes before the museum’s closing time.
- The admission fee is:
- 2,000 yen for adults
- 1,000 yen for senior high school and university students
- 500 yen for elementary and junior high school students
- Karuizawa New Art Museum is around an 8-minute walk from Karuizawa Station.
Bon Okawa Karuizawa Chocolate Factory (ボン・オーカワ 軽井沢チョコレートファクトリー)
For chocolate lovers, discover the exceptional chocolate crafted with apples from Nagano Prefecture. Many of the chocolates and rusks are made on-site. Peeping into the workshop space where chocolate products are made through the shop’s glass panels is another reason that attracts tourists to Bon Okawa Karuizawa Chocolate Factory.
The Karuizawa Chocolate Ball (軽井沢チョコレートボール) is one of the most popular items sold at the chocolate factory. Amongst the six flavors, several are not commonly found on supermarket shelves. Of course, the apple flavor is a must-try because Nagano is an infamous apple-producing prefecture!
If you love biscuits, grab a few packs of Karuizawa Rusk (軽井沢ラスク). The caramel and almond-flavored rusk is a customer favourite. They also have unique flavors, such as Olive Basil (オリーブバジル). The bite-sized rusk has a refreshing basil aroma, which is great for snacking. It also goes well with beer!
Bon Okawa Karuizawa Chocolate Factory also features an eat-in space with complimentary coffee and tea, ideal for those who want to take a break after shopping. Besides chocolate, you can also order ice cream.
Tips:
☛ Check with the staff before purchasing to see if they still give out free samples.
☛ Bon Okawa Karuizawa also has a shop at Church Street Karuizawa.
Bon Okawa Karuizawa Chocolate Factory’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Bon Okawa Karuizawa Chocolate Factory is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
- The shop is around a 15-minute walk from Karuizawa Station.
Kumoba Pond (雲場池)
While many scenic natural spots are not usually close to a train station, Kumoba Pond 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! Watercress and other aquatic and wet plants can also be observed on the north side of the pond.
For more information, refer to our article on Kumoba Pond!
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street (軽井沢銀座通り) is a must-visit spot when you visit Karuizawa. The 750-meter-long street is lined with long-established shops that preserve both traditional and trendy boutique stores. Even if you plan on just window-shopping through the bakeries, cafes, and local specialty shops, we are sure you will still have a lot of fun!
For more information, refer to our article on The Recommended Spots to Visit on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street!
Mampei Hotel (万平ホテル)
Whether you are looking for an accommodation facility or not, Mampei Hotel, located near Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, is worth a visit. With its top-quality hospitality, the well-maintained hotel, which reopened in 1894 after partial Westernisation, remains one of the best hotels in Karuizawa. In addition, it is the hotel that John Lennon loved!
Unlike most hotels in Japan, the guestrooms in Mampei Hotel are elegant and spacious. The carefully prepared meals are decent too.
For more information, refer to our article on Mampei Hotel!
Church Street Karuizawa (チャーチストリート軽井沢)
Towards the end of the Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, there is a two-story shopping mall called Church Street. It is a “street” filled with around 20 cafes, restaurants, and boutique stores that leads to Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church. When events such as flea markets are not held in the courtyard, it is a nice space to take a break from all the shopping you have done over the last few hours. So if you love shopping, Church Street Karuizawa is definitely the spot that should be on your itinerary!
During the Christmas season, a 7-meter Christmas tree and 100,000 lights are used to create a magical atmosphere!
Important: A 100 yen charge applies if you wish to use the toilet facilities at Church Street Karuizawa.
If you are a foodie, stop by Creperie Angelina (クレープリー・アンジェリーナ). The crepes there are amazing!
Church Street Karuizawa’s Business Hours
- Church Street Karuizawa’s shops and cafes are open from 10 am to 6 pm.
- The last order is taken at 5:30 pm.
- Restaurants are open from:
- 11 am to 3:30 pm for lunch
- 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm for dinner
- The last order is taken 30 minutes before the closing time.
- Refer to Church Street Karuizawa’s calendar HERE for the days it closes from December to March (greyed out).
- If you plan to take a bus, get off at St. Paul Catholic Church-mae (聖パウロ教会前).
Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church (軽井沢聖パウロカトリック教会)
In addition to Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church (石の教会 内村鑑三記念堂) in Naka-Karuizawa‘s Hoshino Area, another church that can excite architectural buffs is Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church. 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 venue where many celebrities hold their weddings.
For more information about Karuizzawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church, refer to our Guide to the Must-Visit Churches in Karuizawa!
Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church (軽井沢ショー記念礼拝堂) and Alexander Croft Shaw House (ショーハウス記念館)
Beyond the Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, close to the Nitebashi Bridge in a forest, you will encounter Karuizawa’s oldest church. The church was renovated from the first villa built in Karuizawa, home of a Canadian Anglican missionary, Alexander Croft Shaw.
Shaw is well-respected in the area because not only did he successfully spread Christianity in the region, but he was also the person who introduced Karuizawa to the world as a summer resort.
For more information about Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church and Shaw, refer to our Guide to the Must-Visit Churches in Karuizawa!
Usui Pass Observation Platform (碓氷峠見晴台)
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 observation deck in the park offers a spectacular panoramic view of the ragged mountain ranges close by, including Mt. Asama, Japan’s Southern Alps and the mountains of Nikkō. In addition, it is also the prefectural border line between Gunma and Nagano!
For more information about the lookout and a few more tourist spots close to it, refer to our article on the Usui Pass Observation Platform!
Kumanokōtai Shrine (熊野皇大神社)
Kumanokotai Shrine, close to the Usui Pass Observation Platform, is a rare shrine you will want to visit. Not only does it sit on a prefectural borderline, but the central watershed (中央分水嶺) can also be found in the precinct! Because the shrine’s precinct spans two prefectures, the shrine comprises two separate religious institutions (宗教法人). The first half in Nagano Prefecture is Kumanokotai Shrine, and the other half in Gunma Prefectureis Kumano Shrine. Each religious institution has its responsible person, shrine staff, donation box, and shrine office. This is why Kumanokotai Shrine is designated as one of the four Special Shrines in Japan (特別神社).
For more information about what else is interesting about the shrine, refer to our Kumanokotai Shrine article!
Mikasa-dōri Street (三笠通り)
Mikasa-dori Street, stretching from the intersection near Kyu Karuizawa (旧軽井沢) bus stop to the Former Mikasa Hotel (旧三笠ホテル), is the perfect street to escape the heat during the warmer season. It is also the road leading to Kose Onsen (小瀬温泉) and Karuizawa Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝).
Once you pass through the commercial district, the 2km Mikasa-dōri Street is lined with tall larch trees that aren’t just scenic but also block the strong summer sun, bringing you the coolness Karuizawa is known for.
The street is flat and usually without much traffic, making it perfect for cycling. The fresh, cool breeze that blew across our faces was refreshing as we cycled along Mikasa-dōri in late September.
If you decide to take a stroll instead of cycling, you will notice the height difference between the left and right lanes. This higher lane was the Kusakaru Electric Railway’s track, which served the route between Kusatsu Onsen and Karuizawa in the first half of the 20th century.
Even if you visit Karuizawa in winter, venture out to Mikasa-dōri for some stunning photos!
Former Mikasa Hotel (旧三笠ホテル)
If you are looking for a spot that offers a good understanding of the life of Westerners in Japan during the early 20th century, visit the Former Mikasa Hotel. It is a purely Western-style wooden hotel completed in 1905, designed and completed by the Japanese. As you walk around the hotel, which is more than 100 years old, you can examine the furniture and its elegant interior design. A clear snapshot of the past isn’t hard to gather from each room, especially those with photos of the time displayed.
For more information, refer to our article on the Former Mikasa Hotel!
Karuizawa Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝)
Karuizawa’s most renowned waterfall has to be Karuizawa Shiraito Falls. While the vegetation around the waterfall and the cliff where the water falls has been influenced by human intervention, the waterfall’s artificial element doesn’t detract from its amazingness. If you come to Karuizawa to escape from the heat, Shiraito Falls will surely cool you down, both visually and physically!
For more information about this enchanting waterfall, refer to our Guide to Karuizawa Shiraito Falls & Ryūgaeshi Falls!
Ryūgaeshi Falls (竜返しの滝)
Ryugaeshi Falls, also known as Suzuga Falls (珠数ケ滝), is a hidden spot located 2.5 kilometres downstream of Karuizawa Shiraito Falls. It is another waterfall loved by those who have visited it. Additionally, it is one of the few waterfalls that remain partially frozen during winter!
For more information, refer to our Guide to Karuizawa Shiraito Falls & Ryūgaeshi Falls!
Discover the Attractions in Naka-Karuizawa
Similar to the Kyu Karuizawa and Shin-Karuizawa areas, which are closer to Karuizawa Station, the Naka-Karuizawa area also boasts many attractions and cafes that can make the area more exciting. If you are an architecture buff, this is also a must-visit part of Karuizawa Town.
So refer to our article on Naka-Karuizawa to plan your visit!
Post Town: Oiwake-Shuku (追分宿)
Remaining unknown to many, the old post town, Oiwake-Shuku, is just two stations away from Karuizawa Station. As the area is filled with many historical buildings, it is a perfect spot to escape the crowds in Karuizawa’s town center for a calm and traditional ambiance.
In one of the museums in Oiwake-Shuku, there is even a mini Nakasendō where you can experience the 500km route in just 15 minutes!
For more information, refer to our article on Oiwake-Shuku!
Festivals in Karuizawa
Karuizawa Wakaba Festival (軽井沢 若葉まつり)
When spring finally arrives after the long winter, Karuizawa celebrates the arrival of warm weather by holding the Karuizawa Wakaba Matsuri festival. From late April to early June each year, events such as birdwatching, hiking, and half-marathons take place. Discounts and perks are also offered by many small businesses and facilities in Karuizawa. So, remember to stop by the tourist information center to pick up the Karuizawa Coupon (軽井沢クーポン) pamphlet!
The 2025 Karuizawa Wakaba Festival was held from the April 26 to June 8.
Summer Fireworks
In Karuizawa, there are a few fireworks events held in summer:
- Early July: Nagakura Fireworks Festival (長倉納涼花火大会) that takes place around Nagakura Shrine (長倉神社) in the Naka-Karuizawa Area.
- In 2025, Nagakura Fireworks Festival took place at 7:30 pm on July 5.
- Mid-August: Yagasaki Park Fireworks Festival (矢ヶ崎公園花火大会) that takes place at Yagasaki Park (矢ヶ崎公園), a 5-minute walk north of Karuizawa Station.
- In 2025, Yagasaki Park Fireworks Festival will take place at 7:30 pm on August 16.
- Mid-August: Suwa Shrine Fireworks Festival (諏訪神社花火大会) that takes place at Suwa Shrine (諏訪神社) close to Old Karuizawa Ginza Street.
- In 2025, Suwa Shrine Fireworks Festival was suspended.
Karuizawa Autumn Festival (軽井沢 紅葉まつり)
The Karuizawa Autumn Festival is held from late September to early November. Various events are held where you can enjoy arts and sports. Because autumn is when a variety of crops are harvested, rituals, farmer’s markets and temporary stalls are set up for you to discover the delicious local food! Live events are also available on select days.
Again, local businesses usually offer discounts and perks during the festival period, so remember to stop by the tourist information center!
Taking the Sightseeing Train Rokumon to Nagano Station
Remaining unknown to many, one sightseeing train runs between Karuizawa and Nagano Station. Taking Rokumon is the best way to adore the prefecture’s stunning natural scenery in a stylish manner! While you can certainly take the bullet train to get to Karuizawa from Nagano Station or vice versa, taking the sightseeing train will definitely make this train trip more memorable!
For more information, refer to our article on The Sightseeing Train Rokumon!
Discover the Awesomeness of Zenkoji Temple and the Surrounding Attractions Around Nagano Station
Nagano Prefecture, where Karuizawa is located, has many more tourist destinations you can consider visiting. Because a couple of them are suitable for a day trip from Nagano Station, basing around the station may be a good idea, depending on your itinerary.
If that is your plan, you can allocate half a day to explore the nearby attractions, especially around Zenkoji Temple.
For more information, refer to our article on Zenkoji Temple!
