1Karuizawa Hoshino Area

A day-trip resort area surrounded by the lush nature of the foothills of Mt. Asama

This resort area operated by Hoshino Resorts spreads across the Nakakaruizawa area at the foot of Mt. Asama. It is used by many people on day trips, as well as guests staying at HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court, and BEB5 Karuizawa by Hoshino Resorts. Harunire Terrace can be considered the gateway to the area. In addition to Karuizawa's representative gourmet spots such as Sawamura, Maruyama Coffee, and Sekireibashi Kawakamian, you can also find cute miscellaneous goods stores. We recommend starting from here and enjoying a stroll around the surrounding area.

After enjoying the great outdoors, relax in the free-flowing hot spring water.

A must-see in the area is the Karuizawa Kogen Church, which is popular for its illuminations during the summer holidays and Christmas season every year. If you want to enjoy nature, head to Picchio, which offers full-scale nature tours all year round. In winter, Kera Pond in front of Picchio becomes an ice rink. Skating in the great outdoors is also recommended.

To conclude your stroll around the area, head to "Hoshino hot spring Tombo no Yu." Relax your body and mind in this day-trip hot hot spring with natural spring water. Parking is available within the area. You can also Direction by local bus from Karuizawa Station.

Karuizawa Hoshino area

• https://www.hoshino-area.jp
• Hoshino MAP, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
• Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• Approximately 20 minutes by Seibu Tourist Bus from JR Karuizawa Station, get off at the "Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu" bus stop
• Varies by Property
• Varies by Property
• Varies by Property
• Paid

2Karuizawa Taliesin

A lakeside art forest perfect for a leisurely stroll with the family

This comprehensive resort Property which is centered around Lake Shiojiri and covers an area of approximately 100,000 square meters, houses an art museum, leisure Property, Restaurant, and shops. "Taliesin" means "shining brow" in Welsh, and is said to have its origin in "Taliesin," a fairy in charge of art in Celtic mythology.
The grounds are dotted with the Peynet Museum, which houses works by French painter Raymond Peynet, the Beniko Fukasawa Wildflower Museum, and Suikyuso, a relocated villa used by French literature scholar Tomoko Asabuki, so you can easily spend half a day here having fun.

An exhibition of the mountain villa where Tatsuo Hori, author of "The Wind Rises," spent his summers in Karuizawa

A short distance from the shores of Lake Shiojiri, on the grounds of the Karuizawa Kogen Bunko Library, is a mountain villa that was once located in Kamanosawa, Kyu-Karuizawa, and is said to have been purchased from an American by author Tatsuo Hori, known for works such as "Utsukushii Mura" (A Beautiful Village) and "Kaze Tachinu" (The Wind Rises), and where he stayed every summer from 1941 (Showa 16). This quaint building was later used as a summer studio for the painters Shozo and Beniko Fukazawa, and is well worth a visit.
Additionally, the Karuizawa Kogen Bunko exhibits handwritten manuscripts and favorite items left behind by famous Karuizawa writers, such as Takeo Arishima and Yaeko Nogami.

Karuizawa Taliesin

• http://www.karuizawataliesin.com/
• 217 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Karuizawa Town Circulator Bus (East/Southbound Line) on the outer loop for about 25 minutes, then get off at "Kazakoshi Park" and walk for about 15 minutes
• 9:00-17:00 (December and January: 10:00-16:00)
• Irregular holidays
  For details, Here Please check.
• Adults: 900 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students): 400 yen
  Peinet Museum (including admission fee) Adults 1,100 yen, Children 500 yen
  Karuizawa Kogen Bunko: Adults 800 yen, Children 400 yen *Park admission fee not included
  Beniko Fukasawa Wildflower Museum: Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen *Separate admission fee
  Museum set ticket (includes admission, Peinet Museum, Karuizawa Kogen Bunko Library, and Fukazawa Beniko Nonohana Museum): 1,600 yen for adults, 800 yen for children
  *Free for infants (ages 0-5)
• 0267-46-6161
• Paid

3Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

A resort-style shopping mall where you can spend the whole day with your family and friends

A lush shopping mall that spreads out in front of the south exit of Karuizawa Station. Approximately 240 stores are gathered on a vast site of about 260,000 m2. The site is divided into 10 shopping and gourmet zones, so you can easily spend a whole day there. There is a wide variety of shops, from high-end brands to casual apparel, miscellaneous goods, souvenirs, and local gourmet food, so no child or adult will get bored. We recommend that you get a floor map from the official website in advance and make a plan for shopping and dining before visiting.

Many shops allow pets

The on-site "Lawn Square" has a "Kids Park" equipped with various play equipment, and there are plenty of services for kids and babies. Strollers are also available for rental (advance reservations required).
Karuizawa is also unique in that it offers a wide range of services for pets. In the "Tree Mall" area, where pet-related shops are gathered, there are many shops where you can bring your pet. If your pet is on a leash, you can enter the "Lawn Plaza". There are also toilets and foot washing areas for pets.

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

• http://www.karuizawa-psp.jp/
• Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture Karuizawa MAP
• About 3 minutes walk from JR Karuizawa Station
• 10:00-19:00 (varies depending on the season)
• Irregular holidays
• 0267-42-5211
• Free for the first 2 hours after entering. 100 yen per hour thereafter. *Free all day for purchases of 30,000 yen or more.

4Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

The main street of Kyu-Karuizawa, lined with souvenir shops and popular bakeries

Karuizawa's main street is known as "Kyu-Karu Ginza." Starting from the Kyu-Karu rotary and continuing to Tsuruya Ryokan, the 750m road is lined with restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, bakeries, and more that represent Karuizawa. This is the site of the old Nakasendo road, where Karuizawa Inn was located during the Edo period, and since the Taisho period, it has served as the gateway to Karuizawa, bustling with villas for foreigners and business people. Even today, it remains a popular spot that everyone should visit at least once during their stay in Karuizawa, with many tourists enjoying shopping and eating their way around on weekends.

Take a short trip to the Anglican Church of Japan Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Chapel

If you feel like taking a break during your walk, we recommend stopping by the Karuizawa Tourist Hall, which has an impressive retro exterior. Inside, there is a rest area, as well as paid toilets (100 yen) and a nursing space. If you have time after enjoying the old Karuizawa Ginza, take a little further and head to the Anglican Church of Japan Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Chapel. This wooden church, standing in the forest, was built by Canadian missionary Alexander Croft Shaw and others, and is said to be the oldest church in Karuizawa.

Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

• http://karuizawa-ginza.org/
• 634 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 3 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• Take the Seibu Tourist Bus bound for "Kusatsu hot spring" from the north exit of JR Karuizawa Station for about 3 minutes and get off at "Kyu-Karuizawa"
• Varies by store
• Varies by store
• 0267-42-5538
• Paid (use nearby Parking)

5Shiraito Falls

A famous waterfall where groundwater flows like a thread from the rock face in the deep forest.

If you leave the Kyu-Karuizawa area and go through Mikasa Street, then go up the tourist toll road "Shiraito Highland Way", you will come across Shiraito Falls. The waterfall has a drop of about 3m and a width of about 70m, and spreads out along the rock face. The waterfall was formed when groundwater welled up from the rock face, and you can enjoy the fantastic sight of silk-like water pouring down. The surrounding area is a quiet forest, and if you have time, you will want to look at it for a long time. You can experience the beauty of each season: fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowscapes in winter.

During the summer, there is also a fantastic projection mapping.

The promenade along the mountain stream from Shiraito Highland Way to Shiraito Falls is also pleasant, allowing you to fully enjoy the nature that is so typical of Karuizawa.
If you visit Shiraito Falls in the summer, you should check out the projection mapping. Every year from late July to late August, the "Karuizawa Shiraito Falls Midsummer Illumination" is held. The fantastical world lit up in blue and purple is a must-see.
In addition, in winter, Shiraito Falls is lit up for a total of 12 days during the three periods of Christmas, New Year, and Valentine's Day, allowing you to see special displays that can only be seen during this time.

Shiraito Falls (Karuizawa)

• Nagakura (Oze), Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 25 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Kusakaru Kotsu bus bound for "Kusatsu hot spring" for about 25 minutes, get off at "Shiraito Falls" and walk for about 3 minutes
• 24 hours
• Open daily
• free
• free

6Karuizawa Kogen Church

A historic church where many cultural figures, including Hakushu Kitahara and Toson Shimazaki, gathered

This historic church stands in the beautiful forest of Karuizawa Hoshino Area in Nakakaruizawa. It was founded in 1921 (Taisho 10) as the result of the "Arts Freedom Education Seminar," which brought together many cultural figures and famous people such as Kitahara Hakushu and Shimazaki Toson. The spirit of "an open church where people gather" has been passed down to the present day, and the church warmly welcomes all visitors. The "Hoshino Yugakudo" inscribed at the entrance to the church was named by Uchimura Kanzo, a Christian evangelist from the Meiji and Taisho periods. It is based on the philosophy born from the Arts Freedom Education Seminar: "Play is also good, and play is also learning."

The parsonage next to the church is a place where people can come back to whenever they want.

Anyone can visit the church. If you are unable to visit due to a wedding or other reason, please visit the "parsonage" next door. There are panels introducing the history and seasonal events of Karuizawa Kogen Church, as well as photos and messages from people who have had their weddings at Karuizawa Kogen Church. It is also a place where people who have had their weddings at the church can always be welcomed back, and it seems that many people who have had their weddings here return to this place at various turning points in their lives. In addition to the weekly Sunday morning service, there is also a popular event in the summer and Christmas season where the entire forest in front of the church is lit up with lantern candles.

Karuizawa Kogen Church

• https://www.karuizawachurch.org
• Hoshino MAP, Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture
• Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Seibu Tourist Bus bound for "Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu" for about 20 minutes, then get off at the last stop and walk for about 3 minutes.
• 10:00-17:00 (open for viewing except during wedding ceremonies)
• Open daily
• free
• 0267-45-3333
• Free (Please use Parking of Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court located on the same premises)

7Louvre Museum

A museum where you can experience the liberal education and culture of the Taisho period

This museum inherits the ideas of Nishimura Isaku, one of the leading cultural figures of the Taisho Democracy period, who loved Karuizawa. Nishimura was well versed in Western art and culture, and in 1921 (Taisho 10) founded and designed Bunka Gakuin (now closed), which he designed to give form to his ideal education. The museum reproduces the school building to the present day, conveying the liberal education of that time. In addition to Nishimura's own works, the museum also exhibits works by Yosano Tekkan and Akiko, who were his friends, and Ishii Hakutei. The carefully maintained garden is also popular, attracting many repeat visitors every year.

There will also be dyeing and woodworking workshops that parents and children can participate in together.

The Levain Museum is open every year from early June to early November. During this period, various events are held. Among the most popular are workshops such as pottery classes, dyeing experiments, and woodworking classes. Some classes are open to elementary school students, and many parents and children come here to try their hand at creating their summer vacation homework (check the official website for event details). In addition, classical music concerts are held every week during August.
There is also a cafe terrace overlooking the garden and a museum shop. Pets are allowed in the garden and cafe.

Louvre Museum

• http://www.levent.or.jp
• 957-10 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Karuizawa Town Circulator Bus (East/Southbound Line) for about 30 minutes on the inner loop, then get off at "Sugikuri Iriguchi" and walk for about 2 minutes
• Mid-June to early November 10:00-17:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
• Wednesdays (open on public holidays, closed the following day, open August 1st to September 15th), off-season from November to the following May
• Adults: 800 yen, high school and university students: 600 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 400 yen, children under elementary school age: free
• 0267-46-1911
• free

8Karuizawa Ice Park

Japan's largest curling Property offering Experience classes for beginners

Opened in 2013 within Karuizawa Kazakoshi Park, this is one of Japan's largest curling Property. The year-round Curling Hall, equipped with six sheets, hosts major domestic and international competitions. Experience classes are available for curling beginners, and you can borrow all the equipment, including winter clothing (reservations required and a fee required). The class is for children aged 5 and over, and you can rest assured that you will be Experience the basic movements and rules. The appeal of curling is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and there are even families where three generations of parents and children participate in Experience classes.

There is also a full-scale outdoor skating rink where you can enjoy skating all year round.

The museum also has a space displaying materials related to Olympic curling athletes.
There is also an outdoor skating rink with a full-scale 400m oval course. Outside of the winter season, it is also used as a roller skating rink. Of course, you can also rent skates. You can enjoy skating with your family and friends in the summer and winter. Part of the skating rink is an outdoor futsal court with artificial turf, which can be rented for private use in the summer (reservations and fees required).

Karuizawa Ice Park

• http://kazakoshi-park.jp/ice-park/
• 1154-1 Hatchi, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Karuizawa Town Circulator Bus (East/Southbound Line) for about 25 minutes on the outer loop, then get off at "Kazakoshi Park" and walk for about 5 minutes
• 9:00～22:00
• Year-end and New Year holidays *The outdoor skating rink is also open from 12/31 to 1/1
• Curling Experience 60-minute course 2,420 yen, 90-minute course 3,420 yen, 120-minute course 4,540 yen
  *Dates are fixed depending on the course. Check the reservation site
  Age limit: 5 years and above
• 0267-48-5555
• free
• https://coubic.com/karuizawaicepark(カーリング体験予約サイト)

9Karuizawa Town Agricultural Products Direct Sales Property Karuizawa Hotchi Market

A large-scale farmer's market where you can buy Karuizawa's locally grown vegetables, with long queues expected

This large-scale farm shop opened in Minami Karuizawa in 2016. You can buy agricultural products and processed goods produced in Karuizawa Town, with a focus on the local brand vegetable "Karuizawa Kirishita Vegetables®". It is so popular that even on weekdays, there are long lines before the store opens at 9am. Apparently, chefs from local Restaurant come to buy the vegetables brought directly by the producers. In addition to vegetables, the store also sells processed foods such as jams and soba noodles, as well as prepared dishes. There is also Restaurant on-site where you can eat dishes made with local ingredients.

If you want to enjoy locally grown vegetables at home, we recommend a refrigerated delivery service.

The highlights are the fresh vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Karuizawa-grown corn is especially popular in the summer, and you can feel the difference the moment you try it. Popular vegetables can sell out by noon, so it's best to visit in the morning. You can also arrange for delivery at the counter attached to the direct sales store, so you can enjoy the taste of the local produce at home.
In addition, a soba noodle making Experience class is held on the first and third Sunday of every month. Parents and children over elementary school age can participate, and you can Experience from making soba to tasting it (additional charge).

Karuizawa Town Agricultural Products Direct Sales Property Karuizawa Hatchiichi Garden

• https://hotch-ichiba.com/
• 2564-1 Hatchi, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Karuizawa Town Circulation Bus (East/Southbound Line) on the outer loop for about 20 minutes and get off at "Karuizawa Hatchi Ichiba"
• 9:00-17:00 (9:00-16:00 from January to March)
• Every Wednesday from November to March, and New Year's holidays *There are also two other maintenance closures each year
• 0267-45-0037
• free

10Hiroshi Senju Museum of Art, Karuizawa

Exhibiting masterpieces by world-renowned Japanese painter Hiroshi Senju

This is an art museum where you can appreciate the works of Hiroshi Senju, a Japanese painter who is active on the world stage, alongside the beautiful nature of Karuizawa. More than 50 pieces are always on display, with a focus on his signature motif of "waterfalls." The building, characterized by its soft glass forms, was designed by architect Ryue Nishizawa. One of the museum's attractions is the space designed by Nishizawa, who is also world-renowned as part of the unit SANAA with Kazuyo Sejima. You can enjoy a tranquil art Experience where the fantastical works combine with a courtyard filled with colorful trees and perennials, and the light streaming in through the large glass windows.

The attached shop and cafe are stylish and comfortable.

The premises also include a cafe run by Karuizawa's long-established bakery, Boulangerie Asanoya. After appreciating the art, you can soak in the afterglow of their specialty bread and coffee. Next to it is the museum shop, which sells original goods and books related to Senju Hiroshi. In addition to the museum, there is also a gallery that holds special exhibitions in a variety of genres from time to time. If you have time, it would be a good idea to check it out along with the artworks in the museum.

Hiroshi Senju Museum of Art, Karuizawa

• https://www.senju-museum.jp
• 815 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
  Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Nakakaruizawa Station on the Shinano Railway
• 9:30-17:00 (entry until 16:30)
• Tuesdays (open on public holidays, Golden Week, and from July to September)
  Closed for winter from December 26th to the end of February
• Adults: 1,500 yen, high school and university students: 1,000 yen, junior high school students and younger: free
• 0267-46-6565
• free