Local Guide
【2025年版】春の軽井沢エリアで訪れたいイベント&お花見スポット7選

Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture is located on a plateau at an altitude of 1,000m and is surrounded by lush greenery, so it attracts many tourists throughout the year, who come to escape the heat in the summer and visit the ski resorts in the winter. In the spring, there are cherry blossom viewing spots where you can enjoy the combination of nature and cherry blossoms, as well as events unique to the Karuizawa area. Here, we will introduce some recommended cherry blossom spots and events that are perfect for visiting in the spring.

Enjoy the arrival of spring in a mimosa-colored space filled with gratitude

A wooden deck decorated with yellow flower curtains and interactive flower art
A wooden deck decorated with yellow flower curtains and interactive flower art

In Karuizawa Hoshino Area, an event called "Hello Yellow" will be held to convey "thank you" in honor of the mimosa flower, which heralds the arrival of spring. The entire Harunire Terrace will be painted in the color of mimosa.
The benches overlooking the river, the tables designed to look like blooming flowers when viewed from above, and the large flower-shaped carpet create a gorgeous yellow space. You can spend a relaxing time in the warm early spring sunshine.

Mimosa-colored event-only drinks and sweets will also be on sale at each store

"Citrus Parfait" using hassaku and ponkan oranges served at "Sajiro Cafe Linden" 1,430 yen (limited quantity)
"Citrus Parfait" using hassaku and ponkan oranges served at "Sajiro Cafe Linden" 1,430 yen (limited quantity)

Don't miss out on the original gourmet foods and items that will make you feel happy just by looking at them, such as drinks and sweets inspired by yellow flowers that evoke the feeling of spring, and items decorated with mimosa.
In addition, if you purchase a gift item, you will receive a gift tag to attach to the shopping bag, which was created in collaboration with the owner of the interior shop "NATUR TERRACE." By adding a message, you can express your daily gratitude to the recipient.

▼Hello Yellow
Period: March 1st (Sat) - April 6th (Sun) 2025
Venue: Karuizawa Hoshino Area
Admission: Free
URL: https://www.hoshino-area.jp/event/helloyellow

Karuizawa Hoshino Area
  • URLhttps://www.hoshino-area.jp/
  • 住所Hoshino MAP, Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture
  • アクセスApproximately 15 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
  • 営業時間Shop 10:00~18:00
    Restaurant 11:00~22:00 (Last orders 21:00)
    *Varies by season and store
  • 定休日Open daily
  • TEL050-3537-3553
  • 駐車場Paid (If you spend a total of 2,000 yen or more at Property and shops in the Hoshino area, you can extend your free parking time by up to 2 hours)

A spectacular sight! Colorful, unique hot air balloons light up the sky

You can get a close-up look at over 40 hot air balloons soaring into the sky.
You can get a close-up look at over 40 hot air balloons soaring into the sky.

This is one of Japan's leading hot air balloon competitions, held every year during Golden Week along the Chikuma River in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture.
With the theme of "Inspiring Children!", the festival will bring the wonders of nature and the beauty of Shinshu to children through hot air balloons. The highlight is the spectacular flight competition between top hot air balloon pilots from Japan and abroad. Over 40 colorful hot air balloons will soar into the sky from the vast plateau of Sakudaira. Experience of watching the hot air balloons up close will be an unforgettable memory for everyone. Other Experience events will also be held, including classes to learn how hot air balloons work and kite-making classes. It's sure to be enjoyed by everyone, from children to adults.

▼Saku Balloon Festival
Date and time: May 3rd, 2025 (Saturday/Holiday) to May 5th, 2025 (Monday/Holiday)
Venue: Chikuma River Sports Exchange Square
Admission: Free
TEL: 0267-62-3285
URL: https://www.sakukankou.jp/balloon/

Saku Balloon Festival
  • 住所Nagano Prefecture, Saku City, Naruse 505-1 Chikuma River Sports Exchange Square MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 45 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
  • TEL0267-62-3285
  • 駐車場free

Enjoy the combination of Karuizawa's nature and wild cherry blossoms

Yamazakura, with a deeper pink color than Somei-Yoshino, stands out in the natural surroundings.
Yamazakura, with a deeper pink color than Somei-Yoshino, stands out in the natural surroundings.

Located in Minami Karuizawa, this leisure Property surrounds Lake Shiozawa. Its vast grounds are home to a rose-filled garden, historical buildings, shops, Restaurant and more, and it is visited by many people regardless of the season.
The main type of cherry blossoms you can see are Yamazakura. With Mount Asama in the background, cherry trees with deep pink blossoms line the lakeside, allowing you to enjoy the majestic nature of Karuizawa. In early spring, not only cherry blossoms but also other flowers such as the eye-catching bright yellow forsythia and the elegant white petals of the Magnolias begin to bloom, allowing you to enjoy the faintly colored spring scenery.

[Blooming season] Usually mid-April
[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Late April to early May
[Type of cherry blossom] Ooyamazakura

Karuizawa Taliesin
  • URLhttp://www.karuizawataliesin.com/
  • 住所217 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 10 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
  • バスアクセス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
  • 営業時間9:00-17:00 (December and January: 10:00-16:00)
  • 定休日Irregular holidays
    For details, Here Please check.
  • 入場料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)
  • TEL0267-46-6161
  • 駐車場Paid

The weeping cherry blossoms in various shades of pink are a must-see

There are also playground equipment such as swings and slides, making it a perfect place to bring children to cherry blossom viewing.
There are also playground equipment such as swings and slides, making it a perfect place to bring children to cherry blossom viewing.

This park is located about a 5-minute walk from Karuizawa Station. In addition to a large field and various playground equipment, there is a large pond where ducks swim when it gets warmer, and it is visited by many families on weekends. From the park, you can also see two mountains, Mt. Hanareyama and Mt. Asama, at the same time.
There are about 50 cherry blossom trees along the side road leading to the adjacent Ohga Hall, and the weeping cherry trees with their different shades of pink, from deep to light, are particularly impressive. There are benches right under the trees, so you can spend a relaxing time surrounded by the cherry blossoms.

[Blooming period] Usually in April
[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Late April every year
[Types of trees] Ooyamazakura, Somei-Yoshino, weeping cherry, etc.

Yagasaki Park

Be enchanted by the tunnel of cherry blossom petals dancing up

The pale pink cherry blossom tunnel is also a popular photo spot.
The pale pink cherry blossom tunnel is also a popular photo spot.

Setsudo Park, located almost in the center of Miyota Town, next to Karuizawa Town, is the town's most famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Within the park, there is a "cherry blossom tunnel" made of rows of cherry trees, and we recommend taking a leisurely stroll while walking under the tunnel. Looking up on a clear day, you will see a stunning contrast between the deep blue sky and the pale pink of the cherry blossoms.
There is a spacious lawn where you can lay out a picnic sheet and enjoy cherry blossom viewing with family and friends during the cherry blossom season.

[Blooming season] Usually mid-April
[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Late April to early May
[Type of tree] Yamazakura, etc.

Yukimado Park

A historic cherry blossom viewing spot where Komoro's unique double-flowered weeping cherry blossoms bloom in full glory

From the top of the stone wall, you can see the cherry blossoms filling the arena below and the "sea of cherry blossom clouds."
From the top of the stone wall, you can see the cherry blossoms filling the arena below and the "sea of cherry blossom clouds."

This is one of Nagano's most famous cherry blossom spots, and was selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan" by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association in 1990. The contrast between the moss-covered stone walls surrounding the main citadel and the cherry blossoms is beautiful, creating a tasteful Japanese spring scene. Within the garden, several types of cherry blossoms, including Somei-Yoshino, weeping cherry, and Higan cherry, bloom in succession. Among them, the deep crimson Komoro Yaebeni Shidare, a cherry tree that originated in Komoro, is a must-see.
The Komoro Castle Ruins Kaikoen Cherry Blossom Festival is held every April, with events such as photo contests and musical instrument concerts held on certain days, and the area is also lit up during the period.

▼Komoro Castle Ruins Nostalgic Garden Cherry Blossom Festival
Period: Tuesday, April 1st to Friday, April 25th, 2025
Illumination: Sunset to 22:00

[Blooming season] Usually early April
[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Mid to late April
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-yoshino, weeping cherry, Komoroyaebenishidarue, etc.

Komoro Castle Ruins Nostalgia Park
  • URLhttps://www.city.komoro.lg.jp/kaikoen/index.html
  • 住所311, Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 45 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
  • 営業時間9:00～17:00
  • 定休日Open everyday (closed every Wednesday from December to the second week of March, and during the New Year holidays)
  • 入場料High school students and above: 400 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 150 yen
  • TEL0267-22-0296
  • 駐車場Paid

The stunning beauty of somei-yoshino cherry trees over 100 years old

An enormous weeping cherry tree boasting an impressive height, located next to the Fureai Hiroba
An enormous weeping cherry tree boasting an impressive height, located next to the Fureai Hiroba

Affectionately known as "Nagano Ranch," this is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot for families. Although it is located very close to the city center, you can see Mount Asama towering in the background and enjoy a panoramic view of the natural beauty of Saku Plain.
From late April, about 50 old Yoshino cherry trees, some over 100 years old, will be in full bloom. Among the beautiful rows of cherry trees, you can also see the imposing giant weeping cherry trees. At the "Interaction Square" on the farm, you can get up close and personal with the baby goats that are born every spring, providing a soothing experience for all visitors.

[Blooming season] Usually mid-April
[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Late April to early May
[Type of tree] Somei-Yoshino cherry, weeping cherry

Livestock Breeding Center Ibaraki Farm Nagano Branch

MAP

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<Spring cherry blossom viewing spots>
Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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