Karuizawa is essentially the Hamptons of Japan. If you are expecting a rugged, untouched mountain village where you might stumble upon a lonely monk, you are in the wrong place. Instead, it is more like a polished resort town built for upscale weekend getaways.
Because it is only about an hour from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, it is a great place to visit all year. In spring, the town slowly thaws out, giving you the perfect weather to see the blooms. In summer, it is where the Tokyo locals, and occasionally even the Imperial Family, head when the humidity in the capital becomes unbearable. In autumn, the fall leaves are beautiful, as long as you do not mind sharing the view with a crowd of people holding cameras with huge telephoto lenses. And of course, it is one of the most popular Tokyo winter day trips for anyone who wants to see snow without traveling all the way to Hokkaido.
With so many different ways to spend your trip, it is easy to get caught in tourist traps. But by the time you finish this guide, I will make sure you know exactly which things to do in Karuizawa are actually worth your time.
Karuizawa Neighbourhoods
Karuizawa Station and the Prince Area
The station area is dominated by the Prince Shopping Plaza, a massive outlet mall and arguably the most famous part of the town for domestic travellers. Even if you are not into shopping, the layout is impressive with its large grassy lawns and artificial ponds. This is where you find the big international brands and a lot of very well-dressed dogs in strollers. Yes, dog strollers are a massive thing here. If you are looking for a quick bite before heading elsewhere, the food court here is actually decent, though it gets absolutely swamped during lunch hours.
Kyu-Karuizawa (Old Karuizawa)
This is the historic part of the town. If you head north from the station and walk for about twenty minutes, you will hit the Ginza Shopping Street. Not to be confused with the Ginza in Tokyo, this version is much more rustic, with wood-clad shops selling jam, honey, and handmade crafts. It is the place to go if you want to feel the history of the area as a foreign missionary retreat from the late 19th century.
If you wander just a few streets away from the main strip, the crowds disappear, and you are left with beautiful moss-covered stone walls and massive wooden villas that clearly require a staggering bank account to maintain.
Naka-Karuizawa and the Hoshino Area
A few kilometres west of the main station is Naka-Karuizawa. This area is home to the Hoshino Resorts empire, and where you will find the trendy Harunire Terrace and the famous hot springs. It is generally a bit quieter than the station area but (much to my dismay) also significantly more expensive.
Minami-Karuizawa and Lake Shiozawa
The southern part of town is much more spread out and focuses on museums and parks, feeling more like a residential suburb which happens to have the best rose gardens and art galleries. If the weather is clear, this area offers some of the best views of Mount Asama, the massive active volcano that looms over the entire region like a grumpy guardian.
Must-Visit Karuizawa Attractions
The list of things to do in Karuizawa is surprisingly long for a town of its size. You could easily spend three days here and still not see everything, especially if you get distracted by the endless supply of high-quality bakeries. Here are the spots that actually live up to the hype.
Kumoba Pond
Known locally as Swan Lake, though I almost always just see ducks floating around, this is the absolute classic Karuizawa photo spot. It is an easy twenty minute walk from the main train station, and has a very peaceful dirt walking path that completely circles the water. The tall trees lean over the water and make it feel like you are deep in the forest.
In autumn, the bright red and orange leaves also create a perfect reflection on the water, and capturing that view is one of the most popular things to do in Karuizawa. However, you should know that it gets wildly crowded with photographers during peak fall foliage season.
- Location: A 20-minute walk northwest from Karuizawa Station.
- Entry: Free.
- Opening Hours: Always open.
Stone Church
Right in the forest near the Hoshino area, this is simply one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture I have seen in Japan. It feels much more like a natural cavern made of stone and glass arches than a traditional building. The thick glass arches let the natural sunlight filter through the trees and shine directly into the room.
It is a highly popular wedding venue, so be careful not to walk way up there only to find it closed for private events. It is a bit of a hike up a steep hill from the nearest bus stop, and you will definitely want to make sure you wear decent walking shoes because the stone pathways can be uneven and sometimes slippery.
- Location: Hoshino Area, about a 15 minute bus ride from the station.
- Entry: Free.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
Shiraito Waterfall
A bit further up the mountain, this waterfall is not about height at all. It is a wide, elegant curve of water that literally looks like hundreds of delicate white threads draping over the mossy rocks. That’s not me being poetic. Its name literally translates to ‘white threads’. The water actually comes directly from the underground spring of Mount Asama, so it stays at a constant cool temperature all year round.
The place is incredibly refreshing, especially in the sticky summer months, as the air around the falls always feels crisp and clean. One thing that surprised me the first time I was there was the number of Japanese people cupping their hands and drinking the falls’ water. It is practically a rite of passage it seems. Of course, I had to try it myself, and I thought it was delicious (well, as delicious as water can be).
The local bus ride up the mountain can be pricey and packed with tourists. Because of that, renting a car is my preferred way to visit. The walk from the parking lot to the actual waterfall is completely flat and easy for just about anyone.
- Location: Along the Shiraito Highland Way toll road.
- Entry: Free (toll road costs 500 yen for cars).
- Opening Hours: Always open, but best visited during daylight hours.
Historic Mikasa Hotel
For a heavy dose of Meiji Era history, this grand wooden building is a total must, as it used to be the prime social hub for Japan’s high society and wealthy elite.
The creaky wooden floorboards and fascinating blend of Western architecture with Japanese craftsmanship give the whole building character. You can look closely at the old wooden furniture and easily imagine what the lavish summer parties looked like a century ago.
Just keep in mind that they often run long term maintenance or extensive renovations on the building to keep it standing. So, if you want to visit, check the status online before making the trip over to see if they are actually letting people inside.
- Location: North of the main station, near the toll road entrance.
- Entry: 400 yen for adults.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church
Alexander Croft Shaw is basically the father of the summer resort town, and his memorial church is quietly hidden away at the very top of Ginza Street. It is a wonderfully simple wooden structure that feels a whole world away from the loud, flashy shops just a few hundred meters down the road. If you walk right out back into the woods, you can look at the replica of Shaw’s original holiday villa.
- Location: At the top of the Old Karuizawa Ginza Street.
- Entry: Free.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
Harunire Terrace
Built on a series of wide wooden boardwalks winding through a beautiful grove of elm trees, this is my absolute favourite place in Karuizawa to grab a drink and simply relax. It is also home to high-quality local restaurants, bakeries, and boutique craft shops.
I highly recommend picking up a cup from the local coffee shop and sitting on the wooden steps by the stream right next to the terrace. The water sounds amazing and the breeze coming off the stream feels great.
It gets very busy on summer weekends, but the thick forest shade keeps the entire area perfectly cool even in the middle of August. If you want to avoid a long wait for lunch, try to get to the restaurants right when they open their doors.
- Location: Hoshino Area.
- Entry: Free to walk around.
- Opening Hours: Varies by shop, but typically 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street
This is the historical main street of the town, filled with bakeries, craft shops, and cafes. Every time I walk down the cobblestones, the smell of fresh bread from the famous local bakeries pulls me right in. You’ll almost always see a long line stretching out the door of Mikado Coffee, but once you get a taste of their mocha soft serve ice cream, you’ll know that it is well-deserved. You will also find endless shops selling locally made fruit jams that make great souvenirs. It is highly commercialized now, but it still holds onto a lot of that classic resort town atmosphere.
- Location: Central Karuizawa, a short bus or bike ride from the station.
- Entry: Free to walk around.
- Opening Hours: Varies by shop, typically 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Usui Pass Observation Platform
Sitting right on the border of Nagano and Gunma Prefectures, this observation deck offers some of the best mountain views in the entire area. Coming up here on a clear day means you can see the Southern Alps and Mount Asama perfectly against the blue sky.
You can hike up a forest trail from the town, which takes about an hour and a half, or you can just take the red retro bus from the town center if you want to save your energy. When I get to the top, I always stop at the little traditional tea house to eat some Chikara Mochi. It is a soft rice cake covered in sweet red bean paste that tastes absolutely amazing after a long walk up the hill.
- Location: About 4 kilometers northeast of Karuizawa Station.
- Entry: Free.
- Opening Hours: Always open, but the tea house operates during the day.
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
You cannot talk about Karuizawa without mentioning this massive outlet mall right next to the train station. It is built around a large grassy park and a beautiful lake, so it actually feels like a relaxing resort instead of a crowded shopping center. Personally, I always end up spending way too much time looking at the camping gear and outdoor equipment stores they have on site.
It is incredibly dog friendly, and you will see locals walking their groomed poodles everywhere. If you want to do some serious shopping, you should dedicate at least half a day to this place because the grounds are massive.
- Location: Directly south of Karuizawa Station.
- Entry: Free.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
Karuizawa Taliesin
Located just south of the town center around Lake Shiozawa, this huge park is a great mix of nature, art, and history. It features historic wooden summer houses that were moved here specifically to be preserved, along with a few small art museums scattered around the grounds. My personal favourite part is the traditional English rose garden, which smells amazing when all the flowers bloom in early summer.
- Location: South Karuizawa, near Lake Shiozawa.
- Entry: 800 yen for park entry, extra for museums.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
Simple 2-Day Itinerary with the Best Things to Do in Karuizawa
Day 1: The Karuizawa Classics
Start your morning at Karuizawa Station. I highly recommend walking straight to Kumoba Pond to beat the biggest crowds. If you are up for biking, renting a bicycle near the station is also a great way to save time and get around all day. From the pond, take a nice stroll over to the Old Karuizawa Ginza Street. You can spend a while walking the entire length of the street, stopping for some fresh baked goods and local jam tasting along the way.
Keep walking up the hill at the end of the street to see the Shaw Memorial Church. After that, you should head up to the Usui Pass Observation Platform. The view from the top lets you look right across the mountains of Gunma and Nagano.
Because the walk up is a very steep hike, I suggest catching the local red retro bus near the shopping street to get to the top. It saves you a lot of time and energy. Once you are done taking pictures, you can ride the bus or hike back down for a late lunch of local soba noodles in the Old Karuizawa area.
Finally, walk back toward the station to spend your evening at the Prince Shopping Plaza. Even if you do not plan to buy a single thing, taking a walk around the outdoor lake to watch the sunset over the mountains is absolutely worth seeing.
Day 2: Nature and Wellness
Start your day at Harunire Terrace for a slow breakfast. From there, you can walk up the hill to see the Stone Church and the nearby Karuizawa Kogen Church. In the afternoon, I highly recommend visiting one of the many local onsens in the area. You will find beautiful public baths with large outdoor sections surrounded by trees.
Finish your day by heading back toward the center for some dinner. Oh, and if you’re looking to grab a cold one, Karuizawa has a massive local beer scene. Ordering a cold Yona Yona Ale, which is the famous local craft beer brewed right here in the area, is the absolute perfect way to wrap up your trip.
Love trying local beers? Come hang out with us on our Tokyo Beer Tasting Tour. We’ll hit up some cool taprooms and the famous Hoppy Street in Asakusa.
FAQs: The Best Things to Do in Karuizawa
Is Karuizawa worth visiting if I do not like shopping?
Absolutely. While the outlet mall is a huge draw, the town’s real charm is in its forests, architecture, and cool climate. If you enjoy hiking or cycling through quiet, shady streets, you will find plenty to do.
How do I get around Karuizawa without a car?
Bicycles are a popular mode of transport for many visitors. You can actually rent a standard bicycle at shops right outside the station for about 1,000 yen for the entire day. If you want an electric bicycle, which I highly recommend to help with the hills, you should expect to pay closer to 1,500 to 2,500 yen. There are also local buses that run to the major spots like Shiraito Falls and the Hoshino area, but they can be infrequent and get very crowded. If you are staying overnight, many hotels offer shuttle buses directly from the station.
Can I visit Karuizawa as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes, it is one of the easiest day trips you can take. The Shinkansen takes about 65 to 75 minutes. If you leave Tokyo around 8:00 AM, you can see the main sights and be back in the city by dinner time. However, if you want to visit the hot springs or the more distant museums, staying one night is much more relaxed.
Is it expensive to eat out in Karuizawa?
It can be. While there are definitely affordable choices,, the “Karuizawa experience” usually involves mid-to-high-priced cafes and restaurants. Budget about 2,000 to 3,000 yen for a decent lunch and significantly more for dinner if you are eating in the Hoshino or Kyu-Karuizawa areas.
