Karuizawa: a day in Tokyo's favourite mountain resort
Karuizawa is a cool, green resort town on a high plateau in Nagano, where Tokyo has escaped the summer heat for more than a century. Larch forests, quiet ponds, waterfalls and an old high street full of cafés make it a gentle contrast to the city, and in autumn its colours are among the best near Tokyo.
Kumoba Pond and the forests
Kumoba Pond, sometimes called Swan Lake, is a small lake ringed by maples and a walking path of about twenty minutes. It is at its most beautiful in late October and early November, when the trees turn red and gold and reflect in the water. The surrounding villa district is quiet and shaded.
Shiraito Falls
A short drive into the mountains, Shiraito Falls is a wide, low curtain of spring water seeping out of a mossy rock face, rather than a single drop. It is lovely in the fresh green of early summer and in autumn colour. The road continues towards the volcano, Mt Asama, with views on clear days.
The old town and the outlets
Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza is the old main street, with bakeries, jam shops and cafés, and the stone St Paul's Catholic Church nearby. Next to the station, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is a large outlet mall set around a lawn and a pond, popular for a few hours of shopping before the drive home.
Shinkansen or car?
The Hokuriku Shinkansen reaches Karuizawa in about an hour from Tokyo Station, so the train is fast if you stay in the town centre. By car it takes about two to two and a half hours, but the car makes the day: the falls, the pond and the volcano views are spread out and buses are infrequent, and your shopping rides home with you.
By car, and the price
A ten hour day from your Tokyo hotel to Karuizawa and back is from ¥157,500 for the Toyota Alphard with up to four guests, with tolls, parking and fuel included and the price confirmed in writing. For a night or two in a mountain hotel, we quote a multi day trip. Your chauffeur can speak English, Italian, Spanish, French or Japanese, at the same price.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Karuizawa from Tokyo?
About an hour by Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, or two to two and a half hours by car.
When is the best time to visit Karuizawa?
Late October and early November for autumn colours, and July and August to escape the summer heat.
What is there to do in Karuizawa?
Kumoba Pond, Shiraito Falls, the old main street of Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza, and the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza outlets.
Do I need a car in Karuizawa?
Not for the town centre, but the falls, the pond and the volcano views are spread out and buses are infrequent, so a car makes the day much easier.