Best things to do in Karuizawa

Karuizawa's Absolute Essentials

Karuizawa features a collection of Western-style historical landmarks and natural scenery at the foot of Mount Asama. This list highlights the 1906 wooden Mikasa Hotel, the 1935 St. Paul’s Catholic Church designed by Antonin Raymond, and the historic Mampei Hotel. Natural sites include the 70-meter wide Shiraito Falls and Kumoba Pond. Modern leisure is represented by Harunire Terrace’s riverside shops and the expansive Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, all accessible via the central Shinkansen station.

Karuizawa's Absolute Essentials — Map

tsushima / CC BY 3.0

A

旧三笠ホテル

A Western-style wooden hotel built in 1906 and designated as an Important Cultural Property. It features unique architectural details like curved brackets and chandelier lighting, representing Karuizawa's history as a summer retreat for the elite.

Batholith / Public domain

B

Mt. Asama

Mount Asama is an active complex volcano in central Honshū, the main island of Japan. The volcano is the most active on Honshū.

Hiroaki Kaneko / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

白糸の滝

A 3-meter high, 70-meter wide waterfall where groundwater filters through volcanic rock layers, creating thin white threads of water. Unlike most falls, it is fed by subsurface water rather than a river.

Hiroaki Kaneko / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

雲場池

A narrow pond known as "Swan Lake," famous for its seasonal reflections of autumn maples and summer greenery. A walking path circles the water, offering views of the surrounding forest and local villas.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

E

ハルニレテラス

A riverside complex of shops and restaurants built on a broad wooden deck. Part of the Hoshino area, it is shaded by over 100 wild harunire (elm) trees and sits alongside the Yukawa River.

Wiiii / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

聖パウロカトリック教会

Established in 1935, this wooden church was designed by Czech-American architect Antonin Raymond. It is characterized by its steep triangular roof, exposed interior beams, and rustic timber construction.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

G

万平ホテル(MAMPEI HOTEL)

One of Japan’s most historic Western-style hotels, established in 1894. It is famous for its classic architecture and for hosting notable guests including John Lennon. The hotel features a distinctive cafe and a museum room.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

H

つるや旅館

A traditional inn located at the end of the Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza street. Once a rest house on the Nakasendo trail, it became a favorite retreat for prominent Japanese literary figures, including novelist Tatsuo Hori.

I

軽井沢・プリンスショッピングプラザ

An expansive outlet mall located directly outside Karuizawa Station. It features over 200 stores, ranging from luxury brands to outdoor gear, arranged around a large central park and pond.

Rsa / CC-BY-SA-3.0

J

Karuizawa

Karuizawa Station is a railway station in the town of Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan, operated jointly by the JR Group company East Japan Railway…