Top 9 Recommended Popular Tourist Spots in Karuizawa! Shopping, Nature, and Hot Spring Info Included!

Popular spots where unique shops line up, perfect for shopping fun.

First, let's start with a must-visit spot for shopping in Karuizawa.

Karuizawa, known for its vacation homes, has also been a favorite destination for the high-class crowd. It boasts many sophisticated and unique shops, making it a great place to indulge in some shopping.

Harunire Terrace

Harunire Terrace is a shopping spot managed by Hoshino Resorts, a resort hotel chain with locations all over Japan. It's within walking distance from "Hoshinoya Karuizawa" and "Hoshino Resort Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court," offering not only shops but also cafes and restaurants.

True to its name, Harunire Terrace features 100 hornbeam trees and nine wooden buildings connected by wooden decks, with 16 shops lined up.

Each shop offers unique products, like the stylish Scandinavian goods at "NATUR TERRACE" or "TEAM7 Karuizawa" selling bedding made from natural materials, allowing you to discover fantastic stores you won't find anywhere else.

As for dining options, there's a place serving delicious pizzas baked in a traditional stone oven, and another popular spot where you can enjoy wine and course meals when you want to indulge. "Kashido Izumiya Denbee" offers original sweets blending Japanese and Western flavors, making it a perfect place to choose souvenirs from Karuizawa.

Since you can enjoy Harunire  Terrace even without staying at Hoshino Resorts, we hope you'll visit and have a great time!

• Access: 6 minutes by car from Shinano-Karuizawa Station on Shinano Railway.

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

Located on the south side of JR Karuizawa Station, this outlet mall offers over 200 shops and restaurants for shopping and dining.

Apart from the shopping experience, one of its charms is the stunning landscape that lets you relax and unwind. There's a large pond and an area with lawns called "Tree Mall" and "Garden Mall," where you can take off your shoes and walk around. The adjacent Kids Park, equipped with inflatable athletic facilities, makes it a fun place for families with children.

Among the various restaurants, "Sakure Fleur" stands out. With tents and outdoor tables, it's designed with a glamping theme and has gained popularity for its trendy ambiance. Their hearty meat dishes and BBQ specialties are a must-try, leaving you fully satisfied. Whether you're into camping or not, this place offers a camp-like experience for everyone.

• Access: Right in front of JR Karuizawa Station.

Let's relax and enjoy day-trip hot springs!

When you hear about Karuizawa, you might think of vacation homes and nature, but you may not immediately think of hot springs. However, Karuizawa offers several hot spring facilities, some of which you can enjoy on a day trip.

Hoshino Onsen Tonbo no Yu

Similar to Harunire Terrace, "Tonbo no Yu" is a day-trip hot spring facility operated by Hoshino Resorts. Established in 1915, it's known for being frequented by authors such as Hakushu Kitahara and Akiko Yosano.

The spring quality is a sodium-hydrogen carbonate-chloride spring, known to be effective for lower back pain and poor circulation. Tonbo no Yu has a natural hot spring flowing at 400 liters per minute without any recycling or additional water. It's a high-quality spring known as "beauty hot spring," and you can even drink the water.

The indoor bath in the large bathhouse offers a great view of Karuizawa's nature through large windows, allowing you to relax while listening to the sound of trees swaying in the wind and birds singing.

After enjoying the hot spring, visit the nearby "Cafe Hungry Spot." Here, you can savor Karuizawa Highland beer and soft-serve ice cream, perfect for quenching your thirst. They also have limited-time menu items released every year, making it a shop you'll never tire of revisiting.

• Access: 8 minutes by car from Shinano-Karuizawa Station on Shinano Railway.

Livemax Resort Karuizawa

About a 10-minute walk from Shinano-Oiwake Station, Livemax Resort Karuizawa is a resort hotel with a Spanish-style western building, exuding an exotic atmosphere.

You can use the hot spring facility "Shaka no Yu" here, which brings natural hot springs from the Kinugawa Onsen in Tochigi Prefecture. Kinugawa Onsen is known for its sodium and sulfate spring, believed to be effective for lower back pain. The large bathhouse also features a sophisticated sauna, offering a refreshing sweat session.

After bathing, head to the restaurant to enjoy delicious meals. The space has a Spanish design and furniture, and you can enjoy a buffet-style meal. The menu includes various Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, appealing to all generations.

Besides the hot springs, Livemax Resort Karuizawa also has tennis courts and an outdoor pool. With plenty of things to do throughout the day, staying overnight is also recommended.

• Access: 10 minutes on foot from Shinano-Oiwake Station on Shinano Railway.

Popular Tourist Spots to Enjoy Nature in Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a resort area located at the southeastern foot of Mount Asama, offering numerous tourist spots that embrace the great outdoors.

Nature is said to have relaxing effects, such as forest bathing and negative ions, making it possible to refresh and rejuvenate while sightseeing.

In this section, we'll introduce some of the fantastic nature-filled tourist spots.

Ami-chi Adventure Karuizawa

For those who want to stay active while surrounded by nature, "Ami-chi Adventure Karuizawa" is a recommended place located within the Karuizawa Prince Hotel grounds.

Here, you can enjoy a thrilling experience of "Tree Trekking," climbing up stages set on trees and walking through the forest.

The facility offers four courses, from the beginner-friendly "Entry Course" to the more challenging "Advanced Course," which takes about 40 to 90 minutes to complete with 18 stages in total. The "Advanced Course" lets you experience thrills like climbing over 12 meters high, something you don't get to do every day. If you're up for the challenge and confident in your physical ability, definitely give it a try.

The "Entry Course" is suitable for children over four years old, making it a family-friendly activity.

Besides Tree Trekking, other beginner-friendly activities like "Snack Golf" and "Disc Golf" are also available. Why not try them all together?

• Access: 10 minutes on foot from Karuizawa Station on Shinano Railway.

Shiraito Falls

Among the popular spots in Karuizawa, known as a cool summer destination, "Shiraito Falls" stands out as a perfect cooling spot. It's located near the border with Gunma Prefecture and accessible via the Shiraito Highland Way.

After parking your car, take a stroll along the promenade towards Shiraito Falls. The path is well-maintained, but it's best to wear comfortable sneakers.

Along the way, you can enjoy the sound of the river's murmuring and the familiar Asama stone walls made of lava from Mount Asama. The Asama stone walls covered in moss create a refreshing atmosphere.

After walking for a while, you'll arrive at the impressive Shiraito Falls, which spans about 70 meters. The sight is truly awe-inspiring. With plenty of negative ions at this location, it's sure to heal your everyday fatigue.

Shiraito Falls is beautiful during the fresh green of early summer, but the autumn foliage is also a different charm in summer. In the past, projection mapping events have been held here, so make sure to check the latest information on the website when you visit.

• Access: 25 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station on Shinano Railway.

Souvenir Shopping in Karuizawa!

When traveling, choosing souvenirs can also be an important part of your trip. Karuizawa offers many specialty products made from delicious ingredients grown in its great outdoors.

While souvenirs are sold in various places, we'll introduce two recommended spots that are easy to visit on your first Karuizawa sightseeing trip.

Karuizawa Hocchi-ichiba

Located about 15 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station, "Karuizawa Hocchi-ichiba" is a fresh market selling fresh vegetables and other products harvested in Karuizawa.

In addition to fresh vegetables sourced from local farms every morning, there are plenty of souvenir-worthy items, such as Karuizawa Tokachi soba and walnut soup.

After shopping, you can enjoy a meal at the restaurant that uses local Karuizawa ingredients. The restaurant offers popular menus that focus on local production and consumption, including soba made from Karuizawa-produced buckwheat flour and vegetarian dishes made with organically grown soybeans.

Karuizawa Hocchi-ichiba also serves as a base for local information and holds various limited-time events, such as soba-making workshops and markets focused on sustainable development goals (SDGs). With many participatory events available, why not join one according to your travel schedule?

• Access: 10 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station on Shinano Railway.

Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street (nicknamed "Ginza-dori")

Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street (nicknamed "Ginza-dori") is a collection of shops lining Karuizawa Old Road, and it has been a historic tourist spot since ancient times, even during the Yamato Dynasty period.

Ginza-dori features a variety of shops, including those selling unique souvenirs unique to Karuizawa, traditional crafts, handmade items, and eateries essential for sightseeing.

The charming historic townscape also allows for a pleasant stroll while indulging in Karuizawa gourmet.

After shopping on Ginza-dori, consider visiting the nearby "St. Paulo Catholic Church" in the Old Karuizawa area.

The historical Christian church surrounded by blue skies and green forests evokes a mysterious sensation that will cleanse your soul just by visiting.

Moreover, the street leading from JR Karuizawa Station to Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street is an area with many hotels. If you're unsure about where to base your Karuizawa sightseeing, consider this area as well.

Recommended Spots for Couples' Trip! Must-Visit Date Spots in Karuizawa

Lastly, let's introduce some spots perfect for a date. We'll recommend places where you can take wonderful photos to cherish your memories and spots where your conversations will surely flow.

Trick Art Museum Karuizawa

Located near the Old Nakasendo and Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street, the "Trick Art Museum Karuizawa" is a spot where you can take many fun and interesting photos.

This three-story building has 11 areas divided into different themes, with unique artworks on display. What sets this museum apart is that all the artworks are handmade by artists, despite the current trend of digital art. The charm lies in experiencing the delicate texture of handmade creations up close.

The entire facility is barrier-free and provides wheelchair rental services, making it enjoyable for everyone.

After viewing the artworks, head to "ZaCafé ART aLIVE" inside the museum to enjoy light meals and desserts. The Spanish-style tomato stew with meatballs is perfect for the cold winter, and their gelato, which you'll want to eat year-round, comes highly recommended. Notably, the gelato is an original product you can only enjoy here, made with locally sourced ingredients from Shinshu.

Additionally, there's a shop where you can buy souvenirs, making the original T-shirts a recommended gift.

• Access: 5 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station on Shinano Railway.

Karuizawa Taliasen

"Karuizawa Taliasen" is a resort complex surrounded by forests, offering various facilities such as an art museum, amusement facilities, restaurants, and shops.

Centered around Lake Karuizawa in the resort, numerous facilities like the "Paine Art Museum," "Koko Shinoda Wildflower Art Museum," "Suikaso," and "English Rose Garden" fascinate visitors with opportunities to learn about history and culture.

At the Paine Art Museum, you can see lithographs and beloved art supplies used by the French painter Raymond Paine, making it a must-visit spot for his fans.

After enjoying the art museums, couples are recommended to have an active experience with a boat ride on Lake Karuizawa. You can choose from rowboats, swan boats, and pedal boats. Being on the boat together allows for even more engaging conversations.

After some physical activity, savor a meal at the restaurant by the lakeside. Taliasen's original curry and the white sweet potato croquette from Maki Ga Hara are signature dishes.

For those looking to enjoy a lively meal with friends or family, the BBQ restaurant where you can join without bringing anything is recommended for lunch. Since it requires reservations, don't forget to contact them in advance.

With multiple facilities in this resort, consider planning a full day to fully enjoy everything it has to offer.

• Access: 6 minutes by car from Naka-Karuizawa Station on Shinano Railway.

Karuizawa Sightseeing Itinerary

Now, let's introduce recommended sightseeing routes based on your schedule! Karuizawa offers many attractions, making it an enjoyable destination for both day trips and overnight stays. Feel free to use these model courses as reference when planning your visit.

Day Trip Model Course

Karuizawa is easily accessible from Tokyo, with just a 1-hour 30-minute ride on the Shinkansen. It's a perfect destination for a day trip, offering plenty of exciting tourist spots.

If you're starting from Tokyo, the JR Karuizawa Station serves as the gateway to Karuizawa. Near the station, you'll find Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street, a delightful place to explore just a 5-minute taxi ride away. This area is not only great for souvenir shopping but also offers various items, including traditional crafts and handmade products unique to Karuizawa. Stroll through the historic streets while enjoying some local bites, making it a recommended area for leisurely walks.

Additionally, the Trick Art Museum Karuizawa and other family-friendly spots are nearby, so be sure to take a leisurely walk around.

After enjoying the shopping street, head to Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, an outlet mall where you can also soak in the natural atmosphere of Karuizawa.

With over 200 shops, the plaza offers much more than just shopping. You can also enjoy outdoor activities like the large pond and two lawn areas. On clear days, you'll have a magnificent view of Mount Asama, making it an excellent spot for photographs. Being conveniently located right in front of JR Karuizawa Station, you can play until the last train and easily return to Tokyo.

1 Night 2 Days Model Course

For a 1-night 2-day trip, we recommend exploring areas around Karuizawa Station and Nakakaruizawa Station.

On the first day, head to Nakakaruizawa Station on the Shinano Railway and then move northwest from there. A 5-minute taxi ride away is an area called "Karuizawa Hoshino," operated by Hoshino Resorts.

Here, you'll find stylish spots like Harunire Terrace, a collection of unique shops, a day-trip hot spring facility, and a café where you can enjoy local beers. Harunire Terrace is especially popular as an Instagram-worthy location, offering various unique items that can't be found elsewhere.

After exploring Karuizawa Hoshino, nearby is Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court, where you can spend a lovely night in cottage-style hotel rooms nestled in the woods, resembling a welcoming guesthouse.

Start the second day with breakfast at the hotel, and then take a stroll around the area near JR Karuizawa Station.

A 5-minute walk from Karuizawa Station is Yagasaki Park, a hidden gem where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Asama and Lake Shirakaba.

Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street, where you can enjoy more eating and shopping, is also within walking distance, making it a great addition to your itinerary.

2 Nights 3 Days Model Course

For a more leisurely 2-night 3-day trip, we recommend staying at various hotels and ryokans and exploring different tourist attractions.

Start your first day at JR Karuizawa Station, the gateway to Karuizawa. For efficient sightseeing, we recommend renting a car.

With a rental car, head to "Shiraito Falls," which is about a 25-minute drive from JR Karuizawa Station. The Shiraito Highland Way along the way offers scenic views, so you can enjoy the surrounding landscapes along with your visit.

Once you arrive at the entrance to Shiraito Falls, park your car and take a short walk to the falls. Although the hiking path is well-maintained, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes like sneakers.

At Shiraito Falls, you'll be greeted with a breathtaking view that spans 3 meters in height and 70 meters in width. You can feel the abundance of negative ions, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.

After visiting Shiraito Falls, head to your accommodation for the night. We recommend "Hoshinoya Karuizawa," where you can experience unique rooms that blend in with the natural scenery, making it one of the top hotels in Hoshino Resorts.

On the second day, have breakfast at the hotel, and then take a short drive (about 10 minutes) to "Karuizawa Taliasen," a resort complex where you can enjoy various activities all day.

Here, you can enjoy visiting numerous art museums and experience boating on Shiozawa Lake, offering a combination of both learning and activities.

After sightseeing at the resort, head to your accommodation for the second night, "Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel." This hotel is famous for offering various experiences throughout the year, such as hot springs, skiing, and golf, all making use of the natural surroundings.

On the final day, head to JR Karuizawa Station and explore the area around the station. Enjoy some food and shopping at Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street, where the historical and cultural charm of Karuizawa still lingers.

Whether for a day trip or an overnight stay, Karuizawa is a place that will always soothe your soul.

How was it? We introduced recommended sightseeing spots in Karuizawa, a popular destination known for its cool summer climate and vacation homes.

Karuizawa offers a wide range of attractions, from outdoor activities that embrace nature to relaxing hot springs, gourmet delights, and romantic date spots.

With spots suitable for all generations, it's a perfect destination for families, friends, and anyone looking to spend a great time together on the next weekend getaway. Why not plan your visit to Karuizawa soon?

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