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Located approximately an hour from Tokyo, Karuizawa, nestled in Nagano Prefecture, offers a cool climate and scenic beauty, earning it the nickname “The Switzerland of the East.” With its European-style architecture influenced by Western missionaries, Karuizawa serves as a charming getaway.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the top 10 attractions in Karuizawa for a perfect day trip.
1. Kumoba Pond
Also known as “Swan Lake,” Kumoba Pond is one of Karuizawa’s three famous scenic spots. Surrounded by lush forests, its tranquil waters reflect the surrounding trees, offering a picturesque scene in all seasons—blooming cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant red maple leaves in autumn, and a snowy white landscape in winter.
- Location: Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
- Access: 10-15 minutes by bicycle or a 20-minute walk from JR Karuizawa Station
2. Shiraito Waterfall
Featuring a stunning 70-meter wide veil of water only 3 meters high, Shiraito Waterfall is sourced from Mount Asama. The waterfall resembles thousands of white threads pouring down, creating a majestic and picturesque scene.
- Location: Nagakura, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
- Access: Bus from JR Karuizawa Station to “Shiraito no Taki” stop, then a 5-minute walk
3. Stone Church
Designed by American architect Kendrick Kellogg, the Stone Church integrates natural elements such as stone, light, water, greenery, and trees, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings.
Its structure is a harmonious blend of stone and glass, with a calculated slant in the roof allowing natural light to enhance the sacred ambiance.
- Location: Hoshino, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Access: Bus No. 1 from JR Karuizawa Station to Hoshino Resort Area, then a 9-minute walk
4. St. Paul’s Catholic Church
St. Paul’s Catholic Church, located in Old Karuizawa Ginza, is famous for its fairy-tale architecture. Designed in 1935 by Czech architect Anthony Raymond, it combines concrete slabs and timber, featuring a large spire and a gingerbread-like triangular roof.
- Location: Old Karuizawa, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Access: Bus No. 2 from JR Karuizawa Station to Old Karuizawa, then a 6-minute walk
5. Karuizawa New Art Museum
Transformed from a commercial facility, the Karuizawa New Art Museum showcases contemporary Japanese art in various fields, including painting, sculpture, and more. The building’s design features white columns inspired by larch forests, complemented by glass facades.
- Location: Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays; open until 6:00 PM from July to September)
- Access: A 10-minute walk from the north exit of JR Karuizawa Station
6. Karuizawa Taliesin
This extensive leisure complex spans approximately 100,000 square meters around Lake Shiozawa. It includes museums, art galleries, boating areas, kart racing, tennis courts, a children’s playground, and a rose garden, making it perfect for families and culture enthusiasts.
- Location: Shiozawa, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
- Hours: February to November 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; December to January 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Admission: Adults (high school students and older) ¥900, children (elementary and middle school) ¥400, children under 5 free
- Access: Karuizawa loop bus from JR Karuizawa Station to Shiozawa Lake stop
7. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
One of the largest outlet malls in the Tokyo vicinity, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza covers an area equivalent to about 5.5 Tokyo Domes. It features over 240 stores including famous international and Japanese brands, sports brands, and trendy boutiques. The outdoor areas with meadows and lakes create a relaxing atmosphere ideal for family outings.
- Location: Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Access: A 3-minute walk from the south exit of JR Karuizawa Station
8. Old Karuizawa Ginza Street
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street is the quintessential bustling district of Karuizawa, visited by millions each year. It offers a variety of specialty shops, clothing stores, gourmet restaurants, and dessert cafes. It is a great place to enjoy local delicacies and shop for famous Karuizawa jams, Western-style sweets, and quirky goods.
- Location: Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
- Access: 20-minute walk from JR Karuizawa Station or a 5-minute ride on the town loop bus
9. Elm Tree Street Town
Located in the Hoshino Resort Area of Central Karuizawa, Elm Tree Street Town is named for the over 100 naturally growing elm trees. This town connects nine cabins and 16 shops and restaurants via wooden plank platforms, blending gently with the natural environment.
It hosts popular cafes and restaurants, including Maruyama Coffee and Kawakami-an, among others.
- Location: Nagakura, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
- Access: Take bus No. 1 from JR Karuizawa Station to Hoshino Resort Area, then a 3-minute walk
10. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort
A must-visit during the winter, Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is one of the most accessible ski resorts from Tokyo. It offers 16 ski slopes suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike and features areas for sledding and tubing, making it an ideal family destination.
- Location: Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Access: Free shuttle bus from the south exit of JR Karuizawa Station
Karuizawa provides a diverse range of attractions that cater to both the adventurous and those seeking a peaceful retreat, making it a perfect day trip destination from Tokyo.