What to do and see in Karuizawa-machi, Japan: The Best Places and Tips

December 27, 2017 Etsuko Causey

The waterfalls, hot springs, and mountain views in Karuizawa make this Japanese town a popular destination for nature lovers. Hike an easy route to the tumbling waters of Shiraito Falls, then head to Kumobaike pond to relax in what legend says is the footprint of a giant. When you tire of the great outdoors, the Kyukaruizawa Ginza shopping district is a wonderful place to spend some time—and some yen.
Restaurants in Karuizawa-machi

1. Picchio Visitor centre - Day tours

Nagakura 2148, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun 389-0194, Nagano Prefecture +81 267-46-7777
Excellent
77%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 90 reviews

Picchio Visitor centre - Day tours

Picchio, established 1992, offers fine eco-tours and nature tours such as Bird watching tour, Flying squirrel watching tour and other animal watching tours. We currently have 12 professional guide that specializes on wild animals and birds and more than 39,000 participants joined our tour in 2012.We also conserves wild animals such as Asian Black Bear since 1998.

Reviewed By ckm818 - Hong Kong, China

We visited this centre and joined the eco-tour on a winter day.
Our eco-tour guide reassured us that winter visit isn't necessarily a disadvantage. I didn't understand. Soon, we were shown animal footprints on snow path; those unique marks left by the wild life won't be visible otherwise. Amazing naturalist guide told us everything during the two-hour walk.
I am sure this is one of the best reasons for returning to Karuizawa during another season, to savour another magical walk. You should, too.

2. Stone Church

389-0195 Hoshino, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun 389-0103, Nagano Prefecture +81 267-45-2288
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 389 reviews

Stone Church

Reviewed By Chrislcc - Kuala Lumpur

One of the famous and must visit spot. The church design is not conventional but utilise nature material and lights to express the architectural design. You can feel naturally cool in the church. Try to take photo from different angle and you will get very different perspective. Thumb up.

3. Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa

815 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun 389-0194, Nagano Prefecture +81 267-46-6565
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 118 reviews

Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa

Reviewed By Iris C - Hong Kong, China

The Hiroshi Senju Museum, designed by Ryue Nishizawa (西沢立衛), is unquestionably one of the most captivating pieces of architecture I have had the privilege to see with my own eyes.
The organically-shaped, curvilinear light wells puncture through the roof, creating some of most exquisite indoor landscapes ever. the Museum itself is as seductive as the collection of artwork it houses.

4. Kumoba Pond

Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun 389-0102, Nagano Prefecture
Excellent
40%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 436 reviews

Kumoba Pond

Reviewed By Sean Seungwon J - Basel, Switzerland

The view of pond and changing colors of leaves was really good. The pond reflects the surrounding scenery. Walking around the pond was really refreshing. The best way to get there is by bike.

5. Karuizawachurch

2144 Ngakura Hoshino, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun 389-0111, Nagano Prefecture +81 267-45-3333
Excellent
40%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 164 reviews

Karuizawachurch

Reviewed By LUVBALIBEACH - Singapore

It was Christmas time and they have many Xmas events. We regret unable to attend as our hotel is far.

6. Karuizawa prince shopping plaza

Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun 389-0102, Nagano Prefecture +81 267-42-5211
Excellent
29%
Good
54%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

Karuizawa prince shopping plaza

Reviewed By Holidaymoody - Hong Kong, China

If you’re passing through Karuizawa enroute to other parts of Nagano, well worth a stop. I’ve been here several times over the last few years and always managed to find something to buy. Mainly good for winter clothing or sportswear. Not huge bargains at the luxury brands (or if the price is deeply discounted, the style is likely to be several seasons off). If you’re making a special trip from Tokyo; not really worth the effort. Note that it’s mainly outdoors so dress warmly if you’re coming in the winter season.

7. Hoshino Area

Hoshino, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun 389-0194, Nagano Prefecture +81 267-44-3580
Excellent
38%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 152 reviews

Hoshino Area

Reviewed By cittabella - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

About 20 minutes drive from Karuizawa train station, Hoshino area is a nice place to chill.
There's a free shuttle bus which brings you from Karuizawa Eki to Hoshino area directly which makes it very convenient for people who don't drive.
The area is covered with tall mature maple tree and it is beautiful all year around. There are hiking areas and bird sanctuary for nature lovers. The whole areas is very peaceful and serene. I thoroughly enjoy a walk in the woods.
The famous Karuizawa Kogen Church and Stone Church are located in the vicinity. There are also cafés, restaurants and cute gifts shops at Harunire Terrace where you can sip coffee and do people watching. There is a renowned public onsen called Dragonfly Hoshino onsen, and a spacious restaurant next to it. There are also plenty of car park in the area.
It's definitely a cozy place to visit during your stay in Karuizawa.

8. Shiraito Falls

Yamanouchicho Shiga Kogen Hasuike, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun 389-0100, Nagano Prefecture
Excellent
28%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 550 reviews

Shiraito Falls

Reviewed By eywchan - Shanghai, China

Took the bus ride from KyuKaruizawa. The bus ride to Shiraito Falls took about 15 minutes. Ask around for the bus schedule to make sure to catch the right timing.
Arrived at the Shiraito bus stop and walked towards the falls. One can never miss it. It was winter and there were frozen parts of the fall. Simply majestic! At night, I can imagine that it is a pretty lonely place. Surrounded by woods, at the end of a slope, it is a beauty.
Recommended to go for a view if you are somewhere near.

9. Kyukaruizawa Ginza-dori

Kyukaruizawa, Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture +81 267-41-1122
Excellent
19%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
30%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 494 reviews

Kyukaruizawa Ginza-dori

Reviewed By Bluesphynx - Singapore

Interesting town centre half an hour's walk from the main railway station. You pass retail shops along the way, some selling the famous fruit jams but at exorbitant prices and a large, clean public toilet provided some temporary shelter in the continuous rain when we were there. The town itself has many small shops as well as a couple of malls and a wide variety of restaurants. We ate very delicious tempura and soba at one which had an automated ordering machine, near St Paul's Church. Bags of apples and persimmons could be bought from some fruit stalls which also sold vegetables grown in the region. Prices were reasonable. The walk back was more harrowing as it began to rain harder and the famous mist started to obscure parts of the town so we were glad to get back to our hotel before dark.

10. Harunire Terrace

Hoshino, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun 389-0194, Nagano Prefecture +81 267-31-0811
Excellent
17%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 509 reviews

Harunire Terrace

Reviewed By readytogoJapan - Japan

We got a parking validation so had a chance to look around. All nice things in the shops. I did purchase some souvenir walnut sweets in one shop..very nicely wrapped in a woven, basket wrapping. Only quality goods sold. Besides shopping and eating you can walk the path and see a lovely rushing river..go up to the area where there is an ice skating pond in winter. Very lovely pleasant area. There is also a hot spring bath in the area.. which we haven't tried yet. Nice stop for lunch or snack and wandering.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.