Karuizawa
Karuizawa, located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, is renowned for its refreshing summer climate and abundant natural landscapes. Boasting a rich cultural and historical background, Karuizawa attracts numerous celebrities and literati who have cherished delightful moments here. Visitors can explore the picturesque Kumoba Pond, visit the historic Stone’s Church on the Karuizawa Plateau, and stroll through the streets of Elm Street Town, admiring the local architecture and scenery. Indulge in regional cuisine, such as at Kawakami-an, and partake in a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, golf, hiking, and bird watching. Whether traveling solo or with family and friends, Karuizawa is a destination well worth exploring.
Accessible by JR Shinkansen from Ueno or Tokyo, Karuizawa is reachable in less than an hour. For those planning to visit other regions in the coming days using JR, it is recommended to purchase the JR PASS Tokyo Wide Area ticket. This three-day pass allows unlimited JR rides without additional charges, and the round trip to Karuizawa alone can offset the JR PASS price. If purchasing on the JR official website, it is advisable to reserve designated seats in advance to ensure a comfortable journey.
Transportation Options in Karuizawa
Originally, the plan was to take a bus from Karuizawa. However, there was a slight mishap on the way to Karuizawa, resulting in a later arrival and a missed bus. In a spontaneous decision, I opted to explore Karuizawa by bicycle. After some online research, White Cat Rental Cycle was a highly recommended option. To locate White Cat Rental Cycle, head to the north exit of Karuizawa Station, turn right after descending the overpass, and walk to the right. It won’t be long before you spot White Cat Rental Cycle. The bicycle rental service operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Address : 30-1 Karuizawahigashi, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0104日本
Tourist Map of Karuizawa
If you’re uncertain about the route and itinerary for your visit to Kumobaike Pond, you can download the detailed travel brochure from the official Karuizawa tourism website. The brochure provides information on attractions and transportation routes.
Kumobaike Pond
Due to our relatively late arrival in Karuizawa, we decided to head straight to Kumobaike Pond. Following that, we planned to visit the Elm Street Town in the central area of Karuizawa for lunch. If time permits, we may explore the Ginzadori Shopping Street in Old Karuizawa.
Next to Kumobaike Pond, there is a bicycle parking area. However, it seems a bit limited, and during peak times, it might be necessary to park bikes outside. The scenery at Kumobaike Pond is truly stunning, with the lake reflecting the sky and surrounding mountains. Ducks swimming on the lake add to the picturesque scene. It’s worth noting that, during our visit, the trees surrounding the pond hadn’t fully sprouted new leaves, giving the area a somewhat barren look. Nevertheless, the view would be even more beautiful once the trees are in full bloom.
After enjoying Kumobaike Pond, our plan is to proceed to Central Karuizawa. The journey from here to Central Karuizawa takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes by bike. We recommend taking the larger and flatter pedestrian path along the railway for a more comfortable ride.
Karuizawa Highland Church
The Karuizawa Highland Church and the Stone Church are located in the same area and can be conveniently visited together. However, during my visit, the Stone Church was undergoing renovations, so I opted to explore the Highland Church. Unfortunately, the Highland Church was hosting a wedding ceremony at that time, and I couldn’t enter for a tour.
Nevertheless, serendipity struck as the wedding ceremony was transitioning to a nearby plaza. During this transition, the staff graciously allowed a five-minute window for visitors to enter and capture some photographs of the wedding scene.
karuizawa elm street town
Elm Street Town is located near the Highland Church, and it is a charming historic shopping street. This street exudes a nostalgic atmosphere, featuring rich cultural elements and traditional architecture, making it one of the most renowned tourist destinations in Karuizawa. Elm Street Town is home to numerous exquisite handicraft stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. The area showcases a plethora of traditional-style buildings and establishments, adding to its allure.
karuizawa Kawakami-an
Arriving at Kawakami-an, the goal is to savor their renowned soba noodles, especially when paired with their delicious tempura. As soon as you approach the entrance, you’re greeted by a queue, reaffirming the restaurant’s well-deserved reputation.
