Local Guide
 Karuizawa's autumn foliage spots for 2025. What is the best time of year to visit and what do local Staff/staff members recommend?

Points on how to enjoy the autumn foliage typical of Karuizawa.

Karuizawa is famous as one of the most popular summer resorts in Japan. Although most attention is focused on summer, Karuizawa is actually known as a famous spot for its autumn foliage. Many "villa-owners" who own a villa in Karuizawa visit the area to enjoy the autumn colors in the quiet autumn.
There are many leisure spots, including art, hot springs, shopping, and dining. There are several scenic spots scattered within a relatively small area accessible by car or bicycle. To make sure you visit in the fall and enjoy the colorful scenery of the autumn leaves, here are some of the carefully selected spots recommended by our local Staff/staff members.

Karuizawa Autumn Foliage Season Temperatures

The average temperature in Karuizawa in October is 10°C. In November, the average temperature is 4.4°C, and the morning and evening temperatures can drop to near freezing. Take full precautions against the cold with winter clothes, hats, scarves, boots, and other accessories, and enjoy the autumn foliage in Karuizawa to your heart's content.

The beauty of the autumn leaves reflected on the surface of the water is captivating.

Kumoba Pond is located about 5 minutes by bus from Karuizawa Station, or about 15 minutes on foot. It is located near the Roppon Tsuji circle intersection, where restaurants and cafes are scattered among the trees. It is one of Karuizawa's most popular tourist spots, attracting many visitors who come to enjoy the view of the trees reflected in the water.

The pond is long and narrow in shape from north to south, and colored trees grow from both sides of the pond to the surface of the water. The best place to view the pond is near the southern entrance. On a fine day, the blue autumn sky and colorful autumn leaves are reflected on the surface of the water, creating a picturesque scene created by nature.
There is also a walking trail along the edge of the pond, which takes about 20 minutes to walk around, and the view while walking is truly fantastic. The beautiful world of the autumn leaves on the opposite shore and the colors reflected on the surface of the water compete with the surrounding groves of trees, creating an overwhelmingly beautiful sight.

Maples and azaleas begin to change color in early October, and the best time to view the leaves is usually from mid-October to early November. Visitors can enjoy the gradation of red, yellow, and orange. To avoid crowds, early morning and dusk are recommended.

Best time to visit: Usually from mid-October to early November.
Kinds of foliage: Japanese maples, azaleas, etc.

*A shuttle bus service is scheduled to operate from Karuizawa Station to the Kumoba Pond area during the fall foliage season only.
Check the details of the shuttle bus at the following: https: //www.town.karuizawa.lg.jp/page/15983.html

Local Guide Comment
The clarity of the water in the pond is also impressive! It is a very relaxing place.
Unba Pond
  • Address Roppon Tsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
  •  Direction 15 minutes walk from Karuizawa Station.
  •  Bus Direction From Karuizawa Station, take the Seibu Kanko Bus bound for Kusatsu or the Karuizawa Town Loop Bus (inner route). 5 minutes from the Roppontsuji/Unba-ike stop. 3 minutes walk from the stop.
  •  TEL 0267-45-8579(Karuizawa Town Tourism and Economy Division)
  •  Parking None

Scenic lakeside foliage changes with the hour

Lake Shiozawa is one of Karuizawa's most famous scenic spots. Karuizawa Tagliassen" is a leisure property that makes the most of the natural beauty of the lake, with an English-style garden, art museum, historical buildings, restaurants, and playground equipment.
The lakeside scenery is dotted with precious villa buildings and relocated Western-style houses from the Meiji period. One of the most popular photo spots is "Soribatoso," which stands by the lakeside. It was designed by the famous American architect Vories.

When the sun goes down, not only the autumn leaves but also the surface of the lake glows with a golden glow, creating a nostalgic scene. It is a moment when you can feel the good old days of Karuizawa. The best time to see the autumn leaves on the lakeside usually starts around October 20. Various events are held in the area, so be sure to check the website.

Best time to see the leaves: Usually from mid-October to mid-November.
Types of foliage: Japanese maples, Japanese larch, etc.

Local Guide Comment
The park is rich in nature and has a calm atmosphere. There are boats and playground equipment for the whole family to enjoy.
Karuizawa Tagliassen
  • Address 217 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
  •  Direction 10 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
  •   Direction From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Karuizawa town circulation bus (eastbound or southbound line), approximately 25 minutes on the outbound route, and a 15-minute walk from the Kazakoshi Koen bus stop.
  •  Business hours 9:00-17:00 (Mon. 10:00-16:00 in December and January)
  •  Closed Closed on non-scheduled holidays
    *For more information, please click here.
  •  Entrance Fee Adults 900 yen, children (elementary and junior high school students) 400 yen
    Peine Museum (including admission fee): Adults 1,100 yen, children 500 yen
    Karuizawa Kogen Bunko: Adult 800 yen, Child 400 yen *Park entrance fee not included
    Beniko Fukasawa Wild Flower Museum Adult 600 yen, Child 300 yen *Admission fee is not included.
    Museum set ticket (including admission fee, Peine Art Museum, Karuizawa Kogen Bunko, and Beniko Fukasawa Wild Flower Museum): Adults 1,600 yen, Children 800 yen
    Infants (0-5 years old) are free of charge.
  •  TEL 0267-46-6161
  •  Parking Charged

A peaceful time at the church in the colorful brocade of autumn

Karuizawa Highland Church is located in the lush forests of the Karuizawa Hoshino Area, and the trees show their beauty in every season. The tree-lined avenue in front of the church is lined with katsura trees, their heart-shaped leaves turning yellow and releasing a sweet fragrance. The maple trees in the forest also turn beautifully red and yellow, and their overlapping reds and yellows look great against the blue autumn sky.
Karuizawa Highland Church, formerly known as "Hoshino Yugakudo," was a place for cultural figures active in the Taisho era (1912-1926) to exchange ideas and thoughts.
The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually from mid-October to early November. First the katsura trees turn yellow, then the maple trees turn from orange to bright red, creating a beautiful gradation of autumn colors.

Best time to visit: Usually from mid-October to early November.
Types of Autumn Foliage】Katsura trees, maple trees, etc.

Local Guide Comment
Anyone can freely stroll along the tree-lined avenue in the courtyard.
Karuizawa Highland Church
  • AddressHoshino, Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction Approximately 20 minutes from JR Karuizawa Station by car.
  •   Direction From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Seibu Kanko Bus bound for "Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu" (about 20 minutes), get off at the last stop, and walk about 3 minutes.
  •  Business hours 10:00-17:00 (tours are available except during weddings)
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission Fee Free of charge
  •  TEL 0267-45-3333
  •  Parking Free (Please use the parking lot of Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court, which is located on the same site.)

A tree-lined avenue of yellow leaves that will immerse you in a romantic mood

Mikasa Street stretches from the Old Karuizawa Rotary toward Kusatsu. It leads to the former Mikasa Hotel (now closed) and is known for its beautiful larch trees that line the street for about 1.4 km.
From mid-October to early November, the tall larch trees lining the center of the road all turn yellow, making the Karuizawa-like townscape even more vivid. It is such a famous sightseeing spot that it has been selected as one of the "100 New Japan Street Trees. Rental bicycles are also recommended.

Best time to visit: Usually from mid-October to early November.
Kind of foliage: Japanese larch, etc.

Local Guide Comment
During the fall foliage season, the trees glow with golden colors, making it an enjoyable driving course.
Mikasa Street
  • Address Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  •  Bus Direction Take the Kusakaru Kotsu Bus bound for Kusatsu Bus Terminal, and get off at "Kyu-Karuizawa" bus stop. It is about a 5-minute walk to the entrance of the larch trees, and about a 15-minute walk from there to the Old Mikasa Hotel.
  •  TEL 0267-45-8579(Karuizawa Town Tourism and Economy Division)
  •  Parking Pay parking (many are available around the Old Karuizawa Rotary)
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.