1
Kumoba Pond

Be captivated by the beauty of the autumn leaves reflected on the water's surface

Kumoba Pond is located about a 5-minute bus ride or a 20-minute walk from Karuizawa Station. It is near the Roppontsuji roundabout, where restaurants and cafes are scattered among the trees. It is one of Karuizawa's most iconic tourist spots, bustling with many visitors seeking the scenery of trees reflected on the water's surface.

This pond is long and narrow from north to south, with colorful trees growing thick from both sides down to the water's surface. The best spot for a view is near the entrance on the south side of the pond. On a clear day, the autumn blue sky and the vibrant autumn leaves reflect on the water, creating a scene that looks like a painting created by nature itself.
In addition, there is a walking path around the edge of the pond that takes about 20 minutes to complete, and the scenery you see while walking is truly magical. You will be overwhelmed by the beautiful world where the colors of the autumn leaves on the opposite shore and their reflections on the water compete with the surrounding trees.

Maple and Enkianthus perulatus trees begin to change color around early October, and the peak season usually lasts from late October to early November. You can enjoy a gradation of red, yellow, and orange. To avoid crowds, early morning or dusk is recommended.

[Best time to see] Usually from late October to early November
[Types of autumn leaves] Maple, Enkianthus perulatus, etc.

*A shuttle bus is scheduled to run from Karuizawa Station to the Kumoba Pond area during the autumn foliage season only.
Check the details of the shuttle bus below https://www.town.karuizawa.lg.jp/page/24064.html

Local
Supporter

I am also moved by the clarity of the pond water! It is a very soothing place.

2
Karuizawa Taliesin

Scenic lakeside autumn foliage that changes with the time of day

Lake Shiozawa is one of the most representative scenic spots in Karuizawa. "Karuizawa Taliesin" is a leisure facility that makes the most of nature, featuring English gardens, art museums, historical buildings, restaurants, and playground equipment around the lake. It is a tourist spot visited by many people in autumn who look forward to seeing the autumn leaves reflected in Lake Shiozawa.
Valuable villa architecture and relocated Western-style buildings from the Meiji era are scattered around, blending into the picturesque lakeside scenery. A popular photo spot is the "Suikyu-so" villa standing on the lakeside. It was designed by the famous American architect Vories.

As the sun sets, not only the autumn leaves but also the lake surface shines with a golden glow, creating a nostalgic landscape. It is a moment when you can feel the traces of the good old days of Karuizawa. The trees on the lakeside usually reach their peak autumn colors around October 20th. Various events are held, so please check the website.

[Best time to see] Usually from mid-October to mid-November
[Types of autumn leaves] Japanese maple, Japanese larch, etc.

Local
Supporter

This park is appealing for its rich nature and calm atmosphere. With boats and playground equipment, the whole family can enjoy it.

Karuizawa Taliesin

• 217 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 10 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• Approx. 25 minutes on the Karuizawa Town Loop Bus (East/Southbound line) from JR Karuizawa Station, get off at "Kazakoshi Park" and walk for approx. 15 minutes
• 9:00–17:00 (10:00–16:00 in December and January)
• Irregular holidays
  *Please check here for details.
• Adults 900 yen, Children (elementary/junior high school students) 400 yen
  Peynet Museum (includes admission fee) Adults 1,100 yen, Children 500 yen
  Karuizawa Kogen Library Adults 800 yen, Children 400 yen *Admission fee separate
  Beniko Fukasawa Wild Flower Museum Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen *Admission fee separate
  Museum Set Ticket (includes admission fee, Peynet Museum, Karuizawa Kogen Library, and Beniko Fukasawa Wild Flower Museum) Adults 1,600 yen, Children 800 yen
  *Infants and toddlers (0-5 years old) are free for all
• 0267-46-6161
• Paid

3
Karuizawa Kogen Church

Spend a peaceful moment at a church adorned in autumn colors

Nestled in the lush forest of the Hoshino area in Karuizawa, the Karuizawa Kogen Church shows off beautiful expressions of the trees with each passing season. The tree-lined path in front of the church is filled with katsura trees, whose heart-shaped leaves turn yellow and release a sweet fragrance. The Japanese maples in the forest also turn a magnificent autumn color, with layers of red and yellow that stand out beautifully against the blue autumn sky.
The Karuizawa Kogen Church, which originated from the Hoshino Yugakudo where cultural figures of the Taisho era gathered to interact, is also a place to reflect on the spirit of those who gathered freely and exchanged words regardless of religion or ideology.
The autumn leaves are typically at their best from mid-October to early November. First, the katsura trees turn yellow, and then the Japanese maples change from orange to deep red, creating a beautiful gradation of autumn colors.

[Best time to view] Typically mid-October to early November
[Types of autumn leaves] Katsura, Japanese maple, etc.

Local
Supporter

Anyone is free to stroll along the tree-lined path in the courtyard.

Karuizawa Kogen Church

• Hoshino, Karuizawa-machi, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• About 20 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Seibu Kanko Bus bound for "Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu" for about 20 minutes, and walk for about 3 minutes from the final stop.
• 10:00–17:00 (Open for viewing except during wedding ceremonies)
• Open every day
• Free
• None (Please use the parking lots in the Karuizawa Hoshino Area)

4
Mikasa-dori Street

A tree-lined road of yellow leaves where you can soak in a romantic atmosphere

Mikasa-dori Street stretches from the Kyu-Karuizawa Rotary toward the Kusatsu area. It is the road leading to the "Old Mikasa Hotel" and is known for its beautiful 1.4km-long row of larch trees.
From late October to early November, the tall larch trees lining the center of the road turn yellow all at once, making the Karuizawa townscape even more vibrant. It is such a famous tourist spot that it has been selected as one of the "100 Best New Japanese Street Trees." Renting a bicycle is also recommended.

[Best time to see] Usually late October to early November
[Types of autumn foliage] Larch, etc.

Local
Supporter

During the autumn foliage season, it shines in golden colors and can also be enjoyed as a driving course.