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Karuizawa Hoshino Area

A day-trip resort area surrounded by the rich nature at the foot of Mt.

Karuizawa is a resort area managed by Hoshino Resorts, located in the Nakakaruizawa area at the foot of Mount Asama. HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court, and BEB Karuizawa are popular with both overnight guests and day-trippers. Harunire Terrace is the gateway to the area. You can also find cute sundry stores as well as Karuizawa's representative gourmet spots such as Sawamura, Maruyama Coffee, and Seirei-bashi Kawakamian. We recommend that you start here and enjoy strolling around the area.

After enjoying the great outdoors, relax in the hot spring water from the source.

A must-stop in the area is the Karuizawa Highland Church. The church is popular for its annual lighting up during summer vacation and Christmas season. For those who want to enjoy nature, go to Picchio. Authentic nature tours are offered throughout the year. In winter, "KERA-IKE Ice Rink" in front of Picchio becomes a skating rink. Skating in the great nature is also recommended.

After exploring the area, you can end your visit at "Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu" (hot spring). The hot spring is a one-day hot spring where you can relax your body and soul. Parking is available in the area. Direction is also possible by bus from Karuizawa Station.

Karuizawa Hoshino Area

• Hoshino, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
• 15 minutes drive from JR Karuizawa Station
• Approx. 20 min. by Seibu Kanko Bus from JR Karuizawa Station, short walk from Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu bus stop.
• Depends on Property
• Depends on Property
• Depends on Property
• Charged

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Karuizawa Thaliassen

A lakeside forest of art for a leisurely stroll with the whole family

A comprehensive resort facility with an art museum, leisure facilities, restaurants, and stores on an approximately 100,000 m2 site centered on Lake Shiojiri. The word "Thaliassen" means "shining forehead" in Welsh, and is said to be derived from "Taliesin," a fairy who governed the arts in Celtic mythology.
Dotted throughout the grounds are the "Paine Art Museum," which houses the works of French painter Raymond Paine, the "Beniko Fukazawa Wild Flower Museum," and "Suikyuso," a relocated villa used by French literary scholar Tomiko Asabuki, making a half-day visit enjoyable enough.

The museum exhibits the villa where Tatsuo Hori of "The Wind Wuthering" spent his summers in Karuizawa.

On the grounds of the Karuizawa Kogen Bunko, a short distance from the Shiojiri Lakeside, is a relocated and exhibited villa in the former Karuizawa Kamanosawa, which was purchased from an American writer Tatsuo Hori, known for works such as "Beautiful Village" and "Kaze Tachinu" and where he is said to have stayed every summer from 1941. The atmospheric building, which was later used as a summer studio by the painters Shozo and Beniko Fukasawa, is well worth a visit.
The Karuizawa Kogen Bunko exhibits autograph manuscripts and personal effects left by literary giants associated with Karuizawa, such as Takeo Arishima and Yayoko Nogami.

Karuizawa Tagliassen

• 217 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
• 10 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• 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.
• 9:00-17:00 (Mon. 10:00-16:00 in December and January)
• Closed on non-scheduled holidays
  *For more information, please click here.
• 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.
• 0267-46-6161
• Charged

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Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

A resort-style shopping mall where you can enjoy the whole day with family and friends

A lush shopping mall stretches out in front of the south exit of Karuizawa Station. Approximately 240 stores are gathered on a vast site of about 260,000 m2. The site is divided into 10 shopping and gourmet zones, where you can spend a whole day. The mall offers a wide variety of stores, from high-end brands to casual apparel, sundries, souvenirs, and local gourmet foods, so that both children and adults will never get bored of shopping. It is recommended to obtain a floor map from the official website in advance and plan your shopping and dining plans before visiting.

Many stores are pet-friendly

There are also a variety of services for kids and babies, such as a "Kids Park" with various playground equipment in the "Lawn Plaza" on the premises. Baby strollers are available for rent (advance reservation required).
Karuizawa also offers a wide range of services for pets. In the "Tree Mall" area where pet-related stores are concentrated, there are many stores where you can enter with your pets. Pets on leashes are also allowed to enter the "Lawn Plaza. There are also restrooms and foot-washing facilities for pets.

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

• Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
• 3 min. walk from JR Karuizawa Station
• 10:00-19:00 (varies according to season)
• Closed on weekends and holidays
• 0267-42-5211
• Free of charge for up to 2 hours after entry. 100 yen per hour thereafter. Free all day with purchase of 30,000 yen or more.

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Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

The main street of old Karuizawa lined with souvenir stores and popular bakeries

The main street of Karuizawa is known as "Kyukaru Ginza. Starting from the Old Karuizawa Rotary, the 750-meter street runs to the Tsuruya Ryokan, and is lined with Karuizawa's representative restaurants, cafes, souvenir stores, bakeries, and other stores. This is the location of the former Nakasendo Road, where Karuizawa Inn was located in the Edo period (1603-1867), and since the Taisho period (1912-1926), it has served as the gateway to Karuizawa, a bustling vacation spot for foreigners and business people. Today, it is still a popular place to visit at least once during your stay in Karuizawa, and many tourists enjoy shopping and eating out there on weekends.

A short trip to the Shaw Memorial Chapel of the Anglican Church of Japan in Karuizawa

If you need a break during your stroll, we recommend stopping by the Karuizawa Kanko Kaikan, with its impressive retro exterior. Inside there is a rest area, as well as a pay toilet (100 yen) and a nursing area. If you have more time to spare after enjoying the Old Karuizawa Ginza, you can extend your visit to the Shaw Memorial Chapel of the Anglican Church of Japan, Karuizawa. This wooden church nestled in the forest was built by Canadian missionary Alexander Croft Shaw and others, and is said to be the oldest church in Karuizawa.

Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

• 634 Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
• Approx. 3 min. from JR Karuizawa Station by car
• From JR Karuizawa Station North Exit, take Seibu Kanko Bus bound for "Kusatsu Hot Spring" (approx. 3 min. ride), and get off at "Kyu Karuizawa" stop.
• Varies depending on the store.
• Varies depending on the store
• 0267-42-5538
• Pay parking (use nearby Parking)

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Shiraito Falls

The famous waterfall where underground water cascades down from the rock face in the deep forest like a thread.

From the old Karuizawa area, pass through Mikasa-dori and go up the Shiraito Highland Way, a sightseeing toll road, and on the way you will find Shiraito Falls. The waterfall has a drop of about 3 m and a width of about 70 m. The entire waterfall extends along the rock wall. The waterfall was formed by underground water gushing from the rock face, and visitors can enjoy the fantastic sight of silky water pouring down. The surrounding area is a quiet forest, and if time permits, you will want to spend all day looking at it. You can enjoy the beauty of each season: fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscape in winter.

Fantastic projection mapping during the summer season

The walking trail along the mountain stream from the Shiraito Highland Way to Shiraito Falls is also pleasant, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the nature that is typical of Karuizawa.
If you visit Shiraito Falls in the summer, you should check out the projection mapping. Every year from late July to late August, "Karuizawa Shiraito Waterfall Midsummer Light-up" is held. The fantastic world lit up in blue and purple is a must-see.
Also, in winter, Shiraito Falls is lit up for a total of about 12 days, divided into three periods: Christmas, New Year, and Valentine's Day. Visitors can see a special performance only during this time of the year.

Shiraito Falls (Karuizawa)

• Nagakura (Oze), Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
• Approximately 25 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Kusakarikotsu Bus bound for Kusatsu Hot Spring (approx. 25 min.), alight at Shiraito no Taki Waterfall (3 min. walk)
• 24 hours
• No holidays
• Free of charge
• Free of charge

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Karuizawa Highland Church

A historic church where many cultural figures such as Kitahara Hakushu and Shimazaki Toson gathered

Nestled in the beautiful forest of Karuizawa Hoshino Area in Nakakaruizawa, this historic church was founded in 1921 as the origin of the "Art Liberal Education Course" where many cultural figures and celebrities, including Kitahara Hakushu and Shimazaki Toson, gathered. The spirit of "an open church where people gather" has been passed down to the present, and visitors are warmly welcomed. The name "Hoshino Yugakudo" inscribed at the entrance of the church was given by Kanzo Uchimura, a Christian evangelist during the Meiji and Taisho periods. It is based on the philosophy "Playing is also good, and learning is also playing," which was born out of the Art Liberal Education Course.

The "Reverend's House" next to the church is a place where you can always come back to reopen the doors of the church.

The church is open to all visitors. If you cannot visit the church due to a wedding or other reasons, please visit the "Pastor's House" next door. There are panels introducing the history of Karuizawa Highland Church and seasonal events, as well as photos and messages from those who have had their weddings at Karuizawa Highland Church. It is also a place where people who have been married at the church can always say "welcome home," and it seems that many of them return to the church at each milestone in their lives. In addition to the weekly Sunday morning services, the church is also popular during the summer and Christmas seasons when the entire forest in front of the church is lit by lanterns.

Karuizawa Highland Church

• Hoshino, Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 20 minutes from JR Karuizawa Station by car.
• 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.
• 10:00-17:00 (tours are available except during weddings)
• No holidays
• Free of charge
• 0267-45-3333
• Free (Please use the parking lot of Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court, which is located on the same site.)

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Levant Museum of Art

An art museum where visitors can experience the liberal education and culture of the Taisho era

The museum carries on the philosophy of Isaku Nishimura, one of the leading cultural figures of the Taisho Democracy period and a lover of Karuizawa. The museum is a near-reproduction of the school building of Bunka Gakuin (now closed), founded and designed in 1921 by Nishimura, who was well versed in Western art and culture, to give form to the ideal of education, and to convey the liberal education of the time to the present. In addition to his own works, the museum exhibits works by Tekkan Yosano, Akiko and her husband, Kashiwatei Ishii, and others with whom he interacted. The carefully maintained garden is also popular, attracting many repeat visitors every year.

Dyeing and woodworking workshops for parents and children

The Louvain Museum is open from early June to early November each year. During this period, various events are held. Among the most popular are workshops such as ceramics, experimental dyeing, and woodworking. Some classes are open to elementary school students and older, and many parents and their children take up the challenge of creating their own summer vacation projects here (event details must be confirmed on the official website). Also, concerts, mainly classical music, are held every week during the month of August.
There is also a café terrace overlooking the garden and a museum store. The garden and café are pet-friendly.

Levant Museum of Art

• 957-10 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
• Approx. 15 min. from JR Karuizawa Station by car
• From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Karuizawa town circulation bus (eastbound or southbound line), approximately 30 minutes on the inside route, and alight at Sugiuri-iriguchi bus stop. 2 minutes walk from Sugiuri-iriguchi bus stop.
• Mid-June to early November, 10:00 - 17:00 (admission until 30 minutes before closing)
• Wednesdays (open on national holidays, closed the following day; open Aug. 1-Sept. 15), closed seasonally from November to the following May
• Adults 800 yen, high school and university students 600 yen, elementary and junior high school students 400 yen, children under elementary school age free
• 0267-46-1911
• Free of charge

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Karuizawa Ice Park

One of the largest curling properties in Japan with Experience classes for beginners.

One of the largest curling Properties in Japan was established in Karuizawa Kazakoshi Park in 2013. The year-round "Curling Hall," equipped with a total of six seats, has hosted major domestic and international tournaments. Experience classes are available for curling beginners, and all equipment, including warm clothes, can be borrowed (reservation required and charged). The class is for ages 5 and up, and you will be taught the basic movements and rules at the Experience class. The appeal of curling is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and there are families with three generations of parents and children participating in the Experience class.

A full-scale outdoor skating rink where you can enjoy skating all year round

In the museum, there is a space where materials on Olympic curling athletes who have competed in the sport are displayed.
Other facilities include an outdoor skating rink consisting of a full-scale 400-meter oval course. Outside of the winter season, the rink is also used as a roller skating rink. Of course, skating shoes can be rented. You can enjoy skating with your family and friends both in summer and winter. Part of the skating rink is used as an outdoor futsal court with artificial grass, which can be reserved for private use during the summer (reservation required and charged).

Karuizawa Ice Park

• 1154-1 Hatsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
• 15 minutes drive from JR Karuizawa Station
• From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Karuizawa Town Loop Bus (east or southbound line) outbound (approx. 25 min.), alight at Kazakoshi Koen (Kazakoshi Park) and walk approx. 5 minutes.
• 9:00-22:00
• Year-end and New Year holidays *Outdoor skating rink is open from 12/31 to 1/1.
• Curling Experience 60 min. course: 2,420 yen, 90 min. course: 3,420 yen, 120 min. course: 4,540 yen
  Dates are fixed depending on the course. Check from the reservation site.
  Age limit: 5 years old and up
• 0267-48-5555
• Free of charge
• https://coubic.com/karuizawaicepark( Curling Experience Reservation Site)

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Karuizawa Hatchi Ichiba (Karuizawa Town Direct Sales Facility for Agricultural Products, etc.)

A large direct sales shop where you can buy vegetables directly from Karuizawa, and where you have to wait in line.

A large-scale direct sales shop for agricultural products opened in 2016 in Minami-Karuizawa. Visitors can purchase agricultural products and processed foods produced in Karuizawa, with a focus on the local brand "Karuizawa Kirishita Vegetable ®". The popularity of the shop is so great that even on weekdays there is a huge line before it opens at 9:00 a.m. It is said that chefs from local Restaurants also come to buy the vegetables brought in directly from the growers. In addition to vegetables, the museum also sells processed foods such as jams and soba noodles, as well as prepared foods. There is also a Restaurant where visitors can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients.

Refrigerated delivery service is recommended if you want to enjoy directly grown vegetables at home.

The main attractions are fresh vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. In summer, corn grown in Karuizawa is especially popular, and you can feel the difference the moment you eat it. Popular vegetables may be sold out by noon, so visiting in the morning is recommended. If you arrange for home delivery at the counter attached to the direct sales counter, you can enjoy the taste of the region at home.
On the first and third Sundays of each month, a hands-on soba (buckwheat noodle) making class is held. Parents and children of elementary school age and older can participate in the Experience, which includes soba noodle making and tasting (extra charge).

Karuizawa Agricultural Products Direct Sales Property Karuizawa Hatsuchi City Garden

• 2564-1 Hatsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
• Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
• From JR Karuizawa Station, take the Karuizawa town circulation bus (eastbound or southbound line), approximately 20 minutes on the outbound route, and alight at "Karuizawa Hatsuji Ichiniwa" bus stop.
• 9:00-17:00 (9:00-16:00 from January to March)
• Wednesdays from November to March, and year-end and New Year's holidays *There are maintenance closures twice a year.
• 0267-45-0037
• Free of charge

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Hiroshi Senju Museum of Art, Karuizawa

Exhibits representative works by world-renowned Japanese-style painter, Hiroshi Senju.

The museum offers an opportunity to view the works of world-renowned Japanese-style painter, Hiroshi Senju, along with the beautiful natural environment of Karuizawa. More than 50 works are on display at any given time, centering on his signature motif of "waterfalls. Architect Ryue Nishizawa was in charge of the building, which is characterized by softly shaped glass. The space designed by Ryue Nishizawa, who is also internationally acclaimed for his unit SANAA with Kazuyo Sejima, is another of the museum's attractions. Visitors can enjoy a tranquil art experience that blends fantastic artworks with a courtyard planted with colorful trees and perennials, and light shining through large glass windows.

Stylish and cozy store and café

A café by Boulanger Asanoya, a long-established bakery in Karuizawa, is also located on the premises. After viewing the art, visitors can soak in the afterglow of the experience with a cup of coffee and a loaf of bread made with their specialties. Next to the bakery is the museum store, which sells original goods and books related to Hiroshi Senju. Separate from the museum, there is also a gallery that holds special exhibitions of various genres from time to time. If you have time to spare, you may want to view them along with the artworks at the museum.

Karuizawa Hiroshi Senju Art Museum

• 815 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
• 10 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station
  Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Nakakaruizawa Station of Shinano Railway
• 9:30-17:00 (admission by 16:30)
• Tuesdays (open if Tuesday is a national holiday, GW and July-September)
  Closed during winter from December 26 to the end of February
• Adults 1,500 yen, college and high school students 1,000 yen, junior high school students and younger free
• 0267-46-6565
• Free of charge