Local Guide
Check out Karuizawa's Four Seasons, Temperatures, and Clothing!

Karuizawa, located at the southern foot of Mt. Asama on a slope from 950 m to 1,200 m above sea level, developed as an inn town along the Nakasendo Highway during the Edo period and as a summer resort after the Meiji era.
Karuizawa has a "high-cool climate" with cool summers and cold winters, with an average annual temperature of 8.6℃.

This is about 8°C lower than Tokyo's average temperature of 16.4°C.
Although there is not as much precipitation throughout the year as in Tokyo, the average annual humidity in Karuizawa is 82.5% compared to Tokyo's 68.8%, about 15 percentage points higher.

Also characteristic of Karuizawa is the abundance of "fog.
Air currents from the Kanto Plain cause fog on more than 100 days per year, with 186 days recorded in 2016.

Karuizawa Temperature Chart

Karuizawa is a region with severe cold winters, and snowfall is recorded until April.
Spring finally arrives when the trees begin to bloom and flowers begin to bloom around the time Golden Week approaches.

The average monthly temperatures quickly rise to 1.2°C in March, 6.4°C in April, and 12.4°C in May, and spring is in full swing. Compared to the average temperature in Tokyo, this figure is about 7°C lower.

In addition, the temperature difference between day and night is around 13°C, a large difference in cold temperatures, and it is still a very cold season.
When visiting Karuizawa in spring, it is recommended to wear a light coat, down jacket, and long pants.
Although daytime temperatures gradually become higher, be sure to prepare clothing that will provide adequate protection from the cold.

Karuizawa is known as a summer resort, and summer is the best season to visit.
Karuizawa as a whole is bustling with holidaymakers and tourists, and concerts and other events are held in various locations.

The average temperature in the two summers was 19.4°C (16.3°C in June, 20.6°C in July, and 21.3°C in August), 6.6°C lower than Tokyo's 26°C (22.7°C in June, 27.0°C in July, and 28.3°C in August).
The average maximum and minimum temperatures in August were 26.9°C and 17.5°C, respectively, with a difference of about 9°C. On some days, such as at night and at dawn, the temperature can drop to nearly 10°C.

In summer, Karuizawa is prone to thick fog, especially in August, when the number of foggy days is recorded as many as 22 days, which can make the temperature feel even cooler. Those traveling by car should be careful of unfamiliar fog.

Because of the high altitude and strong ultraviolet rays, you may sweat even in short sleeves during the daytime, but once the sun goes down, the temperature suddenly drops, so it is recommended to prepare a light cardigan or other long-sleeved clothing.

While Tokyo experiences lingering summer heat, autumn arrives in Karuizawa earlier than usual.
The air becomes clearer with clear autumn skies, but the temperature drops rapidly, and October is the season to enjoy the autumn foliage.

The average temperatures in Karuizawa are 16.9°C in September, 10.8°C in October, and 5.0°C in November, compared to 24.6°C in September, 19.2°C in October, and 13.8°C in November in Tokyo.
The difference in temperature is nearly 10°C. Although there are times when you can wear long sleeves during the day, be sure to bring a heavy jacket.

In November, snow accumulation begins to be recorded and the highest temperatures can reach minus on some days, so be sure to prepare yourself for the cold.

Average winter temperatures in Karuizawa are -0.8°C in December, -3.9°C in January, and -2.8°C in February.
Tokyo's average temperatures from December to February are never in the negative, and are close to the average temperatures in Sapporo. In late January and February, it is not uncommon for the highest temperatures to be negative.
Take adequate warm-up measures by wearing down jackets, knit hats, gloves, and scarves.

On the other hand, snowfall is not as heavy as in Hakuba and Sugadaira, which are also popular ski areas in Nagano Prefecture. However, even though there is not much snow, it is possible to walk on snow-covered roads, so it is important to wear non-slip shoes.

In addition, a phenomenon called "black ice burn" occurs on the roads, which looks like it is not frozen but is a thin film of ice. Remember to install chains or studless tires when traveling by car.

After a day of sightseeing, relax at a Hoshino Resorts inn. Karuizawa is the birthplace of Hoshino Resorts, which has three unique inns, all full of fun and surprises for your trip.

A day off from the modern world, staying in a village in the valley

The landscape created by the topography of the valley has a different look depending on the season and time of day.
The landscape created by the topography of the valley has a different look depending on the season and time of day.

HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, 70 minutes from Tokyo, is an ideal mountain retreat surrounded by clean air. Guest rooms are set around a waterfront garden, with terraces offering views of the changing seasons. The hotel offers hot springs that have been known since ancient times for their beautiful skin and loved by literary giants, cuisine for rest and relaxation that features ingredients from the mountains and rivers, spa programs that lead to relaxation of body and soul, and various activities that allow you to experience the four seasons with all your body and soul. Guests can fully enjoy their time resting from the modern world in the rich natural environment facing the "Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest."

HOSHINOYA Karuizawa
  • Address 2148 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano MAP
  • Direction 15 min. by free shuttle bus from Karuizawa Station/Nakakaruizawa Station
  • TEL 0570-073-066（Reservation)
  • Parking Available
  • memo Click here for reservations
    HOSHINOYA Karuizawa Reservation Site

A cosy hotel in Karuizawa loved by vacationers

Rooms are all independent cottages nestled among the trees.
Rooms are all independent cottages nestled among the trees.

Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court is a hotel where you can relax in body and soul, where you will be welcomed with the spirit of hospitality cultivated in Karuizawa's guest culture and food that enjoys rich nature and the seasons. In the main dining room, Bleston Court Yukawatan, you can enjoy French cuisine that expresses the uniquely Japanese world, using ingredients nurtured by the richness of nature and valuing the spirit of appreciating the seasons and nature. Breakfast at Restaurant No One's Recipe is a "French Breakfast" of course, featuring a Brittany-style crepe made with buckwheat flour. Enjoy it with a glass of cider in the authentic Brittany style.

Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court

More than an izakaya, less than a trip, a loose hotel

Guest rooms with loft beds,
Guest rooms with loft beds, "Yagura Rooms", are compact yet spacious and relaxing.

This is a loose hotel with loose rules and time constraints. Guests can freely arrange how to spend their time, playing board games or card games in the open space "TAMARIBA," which is available 24 hours a day, or simply enjoying being in the same space while reading a book of their choice.
Within walking distance are "Harunire Terrace" with its lifestyle stores, cafes, and restaurants, "Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu," a hot spring with free-flowing spring water, and "Picchio," where you can enjoy "Musasabi Watching," a 90% sighting rate.

Hoshino Resorts BEB Karuizawa by Hoshino Resorts
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.