Location: Karuizawa-machi
Top Things to do in Karuizawa-machi
What to do and see in Karuizawa-machi, Japan: The Best Places and Tips
The waterfalls, hot springs, and mountain views in Karuizawa make this Japanese town a popular destination for nature lovers. Hike an easy route to the tumbling waters of Shiraito Falls, then head to Kumobaike pond to relax in what legend says is the footprint of a giant. When you tire of the great outdoors, the Kyukaruizawa Ginza shopping district is a wonderful place to spend some time—and some yen.
Restaurants in Karuizawa-machi
1. Picchio Visitor centre - Day tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Picchio, established 1992, offers fine eco-tours and nature tours such as Bird watching tour, Flying squirrel watching tour and other animal watching tours. We currently have 12 professional guide that specializes on wild animals and birds and more than 39,000 participants joined our tour in 2012.We also conserves wild animals such as Asian Black Bear since 1998.
Reviewed By ckm818 - Hong Kong, China
We visited this centre and joined the eco-tour on a winter day.
Our eco-tour guide reassured us that winter visit isn't necessarily a disadvantage. I didn't understand. Soon, we were shown animal footprints on snow path; those unique marks left by the wild life won't be visible otherwise. Amazing naturalist guide told us everything during the two-hour walk.
I am sure this is one of the best reasons for returning to Karuizawa during another season, to savour another magical walk. You should, too.
2. Stone Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
Reviewed By Chrislcc - Kuala Lumpur
One of the famous and must visit spot. The church design is not conventional but utilise nature material and lights to express the architectural design. You can feel naturally cool in the church. Try to take photo from different angle and you will get very different perspective. Thumb up.
3. Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By Iris C - Hong Kong, China
The Hiroshi Senju Museum, designed by Ryue Nishizawa (西沢立衛), is unquestionably one of the most captivating pieces of architecture I have had the privilege to see with my own eyes.
The organically-shaped, curvilinear light wells puncture through the roof, creating some of most exquisite indoor landscapes ever. the Museum itself is as seductive as the collection of artwork it houses.
4. Kumoba Pond
Overall Ratings
4 based on 436 reviews
Reviewed By Sean Seungwon J - Basel, Switzerland
The view of pond and changing colors of leaves was really good. The pond reflects the surrounding scenery. Walking around the pond was really refreshing. The best way to get there is by bike.
5. Karuizawachurch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By LUVBALIBEACH - Singapore
It was Christmas time and they have many Xmas events. We regret unable to attend as our hotel is far.
6. Karuizawa prince shopping plaza
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Holidaymoody - Hong Kong, China
If you’re passing through Karuizawa enroute to other parts of Nagano, well worth a stop. I’ve been here several times over the last few years and always managed to find something to buy. Mainly good for winter clothing or sportswear. Not huge bargains at the luxury brands (or if the price is deeply discounted, the style is likely to be several seasons off). If you’re making a special trip from Tokyo; not really worth the effort. Note that it’s mainly outdoors so dress warmly if you’re coming in the winter season.
7. Hoshino Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By cittabella - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
About 20 minutes drive from Karuizawa train station, Hoshino area is a nice place to chill.
There's a free shuttle bus which brings you from Karuizawa Eki to Hoshino area directly which makes it very convenient for people who don't drive.
The area is covered with tall mature maple tree and it is beautiful all year around. There are hiking areas and bird sanctuary for nature lovers. The whole areas is very peaceful and serene. I thoroughly enjoy a walk in the woods.
The famous Karuizawa Kogen Church and Stone Church are located in the vicinity. There are also cafés, restaurants and cute gifts shops at Harunire Terrace where you can sip coffee and do people watching. There is a renowned public onsen called Dragonfly Hoshino onsen, and a spacious restaurant next to it. There are also plenty of car park in the area.
It's definitely a cozy place to visit during your stay in Karuizawa.
8. Shiraito Falls
Overall Ratings
4 based on 550 reviews
Reviewed By eywchan - Shanghai, China
Took the bus ride from KyuKaruizawa. The bus ride to Shiraito Falls took about 15 minutes. Ask around for the bus schedule to make sure to catch the right timing.
Arrived at the Shiraito bus stop and walked towards the falls. One can never miss it. It was winter and there were frozen parts of the fall. Simply majestic! At night, I can imagine that it is a pretty lonely place. Surrounded by woods, at the end of a slope, it is a beauty.
Recommended to go for a view if you are somewhere near.
9. Kyukaruizawa Ginza-dori
Overall Ratings
4 based on 494 reviews
Reviewed By Bluesphynx - Singapore
Interesting town centre half an hour's walk from the main railway station. You pass retail shops along the way, some selling the famous fruit jams but at exorbitant prices and a large, clean public toilet provided some temporary shelter in the continuous rain when we were there. The town itself has many small shops as well as a couple of malls and a wide variety of restaurants. We ate very delicious tempura and soba at one which had an automated ordering machine, near St Paul's Church. Bags of apples and persimmons could be bought from some fruit stalls which also sold vegetables grown in the region. Prices were reasonable. The walk back was more harrowing as it began to rain harder and the famous mist started to obscure parts of the town so we were glad to get back to our hotel before dark.
10. Harunire Terrace
Overall Ratings
4 based on 509 reviews
Reviewed By readytogoJapan - Japan
We got a parking validation so had a chance to look around. All nice things in the shops. I did purchase some souvenir walnut sweets in one shop..very nicely wrapped in a woven, basket wrapping. Only quality goods sold. Besides shopping and eating you can walk the path and see a lovely rushing river..go up to the area where there is an ice skating pond in winter. Very lovely pleasant area. There is also a hot spring bath in the area.. which we haven't tried yet. Nice stop for lunch or snack and wandering.
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