NAGANO

Karuizawa

With a long history as a getaway from the hot, humid summers that the rest of Japan experiences, Karuizawa in Nagano prefecture is viewed by some as an upper-class resort location. What is certain about the mountain town is that there is plenty to enjoy in it. From the ski slopes, to the upscale hotels, to the centuries old western architecture of the missionaries who first brought attention to the town looking for a retreat from the heat of Tokyo; there is plenty to engage yourself in. Visiting in the winter, you will be able to play curling in the town that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. Whether staying in some of the local luxury hotels and shopping at the upscale chic stores in Karuizawa or just in town to see some of the beautiful sights, like the ancient architecture or the picturesque Shiraito Falls, Karuizawa has something for you.

Spots in this area(6)

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Beautiful SceneryInsta-worthyOutdoor ActivitiesArt & ArchitectureEntertainmentShopping
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

Karuizawa

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

Outlet bargains spread across resort grounds, with Mt. Asama looming behind.

Shopping
Kumobaike Pond

Karuizawa

Kumobaike Pond

Still water mirrors summer green so sharp it looks painted.

Beautiful SceneryInsta-worthy
Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary

Karuizawa

Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary

Eighty bird species, bear country, three km of quiet trail.

Beautiful SceneryOutdoor Activities
Shiraito No Taki Waterfall (Karuizawa)

Karuizawa

Shiraito No Taki Waterfall (Karuizawa)

Seventy meters wide, three meters tall — a curtain, not a plunge.

Beautiful SceneryInsta-worthy
Glass Studio Karuizawa

Karuizawa

Glass Studio Karuizawa

Blow molten glass into your own keepsake, right in the Karuizawa pines.

Art & ArchitectureEntertainment
Usui Toge Pass Miharashidai

Karuizawa

Usui Toge Pass Miharashidai

A mountain pass immortalized in Japan's oldest poetry, facing Mt. Asama.

Outdoor ActivitiesBeautiful Scenery

Locals in NAGANO

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Kouhei Nishida
Licensed Guide
Japanese / English

NAGANO

Kouhei Nishida

MusicMoviesHistory+5

Frequently asked questions

What is Karuizawa known for?
With a long history as a getaway from the hot, humid summers that the rest of Japan experiences, Karuizawa in Nagano prefecture is viewed by some as an upper-class resort location. What is certain about the mountain town is that there is plenty to enjoy in it. From the ski slopes, to the upscale hotels, to the centuries old western architecture of the missionaries who first brought attention to the town looking for a retreat from the heat of Tokyo; there is plenty to engage yourself in. Visiting…
Where is Karuizawa?
Karuizawa is an area in NAGANO, Japan.
What are the best places to visit in Karuizawa?
WOW U lists 6 spots in Karuizawa. Popular spots include Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, Kumobaike Pond, Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary, Shiraito No Taki Waterfall (Karuizawa), Glass Studio Karuizawa.
What is WOW U?
WOW U is a booking platform that connects travellers directly with local guides in Japan, called Locals. You book, message your Locals host and pay on WOW U, and every experience can be reviewed afterwards. More than 6,100 Locals are registered on WOW U. Reviews left by travellers average 4.7 out of 5.