Kumoba Pond in Karuizawa is a must-visit spot for nearly everyone who travels to this charming town. In the autumn, the maple trees and larches surrounding the pond transform into vibrant shades of red and orange, creating a stunning contrast against the clear waters of Kumoba Pond. This picturesque reflection captures the hearts of both domestic and international maple leaf enthusiasts. Around the pond, there is a well-maintained trail that allows visitors to take a leisurely walk while savoring the romantic atmosphere of falling maple leaves, which is unique to the autumn season.

Karuizawa Maple Leaf Season: Mid-October to Early November

Shiraito Falls and Kumoba Pond in Karuizawa are two of the most beloved natural attractions among foreign tourists. Shiraito Falls, measuring an impressive 3 meters in height and stretching up to 70 meters in width, is a rare underground spring waterfall. Its name, 'Shiraito,' which means 'white silk,' is derived from the smooth and delicate appearance of the water cascading down like silk threads. During the autumn season, the trees surrounding the falls transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating a picturesque contrast with the flowing 'white silk' waterfall.

Karuizawa Maple Leaf Season: Mid-October to Early November

The 'Former Usui Pass Observation Deck,' located at a high point in Karuizawa, stands at an altitude of 1,200 meters. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view looking down upon the entire landscape, which resembles a canvas painted with vibrant colors. Additionally, about a 20-minute drive from this observation deck, you'll find the 'Megane Bridge (Usui No. 3 Bridge),' recognized as an important cultural site in Japan. This Western-style brick bridge, set against the backdrop of autumn's maple hues, exudes a unique blend of Western and Japanese aesthetics, creating a charming sense of vintage beauty.

Karuizawa Maple Leaf Season: Mid-October to Early November

Now, at the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, you can also discover the world of LEGO®! Moreover, there are special features such as the 'LEGO® 3D model' with changing expressions and speaking capabilities, the 'Digital box' using AR technology, and LEGO® creations inspired by Karuizawa. It's a fantastic opportunity for parents with children to bring their little ones here and let them unleash their creativity by assembling and playing with LEGO® bricks, enjoying the hands-on experience.

The popular sportswear brand 'NEW BALANCE,' widely beloved by young people, opened its store at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza in 2019. They offer a range of products, including men's and women's shoes, accessories, clothing, and children's footwear. Perhaps the athletic shoes you've had your eye on for a while can be purchased here at more budget-friendly prices. Travelers looking to buy sportswear should definitely take the time to explore the offerings at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza.

Timberland, renowned for its stylish hiking boots, underwent a renovation and reopened its store at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza in 2019. They opted for a minimalist urban style decor, shedding unnecessary decorative elements, giving the space a refined and sophisticated ambiance.

The 'Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel' has been open seasonally since 1997, but in April 2019, it transitioned to year-round operation. This means that visitors to Karuizawa can now stay at the hotel anytime they wish. One of its standout features is its proximity to a golf course, making it incredibly convenient for golf enthusiasts. Even if you're not into golf, you can still fully enjoy the vast, unobstructed grassy fields that surround the hotel. Starting from July, they have also added a hot spring facility called 'Breeze in Plateau' for the hotel guests and golf course visitors to enjoy.

*This article was originally published in 2019; please check the official websites for the latest information.