Here, we'll explore the charm of Karuizawa in summer. Start with a visit to Shiraito Falls to appreciate the lush nature, then check out the avant-garde Stone Church. Don't forget to cycle through Old Karuizawa Ginza Street to enjoy local food, drinks, and shopping for souvenirs. We've prepared a one-day self-guided itinerary for you to follow. This summer, why not escape the heat like the locals and visit Karuizawa?

Karuizawa, located in Nagano Prefecture in the Kanto region of Japan, is a tranquil mountain resort known for its fresh air, beautiful natural scenery, and elegant European countryside atmosphere. It's a highly popular destination among tourists. Let's start by introducing the basic transportation options and key attractions in Karuizawa.

・Shinkansen: The most common way to reach Karuizawa is by Shinkansen. From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to JR Karuizawa Station, which takes about 1.5 hours. The fare is 5,490 yen for an unreserved seat and 6,020 yen for a reserved seat. It's a direct, fast, and convenient option, perfect for a day trip.

International tourists can also use the JR Tokyo Wide Pass or the JR East Pass for the Nagano and Niigata areas, which are highly recommended.

・Bus: You can take a direct highway bus to Karuizawa from Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, or Narita Airport. The journey takes about 3 hours and doesn't require any transfers. The biggest advantage is the cost, with fares ranging from 2,200 to 3,500 yen.

・New Karuizawa: The area around JR and Shinano Railway Karuizawa Station is known as "New Karuizawa" and is often the first stop for most travelers. The most iconic attraction here is the expansive Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, which includes an outlet mall, golf course, ski resort, restaurants, and various other facilities. It's a perfect spot for shopping, dining, and staying, offering a complete resort experience.

・Old Karuizawa: "Old Karuizawa" refers to the area developed earlier than the New Karuizawa around the station. Key attractions include Old Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street, St. Paul's Catholic Church, and Kumoba Pond. This area offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural history, making it the most characteristic part of Karuizawa. It's a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.

・Naka-Karuizawa: Naka-Karuizawa is known for its abundant natural scenery and is home to the famous Hoshino Resort. Popular attractions in this area include the Highland Church, Stone Church, Harunire Terrace, and Shiraito Falls. Although it's farther from Karuizawa Station, you can reach it by renting a car, taking the Shinano Railway from Karuizawa Station to Naka-Karuizawa Station, or riding a bus, which takes about 20 minutes. For those with good stamina and plenty of time, renting a bicycle and cycling for 40 to 60 minutes is also a great option.

Bicycles: The tourist areas and attractions in Karuizawa are relatively close to each other, with smooth and easy roads, and the pleasant climate makes cycling a popular activity among visitors, even highly recommended by typically less active travelers.

There are several bicycle rental shops around the north exit of the station. A full-day rental (8 hours) costs about 3,350 to 4,650 yen, depending on the type of bike. Options are also available for 2-hour, 4-hour, and 6-hour rentals, as well as 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour rentals. You can choose from standard bikes, geared bikes, and electric bikes based on your needs. Before renting, be sure to confirm the bike type, cost, and return time to avoid any miscommunication with the shop. While exploring Karuizawa, remember to park legally and ride safely to avoid causing any local issues.

Buses: If you prefer not to cycle or rent a car, local public transportation is also a good option. There is a bus stop at the north exit of Karuizawa Station, where you can take town circular buses, Seibu buses, and Kusakaru Kotsu buses. These buses not only go to Old Karuizawa Ginza Street but also to farther locations like Shiraito Falls and the Hoshino Resort area, and even to more distant places like Kusatsu Onsen. Since the bus schedules are less frequent than trains, make sure to check the timetable in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable self-guided tour.

Karuizawa offers a diverse culinary scene, from Japanese cuisine to trendy cafes and elegant European restaurants. For Japanese food, the Hoshino Resort’s "Sonmin Shokudo," the black Wagyu sukiyaki restaurant "Shabushabu Atago," and the soba noodle place "Kawakamian" are well-known.

For a relaxing break, visit "Maruyama Coffee" or "Coffeekan Danrentei" for a beverage and light snack. Popular with tourists, "Asanoya" bakery and "PAOMU" pudding shop offer delicious treats. The chain udon restaurant "TsuruTonTan" has a unique resort-style branch on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street. It features beautiful decor, online reservations, and long operating hours, making it a great option for dinner in Karuizawa.

Start your day at Tokyo Station, where you'll catch the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa, departing at 7:52 AM. This train takes just 1 hour and 6 minutes to reach Karuizawa Station, arriving before 9 AM—super fast! The fare is 5,490 yen for an unreserved seat and 6,020 yen for a reserved seat. If you have the Tokyo Wide Pass or a similar travel pass, this is the perfect time to use it.

Before departure, enjoy breakfast at your hotel, or if breakfast isn't included, pick up an "ekiben" bento box at Tokyo Station for a delightful on-board meal experience.

8:58 AM Arrive at Karuizawa Station. With about 40 minutes until the next bus, you can explore the station and its surroundings. The south exit leads to the Karuizawa Outlet, which, although not open yet, still offers a pleasant environment to stroll around.

Next, take the Kusakaru Kotsu bus heading to Kusatsu Onsen. The bus stop is at the north exit of the station; board at stop number 2. The bus departs at 9:40 AM, heading to today's first destination—Shiraito Falls. The ride takes about 23 minutes, and the fare is 720 yen (cash only).

The bus arrives at Karuizawa's "Shiraito Falls" stop at 10:03 AM. After a 3–5 minute walk, you'll reach the falls. This 3-meter-high, 70-meter-wide waterfall is fed by underground springs, creating multiple thin streams that flow down like delicate threads, hence the name "Shiraito" (White Threads). While not overwhelmingly grand, the tranquil mountain setting is beautiful year-round: lush and green in summer, vibrant with red, orange, and yellow leaves in autumn, and serene and majestic in the snow-covered winter. The scenery varies with the weather, offering unique charms whether sunny or rainy. The area also features walking paths, small shops, and restrooms, making it a favorite among visitors who enjoy scenic views.

Plan your stay based on the return bus schedule, typically 30 to 50 minutes. We recommend taking the 10:50 AM bus back to Karuizawa Station. During the busy autumn season, buses may be full, so it's wise to allow extra time in case you need to wait for the next one.

Take the 10:50 AM bus from Shiraito Falls back to Karuizawa Station, arriving at 11:13 AM. Next, head to the Hoshino Resort area in Karuizawa. From the north exit of Karuizawa Station, take the Seibu Kanko Bus from bus stop 1, departing at 11:45 AM to "Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-Yu." The fare is 500 yen, and the bus ride takes about 20 minutes, arriving at Hoshino Resort at 12:05 PM.

Alternatively, you can take the Shinano Railway train from Karuizawa Station at 11:30 AM to Naka-Karuizawa Station (a 5-minute ride, fare 230 yen), arriving at 11:35 AM. If you prefer a leisurely pace and are comfortable walking, it’s about a 20-minute walk from Naka-Karuizawa Station. For those who need transport, take the Seibu Kanko Bus from Naka-Karuizawa Station to "Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-Yu" (fare 180 yen). Additionally, on specific dates, there is a free shuttle bus between Hoshino Resort's Bleston Court Hotel and Naka-Karuizawa Station. If available, this is a convenient option. From the drop-off point, it’s a short walk to Highland Church and Harunire Terrace.

After arriving at Hoshino Resort around lunchtime, you have a couple of excellent dining options. If you took the Seibu Kanko Bus, you can walk 2 minutes from the bus stop to "Sonmin Shokudo" for a traditional Japanese set meal. Alternatively, a 3-minute walk will take you to "Harunire Terrace," where you can enjoy famous soba noodles at "Kawakamian."

"Karuizawa Kogen Church" is a historic chapel located within the Hoshino Resort in Karuizawa, with a history spanning over 90 years. Its triangular wooden structure blends seamlessly with the surrounding forest, creating a fairytale-like scene. Though the church is small, its interior is quiet, solemn, and has a touch of romance. A visit to this elegant and soothing atmosphere is highly recommended. During summer and winter, there are nighttime illuminations (free entry, reservation required).

Near Karuizawa Kogen Church is another notable chapel, the "Stone Church," dedicated to Japanese Christian thinker Kanzo Uchimura. Designed by American organic architect Kendrick Kellogg, this unique structure features interwoven stone and glass arches, symbolizing the harmony and mutual acceptance in marriage. The interior relies heavily on natural light, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of exploring ancient ruins. Among the many churches in Karuizawa, the Stone Church stands out as a must-visit landmark.

These two attractions can be enjoyed in about an hour. However, Hoshino Resort also features Harunire Terrace and the onsen facility "Tombo-no-Yu," offering plenty to see and do. Considering potential lunch wait times, plan to spend around 3 hours here. When it's time to leave, head back to the bus stop and take the 3:15 PM Seibu Kanko Bus back to Karuizawa Station. The fare remains 500 yen, and the journey takes 20 minutes.

After returning to Karuizawa Station, head to one of the bicycle rental shops nearby. From the station, it's about a 15–20 minute bike ride to Old Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street, giving you a chance to enjoy the pleasant experience of cycling in Karuizawa!

"Old Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street" is a must-visit spot in Karuizawa. With its mix of Western and Japanese architectural styles, it offers a romantic and elegant atmosphere perfect for strolling and shopping. Nearby, Church Street by St. Paul's Catholic Church adds to the charm. Enjoy an afternoon snack with some bread, indulge in a Karuizawa crepe, sip on a coffee, or pick up souvenirs at Zawa Jam. There's so much to explore that a day trip might not feel long enough!

Since most shops in Karuizawa close early and bicycle rental shops generally only operate until 6 PM, it's advisable to start heading back around 5:30 PM unless you plan to stay for dinner. For your return trip, you can choose the Shinkansen departing at 6:09 PM or 6:57 PM, wrapping up your exciting and fulfilling one-day adventure in Karuizawa!

Karuizawa is a convenient destination for independent travelers, but if you prefer a more relaxed approach or are traveling with elders or children, consider a packaged one-day bus tour. By booking online in advance, you can enjoy a hassle-free day of sightseeing as the bus takes you to various attractions. This option is perfect for those who want to fully unwind without the effort of planning. If self-guided travel seems too tiring, this might be the ideal solution for you!

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