Karuizawa軽井沢

Highlands covered with larch and white birch trees. A popular summer resort with a cool climate.

Karuizawa is situated at the foot of Mt. Asama-yama in southeastern Nagano. It is on a plateau with an altitude of 1,000 meters and surrounded by Mt. Asama-yama, Mt. Hanamagari-yama and the Usui-toge Pass. It has thrived as the most popular international summer resort in Japan since the late 19th century because of its cool summer climate and breezy environment with many larch and birch trees.

Yagasaki-koen Park, with an area of 46,000 square meters, is located in front of Karuizawa Station. It is a place for relaxation for local residents. The old Mikasa Hotel stands on Mikasa-dori Street that runs straight to the north of the station. Restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and fashion goods shops stand side by side in the Karuizawa Ginza district, making Karuizawa a fashionable resort destination for young people.

There are several rent-a-cycle shops near the station, and many visitors to the area enjoy cycling through the woods to immerse themselves in the refreshing forest air. Camping grounds, tennis courts, skating rinks, golf courses and many other well maintained tourist attractions are located in the surrounding area. The area also includes the Shiotsubo-onsen and Hoshino-onsen hot springs, so visitors can enjoy this popular resort throughout the seasons.