20 dog/pet-friendly tourist spots in the Karuizawa area! Recommended ways to spend a rainy day!

The Karuizawa area is rich in nature and is one of the most popular tourist destinations near the Kanto region. In addition to being a place where people can enjoy themselves, the Karuizawa area is also characterized by a wide variety of places where you and your dog or pet can have fun together. This article introduces sightseeing facilities and restaurants where dogs and pets are allowed. Also, recommended spots that can be enjoyed even on rainy days will also be described, so please check them out.

For the latest information on hours of operation, fees, and temporary closures, please contact each spot directly.

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Why is the Karuizawa area so popular with dog lovers?

The Karuizawa area, a popular tourist destination, is also known as a "dog-friendly town," with many stores and lodging facilities open for you and your dog or pet to enjoy together. One of the attractions of this area is that many restaurants and eateries have terrace seating, allowing you to enjoy meals together. Also, the abundant nature and clean air in the area makes just strolling around the city with your dog a pleasant experience.

7 Sightseeing Spots [Spectacular Views, Parks, and Docklands

Here are some parks and places with spectacular views that you can enjoy with your dog or pet.

You can also feel the changes of the four seasons! Shiraito Falls

Shiraito Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a refreshingly cool flow of water. It is 3 m high and 70 m wide, and was named "Shiraito Falls" because the water appears to pour down in layers like silken threads. There is a paved walking path from the parking lot to the waterfall, so you can walk to the waterfall with your dog. It is recommended to visit in winter to see the fantastic waterfall lit up, and in summer as a summer resort to cool off while feeling the spray of the water.

Shiraito Falls​
Address: Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access: 20 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station North Exit; 25 minutes by car from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Kumoba Pond

Kumobaike Pond, also known as "Swan Lake," is a popular spot for its beautiful seasonal scenery reflected on the surface of the water. The pond is approximately 1.2 hectares in size, and is surrounded by a 1-kilometer walking path where you and your dog can take a stroll while enjoying the fresh greenery and autumn leaves. Especially on a clear autumn day, you can enjoy the wonderful view of the red and yellow leaves reflected on the surface of the water. Since the path is not paved, it is a good idea to bring a towel to wipe your dog's feet.

Kumoba Pond​
Address Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
Access 38 minutes by car from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Rumbling rocks roll! Onishidashi Garden

Onioshidashien is a place where lava rocks that flowed from the 1783 eruption of Mount Asama have hardened and weathered over time. Since little has been done to the area by humans, visitors can experience the mystery of nature firsthand. You can walk around the park with your dog on a leash. Water stations are available at various locations, which is also a nice point. Onishidashien is also famous for its mosses, and if you visit between mid-May and late October, you can see them shining in the shadows of rocks.

one of the six administrators of a Zen temple who substitutes for the chief priest​
Address: 1053 Kamahara, Tsumakoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 30 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 20 min. drive from あさま空山望
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This is the place for winter travel! Karuizawa Snow Park

Karuizawa Snow Park is a popular ski resort for beginners and families making their skiing and snowboarding debut. The ski resort also has two dog runs and the "Doggie Trail," where you can enjoy trekking with your dog, making it a popular winter spot for dog lovers. The "Doggy Trail" is a 1-km mountain trekking course that offers a spectacular view of Mount Asama at its summit. Enjoy a winter resort and outdoor experience with your dog.

Karuizawa Snow Park​
Address: 2032-16, Kitakaruizawa, Naganoharacho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 34 min drive from Karuizawa Station, 22 min drive from あさま空山望
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Enjoyable for all generations! Karuizawa Tagliassen

Karuizawa Taliasen is a complex facility where visitors can casually enjoy nature, museums, and literature. In addition to facilities related to literature and art, such as the "Paine Museum of Art" and "Karuizawa Kogen Bunko," go-karts and family golf are also available at the facility. We recommend visiting with your dog as well, as the facility is rich in nature, designed around Lake Shiozawa. With the exception of inside the buildings, dogs are free to walk around the park as long as they are on a leash. Please enjoy a meal with your dog at the restaurant with terrace seating.

Karuizawa Taliesin​
Address: 217 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 37 min. drive from あさま空山望
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You can take a walk in the vast nature! Asama Farm

Asama Ranch is a spot rich in nature, with an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters and an area of 800 hectares. The slope from the parking lot to the ranch is continuous, and your dogs will climb at a good tempo. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy magnificent views of the "Carmen Tree" and the distant "Asamagakushi Mountain. The soft-serve ice cream at the adjacent Asama Ranch Teahouse is made from fresh milk. It is a must-try item. Since it is made without additives, even small children can enjoy it safely.

Asama Farm​
Address: Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 30 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 11 min. drive from あさま空山望
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One of the largest in the area! Asama Great Falls

Asama Great Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the Karuizawa area. Surrounded by forest, visitors can enjoy a view typical of Karuizawa, a forest resort. The path leading to the waterfall from the parking lot is well-maintained, so you and your dog can enjoy a stroll while feeling the pleasant breeze. The river flows next to the path, so be sure to keep your dog on a leash. Even during the hot summer months, the negative ion effect will cool you down, making it a popular summer retreat.

Asama Otaki​
Address: Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 38 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 4 min. drive from あさま空山望
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10 Sightseeing Spots for Shopping and Dining

Next, we will focus on spots where you can eat, drink, and shop with your dog or pet.

Enjoy BBQ on the terrace! Restaurant 天空柁イニング

Tenku Dining is a restaurant located at あさま空山望, a villa resort for rent in a single building. Enjoy pizza, pasta, curry, and BBQ of specially selected branded meat using locally produced and locally consumed highland ingredients and ingredients imported from all over Japan. Guests with their dogs can enjoy their meals together on the terrace overlooking Mount Asama, and the restaurant's exclusive dog run is also available for use. Dogs can also use the restaurant's dog run.

天空柁イニング​
Address: 2032-2577 ASAMA KUZANBO, Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 40 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station North Exit
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Shop and stay with your dog! Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is a large shopping mall with luxury brands, clothing stores, and restaurants, located just outside Karuizawa Station. It is gaining popularity not only for shopping and dining, but also for shopping with your dog. For dog lovers, the mall offers a full range of facilities, including poop boxes, a dedicated foot-washing area, and a dog run.

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza​
Address Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
Access 2 min. walk from Karuizawa Station, 39 min. drive from あさま空山望
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A complex in the forest! Karuizawa Commongrounds

Karuizawa Commongrounds is a complex of bookstores and restaurants located in a 1.2 ha forest. The core facility, Karuizawa Bookstore Nakakaruizawa, sells a wide variety of books and sundries, including food and art. Dogs can be carried inside the store or put in a cage. In the outdoor space surrounded by forest, you can enjoy a walk with your dog on a leash. It is also recommended to purchase prepared foods sold at RK DAYS and spend time with your dog while eating outdoors.

Karuizawa Commongrounds​
Address: 1690-1 Nagakura Toriihara, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 34 min. drive from あさま空山望
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You can enjoy delicious Japanese food! Karuizawa Kawakamian

Karuizawa Kawakamian is a Japanese restaurant popular for its soba noodles made from buckwheat flour milled in-house using a custom-made millstone. The main restaurant is located in Karuizawa, and there are also branches in Azabu and Aoyama in Tokyo. In addition to soba, you can also enjoy a la carte dishes such as boiled vegetables and tempura. Dishes made with fresh ingredients go great with alcohol such as sake and wine. When visiting with your dog, please use the terrace seating. We recommend that you make a reservation as the restaurant is very popular.

Karuizawa Kawakamian​
Address: 6-10 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 4 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 39 min. drive from あさま空山望
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Delicious bread and meals! Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura Old Karuizawa

Opened in 2009, Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura Kyukaruizawa is popular for its special bread fermented for a long time. The restaurant is divided into a restaurant and a bakery corner for take-out. At the restaurant, you can enjoy burgers made with the bread, homemade pizza made with the bakery's ideas, and desserts using local ingredients. The spacious, open-air restaurant with high ceilings is also attractive, but if you are with your dog, use the terrace seating.

Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura Old Karuizawa​
Address: 12-18 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 4 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 39 min. drive from あさま空山望
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Original menu items are also available! UDON NOODLE Brasserie KARUIZAWA JAPAN

Tsurutontontan UDON NOODLE Brasserie KARUIZAWA JAPAN is the Karuizawa branch of the popular restaurant Tsurutontan, which offers a variety of creative udon dishes. This restaurant boasts a stylish interior based on earth colors, as befits a restaurant located in a resort area. In addition to its regular menu, the restaurant also offers many a la carte dishes made with ingredients from Shinshu. The "Doggy Terrace" is also open for use with your dog, so please feel free to stop by on your way home from walking your dog.

UDON NOODLE Brasserie KARUIZAWA JAPAN​
Address: 813-10, Old Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 3 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 39 min. drive from あさま空山望
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Business days (breakfast) Until April 14, 2024: Open only on weekends and holidays; after April 15, 2024: Open all days

Delicious freshly cooked rice! Kamado-taki Gohan Mikuriya

Kamado cooked rice Mikuriya is a restaurant filled with a peaceful atmosphere as if you have returned to the countryside, with rice fields stretching out in front of the restaurant. As the restaurant's name suggests, it boasts kamado rice cooked over a wood fire and delicious side dishes. You can also enjoy dishes using "Shinshu Fukuji Chicken," a brand of chicken representative of Shinshu. If you visit with your dog, please use the terrace attached to the restaurant. The view of the peaceful countryside makes the meal even more appetizing.

Rice cooked in a kamado​
Address: 2127 Hatsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 13 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 39 min. drive from あさま空山望
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RK Garden, an organic restaurant that satisfies the soul! 

RK Garden is an organic restaurant where you can enjoy vegan cuisine prepared by a top chef. Surrounded by bright green trees and seasonal flowers, the restaurant is truly a healing space. The restaurant is also filled with plants, giving diners the feeling of being in a forest even while inside the restaurant. The vegan menu, which uses an abundance of seasonal vegetables, will surely satisfy your heart. You and your dog are also allowed to enter the restaurant, so even if you are traveling on a rainy day, you don't have to worry.

RK Garden​
Address: 1138-1 Oiwake, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 14 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 37 min. drive from あさま空山望
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A long-established specialty store! Ganso Rikimochi Shigenoya

Founded more than 350 years ago, the original Chikara Mochi Shigenoya is a famous store used as a resting place by visitors to the Kumano Imperial Shrine. As the name suggests, sweets made from rice cakes are popular here, and the signature product is chikara mochi. Six different flavors are available, with anko (red bean paste) or grated daikon (grated radish) topping. In addition, please enjoy "Usui Soba" and "Karuizawa Beer" as well. If you bring your dog, use the terrace seating. From the terrace, you can enjoy the view of cherry blossoms in spring and fresh greenery in summer.

*Terrace seating will not be available until late April 2024 due to renovation work.

Ganso Rikimochi Shigenoya​
Address: 2 Toge-cho, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 12 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 47 min. drive from あさま空山望
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This is the place to enjoy with your dog! At Terrace

At Terrace is a complex facility for dog lovers that includes a strawberry farm, dog salon, café, and dog store. The strawberry farm is computer-controlled and grows strawberries throughout the year, which are sold as sweets at the attached café. You cannot join your dog in strawberry picking at the Karuizawa Garden Farm, which is located next to the farm, but the café offers dog-friendly dishes. Since 2024, the café has been open only on Saturdays and Sundays.

at terrace​
Address 1323-1244 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 11 min. walk from Karuizawa Station, 40 min. drive from あさま空山望
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Activity & Power Spot] 3 Sightseeing Spots

From here, we will introduce you to power spots where you can enjoy physical activities and power spots that will bring you luck and good fortune.

Power Spot! Kumano Imperial Shrine

Kumano Koutai Shrine straddles the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures and is designated as one of Japan's three great Kumano shrines, the "Shinanokuni Special Shrine. The shrine grounds are dotted with numerous power spots, including the main shrine built on the border between the two prefectures and the Shinanoki, a sacred tree said to be approximately 1,000 years old. The shrine offers a variety of blessings such as marriage, prosperous business, and the fulfillment of one's wishes, so please be sure to visit. In addition, visitors are allowed to walk around with their dogs in the precincts of the shrine, and dog omikuji and paw stamps are available.

Kumano Kotai Shrine​
Address: 1 Toge-cho, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 12 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 47 min. drive from あさま空山望
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Take interesting pictures! Trick Art Museum Karuizawa

Trick Art Museum Karuizawa is a facility that allows visitors to experience through their five senses the mysterious art that uses optical illusions, and is composed of three floors with themed exhibits such as "The Magic Zoo" and "World Masterpieces of Painting and Masterpiece Sculpture. Dogs and cats are free to roam the museum with their owners as long as they are on a leash. Of course, visitors can also enjoy taking pictures with the trick art. It is also nice to be able to use the attached café where you can enjoy coffee and cakes together.

Trick Art Museum Karuizawa​
Address: 809, Kyu-Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 4 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 40 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Experience traditional culture with your dog! Ceramic Art Experience Karuizawa DOG (KURAKO)

©Ceramic Art Experience Karuizawa DOG (Kurako)

Karuizawa DOG (Kurako), a pottery experience run by a dog-loving owner, is a place where visitors can experience one of Japan's traditional arts, pottery making. Visitors can create their own cups, figurines, and other items, the most popular of which is the making of a dog's footprint plate. In the process of making the plate, you press your dog's paw print into the clay to complete the work. The result is a one-of-a-kind work of art that is sure to be a memorable experience. The owner will kindly guide you through the process, so even beginners can participate without worries. For inquiries, please call the phone number listed on the website.

Ceramic Art Experience Karuizawa DOG (Kurako)​
Address: Lake New Town, Hatsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 45 min. drive from あさま空山望
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Fun even on rainy days! Karuizawa Area Attractions

• Trick Art Museum Karuizawa
• Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
• UDON NOODLE Brasserie KARUIZAWA JAPAN
• Karuizawa at Terrace
• Ceramic Art Experience Karuizawa DOG (Kurako)

Although many places in the Karuizawa area are outdoors, the above facilities allow you to enjoy sightseeing with your dog or pet even on rainy days. Since there are only a few places like Tsurutonton UDON NOODLE Brasserie KARUIZAWA JAPAN where you can enjoy eating and drinking indoors with your dog or pet, it is a good idea to know in advance what to expect. Also, be sure to prepare towels and other items for your pets, as their paws may get dirty when moving from the car to the restaurant.

Karuizawa area is a dog-friendly tourist destination! Make memories with your dog or pet!

The Karuizawa area is home to many places where you can enjoy abundant nature and delicious food. There are also many places you can enjoy with your dog or pet, so please consider Karuizawa area as one of your candidates if you are looking for a place where you can make memories of your trip to Karuizawa.

If you are planning a trip that includes overnight stays, we recommend あさま空山望, a villa resort for rent in a single building. It is a facility where you can stay with your dog, and it also has a dog run, a sauna, and a hot spring facility with private baths. Both dogs and humans are sure to be satisfied. For reservations and more information, please click on the link below.

For the latest information on hours of operation, fees, and temporary closures, please contact each spot directly.

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