21 Driving Spots in Karuizawa Area! Model courses for one-day and overnight trips!

Karuizawa is rich in nature and popular as a vacation home and summer resort. The area is full of scenic spots and sightseeing spots, and can be enjoyed for driving with your own car or a rental car. In this column, we introduce 21 recommended spots for a road trip in Karuizawa and a recommended model course.

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

Table of Contents

What is the appeal of the Karuizawa area?

The Karuizawa area is one of the most popular resort destinations in the eastern end of Nagano Prefecture, with over 8.4 million annual travelers in 2019. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dining, shopping, and activities in the midst of nature, and driving around the area is recommended. The wide variety of spots makes it suitable for intergenerational travel with young children and grandparents.

10 Popular Driving Spots in Karuizawa Area

• Illumination is also a highlight! Shiraito Falls
• Proud of our fresh ingredients! Tsuruya Karuizawa Store
• Attractive scenery that changes with the seasons! Unba Pond
• A complex facility where you can stay for a whole day! Karuizawa Tagliassen
• Charming townscape with a sense of history! Old Karuizawa Ginza Street
• Enjoy shopping! Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
• A church surrounded by forestKaruizawa Highland Church Karuizawa Highland Church
• The beautiful building is also a highlight! Karuizawa Hiroshi Senju Art Museum
• You can buy fresh vegetables picked in the morning! Karuizawa Hatsuchi Market Garden
• Enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains! Old Usui Pass Gazebo

Here are 10 popular driving spots in the Karuizawa area. Please refer to them for your trip planning.

Illumination is also a highlight! Shiraito Falls

Shiraito Falls is a 3-meter-high, 70-meter-wide spot where highly transparent underground water gushes out from the rock face. It is said that the name comes from the beautiful appearance of the water cascading down from the rock face, which looks like white threads. Light-up events are held every year, and visitors can enjoy the wonderful scenery combined with the green of the surrounding trees in summer and the snowy landscape in winter. The romantic atmosphere that flows through the area makes it a popular destination for couples on date trips.

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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Proud of our fresh ingredients! Tsuruya Karuizawa Store

Tsuruya is a supermarket that sells groceries and operates mainly in Nagano and Gunma prefectures. Among its many stores, the "Tsuruya Karuizawa Store" is located in Karuizawa Town. Under the policy of "Commitment to freshness," the store focuses on selling vegetables and fruits purchased from contract farmers. It is a good place to stop by on a road trip to purchase drinks and snacks. The delicatessen corner also sells freshly baked bread, which can be used when you are hungry.

Tsuruya Karuizawa Store​
Address 2707 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 35 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Attractive scenery that changes with the seasons! Unba Pond

Kumobaike Pond is a scenic spot rich in nature. It is about 1.2 hectares in size, and the promenade around the pond can be completed in about 25 minutes. Visitors can enjoy forest bathing and bird watching as a variety of plants and wild birds fly in and out of the area. The scenery that changes with the seasons, such as autumn leaves and snow, is also a highlight of the area. As there is no dedicated parking lot, please use nearby parking lots or public transportation.

Kumoba Pond​
Address Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
Access 38 minutes by car from ASAMA KUZANBO
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A complex facility where you can stay for a whole day! Karuizawa Tagliassen

The Karuizawa Taliasen is a complex of various attractions including a museum, art museum, restaurants, and various activities. Located near Lake Shiozawa, the facility is popular among people of all ages, from adults to children. The "English Rose Garden" in the facility is home to 1,800 roses of about 200 varieties, and visitors can encounter some of the rarest varieties in Japan. In addition, there are plenty of restaurants, so you can enjoy Karuizawa all day long without having to go outside.

Karuizawa Taliesin​
Address: 217 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 37 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Charming townscape with a sense of history! Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

Old Karuizawa Ginza-dori is lined with buildings that give a sense of history and is a popular spot to enjoy walking around town. Since the area has long been popular as a vacation home for foreigners, there are many churches such as "Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Chapel" that give the area an exotic atmosphere. The "Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street" is full of souvenir stores and handmade goods stores. There are also many restaurants introduced in guidebooks and other publications in this area, making it a good spot for a meal.

Old Karuizawa Ginza Street​
Address Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
Access 4 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 40 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Enjoy shopping! Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is a large shopping mall located just outside the south exit of Karuizawa Station. The facility is lined with many well-known brand-name stores and clothing stores. As is typical of Karuizawa's rich natural environment, there is a large pond and grassy plaza where visitors can enjoy picnics. A kid's park is available for small children, making this a great place to visit with the whole family. Seasonal events such as illumination are also a point of interest.

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza​
Address Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
Access 2 min. walk from Karuizawa Station, 38 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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A church surrounded by forest! Karuizawa Highland Church

Karuizawa Highland Church has a history of over 100 years. Surrounded by greenery and beautifully lit by the warm sunlight pouring down from the trees, it is also known as one of the most popular wedding venues. Sunday services are held every Sunday from 8:00 am to 30 minutes, and anyone is free to attend. The church also hosts a lantern-lighting event during the months of August and Christmas. We recommend making reservations for the events and spending time with your loved ones in a more glamorous church than usual.

Karuizawa Kogen Church​
Address: Hoshino, Karuizawa-cho, Nagano, Japan
Access 12 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 30 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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The beautiful building is also a highlight! Karuizawa Hiroshi Senju Art Museum

©Karuizawa Hiroshi Senju Art Museum

The Karuizawa Hiroshi Senju Museum of Art (Karuizawa Senju Hiroshi Museum) is an art museum that constantly exhibits representative works by the Japanese-style painter Hiroshi Senju. The museum is known for its beautiful building, which is filled with soft light and harmonizes with the natural beauty of Karuizawa. Another reason for the museum's popularity is its "Color Leaf Garden," where many kinds of flowers and grasses grow. The works on display vary depending on the time of year, so it is advisable to check the website in advance. There is also a bakery/cafe and a museum store, so there are plenty of areas to enjoy eating and shopping.

Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa​
Address: 815 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 36 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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You can buy fresh vegetables picked in the morning! Karuizawa Hatsuchi Market Garden

Karuizawa Hatchi Ichiba (Karuizawa Hatchi Ichiba) is a complex facility located in the rural landscape of southern Karuizawa. At the agricultural products direct sales counter, fresh local vegetables and processed local products are sold. Of particular note are the "under frost vegetables" such as cabbage, lettuce, and corn, which are harvested every morning by the farmers. Also not to be missed are the reputable local restaurants such as "Teuchi-Soba Aroma-Ya," "Shirohotaru Kitchen," and "Atelier de Fromage. It is also a good idea to stop by for lunch.

Karuizawa Hatsuchi City Garden​
Address: 2564-1 Hatsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 15 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 40 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains! Old Usui Pass Gazebo

Kyu-Usui Touge Miharashidai is an observatory located at the border of Gunma and Nagano Prefectures, at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters. The magnificent views of Mt. Asama and the Myogi mountain range that surround it overwhelm visitors. The Old Usui Pass scenic trail is available from the Old Karuizawa direction. You can also enjoy hiking along the trail. Some of the routes are not paved, so it is recommended that visitors come prepared with trekking shoes or other appropriate gear.

Old Usui Pass Gazebo​
Address: Toge-cho, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 12 min drive from Karuizawa Station North Exit, 47 min drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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What is the appeal of the Kita-Karuizawa area?

Kita-Karuizawa is located southwest of the town of Naganohara in Gunma Prefecture and is only a 30-minute drive from Karuizawa. The area is rich in nature and has fewer tourists than Karuizawa, making it one of the most attractive areas for a relaxing visit without the crowds. Because it is a hidden resort area known only to those in the know, it is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy a break from the standard tourist attractions.

11 Popular Driving Spots in Kita-Karuizawa

• Feel the power of the earth! Onishidashien
• Feel the negative ions! Asama Great Falls, Fish Stop Falls
• The open and magnificent scenery is an attraction! Asama Farm
• Tenku Dining (ASAMA KUZANBO) boasts cuisine that focuses on local production for local consumption!
• Day-trip bathing available! Tenku Spa (ASAMA KUZANBO)
• Dine in nature at D-café!
• You can taste homemade cheese and soft-serve ice cream! Cheese Ranch
• A stylish spot in the midst of nature! Ruoms Forest
• Popular driving route! Tsumagoi Panorama Line
• Open in 2020! Yamba Dam
• A nationally designated scenic spot! Azuma Gorge

Here are 11 popular driving spots in Kita-Karuizawa.

Feel the power of the earth! Onishidashien

Onioshidashien (Onioshidashi Garden) is a spectacular spot overlooking a scenic area where visitors can feel the mystery of nature. The unique topography was created by the 1783 eruption of Mount Asama. The lava that flowed out of the eruption cooled and hardened, forming the unique terrain that we see today. Onishidashi Garden is also famous as a place where many other alpine plants, such as the Hikarigoke, grow wild. Visitors can also enjoy the azalea and mountain azalea from early May to late August.

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 ASAMA KUZANBO
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Feel the negative ions! Asama Great Falls, Fish Stop Falls

Asama Great Falls is the largest waterfall in the Kita-Karuizawa area, with a drop of about 10 meters and a width of about 4 meters. With an abundance of water, it is popular as a power spot where visitors can feel plenty of negative ions. The Uodome no Taki waterfall, with a drop of about 10 meters, can also be seen just below the waterfall. To reach either of these waterfalls, park your car and walk through the forest to the falls. The area surrounding the waterfalls is thick with trees, making it cool even in the summer, making it a great place to escape the heat.

Asama Otaki・Uodome Falls​
Address: Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 38 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 4 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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The open and magnificent scenery is an attraction! Asama Farm

Asama Farm is a lush green spot where visitors can experience firsthand the magnificent nature of Kita-Karuizawa. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters above sea level, the ranch covers a total area of approximately 800 hectares. The ranch has a walking trail where visitors can observe cows relaxing in nature with Mount Asama in the background. At the entrance to the ranch is the Asama Ranch Tea House, where you can enjoy soft-serve ice cream, Shinshu Misoyaki Donburi (rice bowl topped with grilled miso), and other gourmet treats. After enjoying the scenery, please enjoy Asama Ranch with your taste buds as well.

Asama Farm​
Address: Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 30 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 11 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Luxurious barbecue on a spectacular terrace with Asama-zan view! Tenku Dining (ASAMA KUZANBO)

Tenku Dining is a restaurant located in ASAMA KUZANBO, a villa resort for one villa rental. Guests can enjoy dishes such as pasta and pizza using freshly picked highland vegetables and selected ingredients from all over Japan. A BBQ set with sumptuous ingredients is also available on the terrace, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Asama, so feel free to bring your own food. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner in two parts, and can be used on a day trip even by those who are not staying overnight. Please stop by when you want to enjoy foods from the rich natural environment of Karuizawa in Shinshu and Tsumagoi in Gunma Prefecture.

天空柁イニング​
Address: 2032-2577 ASAMA KUZANBO, Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 40 min. drive from Karuizawa Station.
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Day sauna and bathing available! Tenku Spa (ASAMA KUZANBO)

Tenku Spa is a hot-spring facility that uses Asama natural water flowing through Kita-Karuizawa. The large baths are made of Japanese cypress, and the soothing aroma of a forest can be enjoyed. In the cypress-scented dry sauna, you can also enjoy the "wax wax" using Asama natural water, making it a must-see for sauna lovers. In the cypress-scented dry sauna, sauna lovers must not miss out on the wax wax using Asama natural water. For outdoor air bathing, please spend your time on the terrace overlooking Mt. Private private baths are also available, and are gaining popularity with families. For one-day bathing, a price plan with a face towel and bath towel rental is available.

Sky Spa​
Address: 2032-2577 ASAMA KUZANBO, Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 40 min. drive from Karuizawa Station.
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Dine in nature at D-café!

D-café is a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food and coffee in a healing space surrounded by a forest. When you visit, you may be greeted by a cute staff dog. The menu includes light meals such as sandwiches and hot dogs, as well as a variety of well-prepared meals. Please note that the shop is closed during the winter season from mid-December to late March.

D-café​
Address: 1053-566, Kamahara, Tsumakoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 33 min drive from Karuizawa Station, 14 min drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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You can taste homemade cheese and soft-serve ice cream! Cheese Ranch

Cheese Ranch is a cheese store that sells authentic cheese made by dairy farmers. Since its opening in July 2028, the store has been popular among cheese fans nationwide, offering a variety of cheese types including Cheddar, Camembert, and Mozzarella, all of which have been aged for three months or more. The "Fromage Soft," made from freshly squeezed milk, is especially popular for its natural flavor that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

cheese farm​
Address: 1054-11 Kamahara, Tsumakoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 33 min drive from Karuizawa Station, 11 min drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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A stylish spot in the midst of nature! Ruoms Forest

In Ruomu no Mori, eating and drinking spaces and galleries are located in a building that was originally a Western-style mansion built as a villa in the Taisho era (1912-1926). Among them, "Kikori Pizza," where you can enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza baked using wood from Asama, is very popular. The restaurant is always crowded during lunch time. You can spend a special time on the terrace or in the treehouse. The store sells homemade honey and other products recommended as souvenirs. In addition, special exhibitions are held at the gallery on an irregular basis.

Forest of Ruoms​
Address: 1984-239, Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 36 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 12 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Popular driving route! Tsumagoi Panorama Line

Tsumagoi Panorama Line is a recommended driving course for enjoying the scenery from the car window. One of the main village roads in Tsumagoi Village, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture, the entire route is about 30 km long and is divided into two routes, one to the south and the other to the north. Whichever route you take, you will be surrounded by Mt. Asama and cabbage fields, one of Gunma Prefecture's famous products. The magnificent scenery will make you realize that you have visited Kita-Karuizawa. The road is easy to drive, but be careful not to drive too fast.

Tsumagoi Panorama Line​
Address: Tsumagoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 48 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 30 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Open in 2020! Yamba Dam

The Yamba Dam is a hot spot that opened in March 2020 after more than 70 years of planning. It was built to prevent the Tone River from flooding and to secure water for daily life and industrial use in the Tokyo metropolitan area, but parts of it, such as the observation deck and observation plaza, are also open to the public as tourist facilities. The large concrete wall surrounded by nature is a powerful sight. It is also a popular photo spot in autumn, when the surrounding mountains are tinted with autumn leaves, providing a contrast with the dam lake.

Yamba Dam​
Address: Kawarabatake, Naganoharacho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 1 hour drive from Karuizawa Station, 35 minutes drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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A nationally designated scenic spot! Azuma Gorge

Agatsuma Gorge, designated as a national scenic beauty in 1935, is a 2.5-km gorge stretching from Fureai Ohashi Bridge to Shinhorai. The lava that flowed from volcanic activity has been eroded by the river over the years, forming the unique beauty of the gorge. The valley is surrounded by abundant nature, and one of the reasons for its popularity is that visitors can enjoy the changes in the four seasons: azaleas in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in fall. A 60-minute one-way walking trail is also available, so visitors can get out of their cars and enjoy hiking.

Azuma Gorge (Ichinoseki-shi, Iwate-ken)​
Address: 873, Matsutani, Higashi-agatsumamachi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 1 hr. 3 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 41 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Recommended Day Trip Driving Course in Karuizawa

• Condensed popular spots! Day Trip Driving Course
• Enjoy the resort for date or family trip! 2 Day/1 Night Driving Course

Finally, here are some model courses and points to keep in mind when actually visiting the spots introduced so far. The Karuizawa area is scenic and you will surely enjoy the drive.

Condensed popular spots! Day Trip Driving Course

Kyukaru Ginza area→Shiraito Falls→Onishidashien→Restaurant 天空柁イニング→Tenku Spa→Tsuruya Karuizawa→Usui Karuizawa IC

If you plan a one-day driving course, an efficient route is to start at the Karuizawa Ginza Shokai in the center of Karuizawa, travel northward around tourist attractions, and return to the Usui Karuizawa IC. 天空柁イニング visitors are requested to make a reservation. The large public baths at Tenkusu Spa are available until 6:00 p.m., and the private baths are available until 9:30 p.m. (last admission until 8:00 p.m.). If you will be arriving late, you should consider using the private baths.

Enjoy the resort for date or family trip! 2 Day/1 Night Driving Course

Day 1: Unba Pond → lunch at Tenku Dining → dog run [for guests only] → check-in → Tenku (Sky) Spa → stay at ASAMA KUZANBO

Day 2: ASAMA KUZANBO→Asama Great Falls→Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza→Usui Karuizawa IC

If you have a little more time to spare (2 days and 1 night), we recommend that you spend the first day exploring Kumoba Pond and then enjoy "ASAMA KUZANBO" to the fullest. On the second day, explore the surrounding spots where you can enjoy shopping and the arts. Karuizawa is dotted with many places where you can enjoy delicious gourmet food, so we recommend that you make eating your way around the area one of your travel goals. Sharing a meal with friends and family and enjoying a variety of cuisines will definitely make your trip more satisfying.

If you want to enjoy a trip in touch with nature, go to Karuizawa!

We have introduced some spots that we can recommend for a road trip around Karuizawa. Karuizawa is one of the classic spots if you want to enjoy sightseeing and dining in a rich natural environment. Each spot is easily accessible by car from Karuizawa Station, which is only 30 minutes away.

With so much to see and do, you can enjoy Karuizawa more deeply by planning a trip that includes one or two nights' lodging. If you are looking for a place to stay, please consider ASAMA KUZANBO, a villa resort for rent. With a spa and dining facilities, you can have Karuizawa's natural beauty all to yourself. For details and reservations, 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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