A Complete Guide to Sightseeing Spots in the Karuizawa Area in Winter
Karuizawa is famous as a summer vacation spot, but it is also a winter tourist destination where you can enjoy fantastic snow-covered scenery, illuminations, and a variety of winter activities. In this column, we will introduce a selection of the best sightseeing spots to visit in Karuizawa in winter. Whether it is a Christmas date for couples, a family vacation during the year-end and New Year holidays, or a winter vacation activity with friends, this column is full of information that can be enjoyed in any situation. Now, why don't you spend a special moment in Karuizawa in winter?
For the latest information on hours of operation, fees, and temporary closures, please contact each spot directly.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Karuizawa's Winter Attraction?
- 2 5 Popular Winter Sightseeing Spots in Karuizawa Area
- 3 Winter Activities in Karuizawa Area
- 4 Recommended Karuizawa courses to visit in winter
- 5 What to bring and wear to enjoy Karuizawa in winter
- 6 Winter Transportation and Access in Karuizawa
- 7 Let's go on a trip to Karuizawa in winter, where tranquility prevails!
What is Karuizawa's Winter Attraction?
Winter in Karuizawa offers unique winter scenery, with snow-covered mountains and trees creating a fantastic scene. The area is dotted with spots where nature spreads out in a silvery white world and history and culture come alive. With its clean air and tranquility, Karuizawa in winter will feel like another world.
In addition, there are various ways to enjoy Karuizawa in winter. During the Christmas season, visitors can visit the illumination in the clear winter air and silence, and skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts will love the easy access to the ski slopes. In addition, there are a variety of winter activities such as snowshoeing and stargazing.
5 Popular Winter Sightseeing Spots in Karuizawa Area
Here are five popular tourist destinations where you can enjoy beautiful winter scenery and illuminations. All of them are wonderful places to enjoy Karuizawa in winter.
- Shiraito Falls in winter
- Snowy scenery of Unba Pond
- Karuizawa Highland Church Christmas Illumination
- The beauty of black and white created by snow and lava in Onishidaien
- Asama Great Falls and Uostome Falls Ice Falls
Shiraito Falls in winter
Shiraito Falls is one of Karuizawa's most popular tourist attractions, and appears even more mysterious in winter. The waterfall freezes over and looks like an ice sculpture. Especially in midwinter, the waterfall is illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The illuminated waterfalls attract visitors with a different charm than during the daytime. The spectacle of the glow of the frozen waterfalls and the surrounding snowy landscape is well worth seeing. If you visit Karuizawa in winter, be sure not to miss the mysterious Shiraito Falls.
Shiraito Falls
Address: Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 20 minutes by car from the north exit of Karuizawa Station,ASAMA KUZANBO25 minutes by car from
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Snowy scenery of Unba Pond
Kumobaike Pond is a beautiful pond with seasonal scenery, but the snowy winter scenery is especially spectacular. The scenery of snow covering the pond and the quiet surface of the water is like a painting. When the snow falls, the surrounding trees and the pond turn completely white, providing visitors with a sense of serenity and beauty. Unba Pond in winter is also an ideal spot for photography. It is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Karuizawa in winter.
Kumoba Pond
Address Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
AccessASAMA KUZANBO38 minutes by car from
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Karuizawa Highland Church Christmas Illumination
Karuizawa Highland Church is a popular church for weddings, and the annual "Karuizawa Highland Church Starry Forest Christmas" is held in winter. At night, starlight, Christmas trees, and lantern candles create a fantastic scene and a romantic atmosphere in the church forest. Advance reservations are required, so those who wish to see the illumination in Karuizawa should check it out.
Karuizawa Kogen Church
Address: Hoshino, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
Access 12 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 30 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Karuizawa Highland Church Starry Forest Christmas Home Page
The beauty of black and white created by snow and lava in Onishidaien
Onioshidashien is a sightseeing spot characterized by its unique topography formed by the great eruption of Mt. Asama in 1783 during the Edo period. In winter, snow covers the area, creating a beautiful contrast between the lava and snow. The snow-covered lava fields create an otherworldly atmosphere that attracts visitors. Onishidashien seen in the cold of winter has a different charm from that of other seasons. This place where one can feel the power and beauty of nature is one of the must-visit spots in Karuizawa in winter.
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 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO20 minutes by car from
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Asama Great Falls and Uostome Falls Ice Falls
Asama Otaki Waterfall and Uozome Waterfall are the best places to enjoy the nature of Kita-Karuizawa, and are famous for their ice falls in winter. The spectacular wall of ice that appears when the falls freeze over is a sight to behold. The icefalls are a special sight that can only be seen during the cold winter months. The beauty and power of the frozen waterfalls attract visitors. If you visit Karuizawa in winter, be sure to see the Asama Falls, which can be called ice art. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes.
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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Winter Activities in Karuizawa Area
In winter, Karuizawa offers beautiful nature with snowy landscapes and a wide variety of activities. Here we will introduce in detail the unique winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and star gazing.
- Skiing and Snowboarding in Karuizawa
- Snowshoeing with your dog in Asama Highlands
- Winter highland strawberry picking at Karuizawa Garden Farm Strawberry Garden
- Curling Experience at Karuizawa Ice Park
- Star gazing at the Asama Plateau where meteors fall
Skiing and Snowboarding in Karuizawa
Karuizawa is a great area for skiing and snowboarding. Particularly popular ski resorts include Karuizawa Snow Park and Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area. The courses are suitable for beginners and are also recommended for families.
In addition, the Pulkor Tsumakoi Ski Resort and Yunomaru Ski Resort are not to be missed. Parcoal Tsumakoi is known for its vast slopes and abundant snowfall, while Yunomaru Ski Resort is at a higher elevation and has a reputation for its natural powder snow and good snow quality. All ski resorts are well-equipped with rental facilities and schools, so even first-timers and beginners can enjoy skiing.
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area
Address Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
Access 1 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 40 min. drive from あさま空山望
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Karuizawa Snow Park
Address: 2032-16, Kitakaruizawa, Naganoharacho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 30 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 20 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
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Snowshoeing with your dog in Asama Highlands
Snowshoeing has become popular in recent years as a new way to enjoy walking in the snow. The Yunomaru and Kanazawa areas in particular are ideal for snowshoeing due to their rich natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the winter nature they would not normally see while walking slowly through the snow-covered forests and mountains.
Another attraction is that you can experience snowshoeing with your dog. Taking a walk in the snow with your dog/pet will create a special memory for you. Snowshoeing is easy even for beginners, so please give it a try. At あさま空山望, a single villa resort, private guided tours are also available as an option.
Winter highland strawberry picking at Karuizawa Garden Farm Strawberry Garden
Karuizawa Strawberry Garden Farm offers highland strawberry picking throughout the year. Visitors can pick sweet and fragrant varieties such as Benihoppe and Kaorino on the spot and enjoy their fresh flavor. The greenhouse cultivation makes it comfortable even on cold days, and it is a popular activity that can be enjoyed with family and friends. Please experience the perfect balance of sweetness and sourness.
Karuizawa Garden Farm Strawberry Orchard
Address: 2062-1 Hatsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 15 min. drive from Karuizawa Station 41 min. drive from あさま空山望
*For those coming with car navigation system settings: Please do not use address search or phone number search. Some models may not guide you to the correct address due to the farmland.
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Authentic curling experience at Karuizawa Ice Park
Karuizawa created a curling boom when it hosted the curling competition at the 1988 Nagano Olympics, and in 2004, the Karuizawa Ice Park was built, becoming one of the few facilities in Japan dedicated to curling. Karuizawa Ice Park offers a full range of curling experience programs for beginners. Expert instructors provide detailed instruction, so even first-timers can feel free to participate (advance reservations required). You can actually enjoy the game while learning the basic rules, how to throw stones and use brushes.
Karuizawa Ice Park
Address: 1154-1 Hatsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 10 min. drive from Karuizawa Station 38 min. drive from あさま空山望
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Star gazing at the Asama Plateau where meteors fall
Winter in Karuizawa has the highest percentage of clear skies of the year, especially in Kita-Karuizawa, where the high altitude and clean air create an ideal environment for star gazing. The countless stars in the night sky are as beautiful as if a jewel box had been turned upside down. You will forget about the cold and gaze up at the stars.
When stargazing, it is important to be prepared for the cold and dress warmly. Especially at higher elevations, temperatures are lower, so it is a good idea to bring a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Seeing the starry sky in Karuizawa in winter will surely be a memory you will cherish for a lifetime. At the あさま空山望 villa resort, private guided viewing tours are available as an option.
Recommended Karuizawa courses to visit in winter
Enjoy Karuizawa in winter with a date or family trip! 2-day/1-night driving course
Day 1 Old Light Ginza→Shiraito Falls→Stay at あさま空山望
2nd day あさま空山望→Onishidashien→Harnire Terrace→Usui Karuizawa IC
When you arrive in Karuizawa, visit the Old Light Ginza first. Here you can enjoy antique stores and cafes. Then, move on to Shiraito Falls to enjoy the beautiful winter icefall. In the evening, check in to the あさま空山望 villa resort and relax in a warm villa with a view of snow-capped Mt. Asama, followed by a delicious dinner and star gazing.
On the second day, we will leave あさま空山望 after breakfast and head to Onishidashien. Here you can see the unique topography formed by volcanic activity. Next, stop by Karuizawa Highland Church and enjoy its serene atmosphere. Finally, end your trip at Harunire Terrace for some shopping and café time. By following this course, you will be able to fully enjoy the charm of Karuizawa in winter.
What to bring and wear to enjoy Karuizawa in winter
When visiting Karuizawa in winter, you need to be well-protected against the cold. Since the altitude is above 1000 m and the temperature is very low, a heavy coat or down jacket is a must. Also, don't forget to bring gloves, a scarf, and a hat. Waterproof boots are especially useful as feet can be slippery.
In addition, pay attention to your innerwear. Underwear with high heat-retention properties such as HEATTECH and clothing that can be layered are recommended. Take all possible measures to protect yourself from the cold, and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery and activities in Karuizawa to the fullest.
Winter Transportation and Access in Karuizawa
Karuizawa is a very attractive winter tourist destination, but access to the area must be chosen carefully and carefully. Especially in winter, snow and icy conditions are common, so it is important to be prepared and select the right means of transportation.
How to get there by train
To reach Karuizawa by train, the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo takes approximately one hour. Karuizawa Station on the Shinkansen provides good access to major tourist attractions, but because demand for cabs increases during the winter season, early reservations are necessary. Cabs can be in short supply, especially during the year-end and New Year's seasons, so it is a good idea to make reservations in advance.
The advantage of train travel is that it is less affected by weather conditions, so there is less concern about snow and icy conditions. However, it is important to ensure that you have a means of transportation from the station to your destination. Check bus and cab schedules in advance and make a plan to ensure smooth travel.
Driving Directions and Notes
When accessing Karuizawa by car in winter, studless tires are a must. Frequent snowfall and icy conditions make it difficult to drive safely with regular tires. You should also consider the early sunset time. In winter, the sun begins to set around 16:00, so it is important to plan to arrive at your destination while it is still light.
In addition, driving on snowy or icy mountain roads may require special skills. Avoid sudden braking or steering suddenly, and drive slowly. It is also a good idea to check road information and weather forecasts in advance, and if necessary, prepare equipment such as chains and shovels.
If you do not have studless tires, consider renting a car or using car sharing from Karuizawa Station. あさま空山望, a single villa resort, offers an accommodation plan with round-trip studless tire rental car from Tokyo in a Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
Let's go on a trip to Karuizawa in winter, where tranquility prevails!
Karuizawa in winter is a place where you can discover new charms every time you visit. With its clean air and beautiful snowy landscape, this season is the perfect opportunity to reaffirm Karuizawa's charms. During the holiday season, which is full of events such as Christmas and New Year's, dress warmly and take warm clothing to enjoy Karuizawa in winter.
If you are looking for a place to stay, please consider あさま空山望, a villa resort for rent. In the privacy of your own home, you can enjoy a potluck dinner of premium ingredients, which will delight your taste buds while enjoying the view of snow-capped Mount Asama. For details and reservations, please click on the link below.
For the latest information on hours of operation, fees, and temporary closures, please contact the respective spots directly.
