Enjoy winter in the Karuizawa area! 7 Ski and Snowboard Resorts Recommended by Locals

The Karuizawa area is highly popular as a resort area due to its beautiful natural environment and easy accessibility. Especially in winter, the Karuizawa area is an ideal spot for skiing and snowboarding, with its clean air and beautiful snow-covered scenery. In this column, we will introduce seven ski resorts where you and your dog can enjoy a wide variety of skiing, from beginners to experts. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can also enjoy a variety of activities such as snowshoeing and curling. We hope you have a memorable time in Karuizawa in winter.

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

Table of Contents

Characteristics of Karuizawa Area Ski Resorts

The Karuizawa area is an attractive winter sports spot with easy access and a variety of ski resorts. While being conveniently located about 1-2 hours from the Tokyo metropolitan area by car or Shinkansen bullet train, visitors can enjoy high-quality snowy scenery surrounded by beautiful mountains.

There is a wide variety of courses, from gentle courses for beginners to steep slopes where advanced skiers can hone their skills. In addition to skiing, there are also extensive snowboarding and snow play areas, which are popular among families and couples. In addition, the quality of the snow and well-maintained slopes provide a comfortable skiing experience and are favored by many repeat visitors.

The Karuizawa area is unique in that you can also enjoy after-skiing. With hotels and hot springs attached to ski resorts and shopping malls near Karuizawa Station, this is the perfect area to visit for sightseeing as well.

7 recommended ski resorts in the Karuizawa area

Karuizawa Snow Park is a popular winter-only spot at an altitude of 1,300 meters. A total of six ski courses offer a rich variety of skiing for beginners and advanced skiers alike, and adults can also enjoy skiing to their heart's content. The ski area is also equipped with a children's slope and a snow play area where children can enjoy tubing and sledding, making it the perfect place for the whole family to play in the snow. The ski resort also has two dog runs and the "Doggie Trail," where you can enjoy trekking with your dog, making it popular with people with pets. The "Dog Dog Trail" offers a 1-km mountain trail with a spectacular view of Mount Asama. This is a ski resort where you can fully enjoy winter nature with your family and your dog.

Karuizawa Snow Park​
Address: 2032-16, Kitakaruizawa, Naganoharacho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 30 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO20 minutes by car from
Google Maps　　Home Page

Parcoal Tsumagoi with spectacular views and a variety of coursesresort

PARKOR Tsumagoi Resort is the largest ski resort in the Kita-Karuizawa area at an elevation of 2,100 meters. The resort is conveniently located so that it can be accessed without snow from the nearest interchange, and the longest gondola in the Kanto region can be used to reach the top of the mountain while enjoying the spectacular view. A variety of courses are available for beginners and advanced skiers, making it ideal for families, couples, and friends. In particular, the "Sunrise Run," which starts at 6:30 a.m. every morning, offers a special experience to enjoy the magnificent view of Mt. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, snow play and gondola experiences are also available, offering a full range of activities to satisfy both adults and children.

Par Coeur Tsumagoi Resort​
Address: Baragi Plateau, Oaza-Hanamata, Azuma-gun, Tsumagoi-mura, Azuma-gun, Gunma
Access 65 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO40 minutes by car from
Google Maps　　Home Page

A superb skiing experience at an altitude of 2,000 meters! Takamine Mountain Park (former Asama 2000)

Located 2,000 meters above sea level, Takamine Mountain Park is a ski resort with high-quality powder snow and breathtaking views. With a variety of courses for beginners and advanced skiers alike, the park is popular with families. With a high percentage of clear skies and beautiful views of Mount Asama, visitors are sure to be charmed. For après-ski, it is recommended to relax at the adjacent hot springs and resort facilities. We hope you will experience the superb quality of snow created by the high altitude.

Takamine Mountain Park (formerly Asama 2000)
Address: Takamine Kogen, Komoro, Nagano, Japan
Access 60 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO80 minutes by car from
Google Maps　　Home Page

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area with excellent access by Shinkansen bullet train!

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is a popular winter destination for beginners and advanced skiers alike. With a total of 14 courses and 9 lifts, the ski area offers a wide variety of course designs. It is equipped with gentle courses for beginners and a "Snowman Park" where you can enjoy sledding and tubing, catering to a wide range of skiers. Furthermore, ski equipment and clothing can be rented, so visitors can easily enjoy winter sports even if they come empty-handed from Karuizawa Station on the Shinkansen bullet train. After skiing, it is recommended to enjoy shopping and dining at the adjacent Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza. With its easy access and excellent facilities, this ski resort is a great place to enjoy winter activities to the fullest.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area​
Address Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
Access 1 minute drive from Karuizawa Station,ASAMA KUZANBO40 minutes by car from
Google Maps　　Home Page

Enjoy skiing and hot springs in a double package! Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort

If you want to enjoy skiing and hot springs together, Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort is the place for you. With a total of 6 courses and 7 lifts and gondolas, a wide range of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to experts, can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. The smooth powdery snow and 4.3 km long course are very comfortable to ski and are favored by many skiers. Ski equipment and clothing can be rented, making it easy to visit without any equipment. This is a ski resort where you can enjoy winter activities and a hot spring town in luxury.

Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort​
Address: 158 Forest Group 158, Shirane National Forest, Oaza Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 60 min. drive from Karuizawa Station ASAMA KUZANBO40 minutes by car from
Google Maps　　Home Page　

Excellent access for family fun(at sentence-end, falling tone) indicates a confident conclusionSaku Ski Garden "Parada

Saku Ski Garden "Parada" is directly connected to the Saku-Heira IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway, making it easy to access and easy to visit. It is equipped with a variety of courses for beginners and advanced skiers, as well as a kids' park popular with families. Skiing classes for children are also held, making it an ideal place for skiing debutants. This year (2025), for the first time in five years, the day-care center will be back! Now more than ever, moms and dads can ski with ease. Furthermore, there is a full lineup of rental equipment available, so you can visit with nothing at all. If you are looking for a winter activity for the whole family, Parada is the place to be.

Saku Ski Garden "Parada​
Address: 2066-1 Kamihirao, Saku, Nagano, Japan
Access 30 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO50 minutes by car from
Google Maps　　Home Page

The closest ski resort to the Tokyo metropolitan area! Yunomaru Ski Resort with natural powder snow!

Located at an elevation of 1,700 meters, Yunomaru Ski Resort offers high-quality powder snow and a high percentage of sunny days. A total of nine courses are available for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The family-friendly area and kids' park are also well-equipped, so even young children can enjoy skiing with peace of mind. Ski equipment and apparel rental service is also available, allowing visitors to enjoy winter sports in comfort even if they come empty-handed.

Yunomaru Ski Area
Address: 1270 Niibari, Tomi-city, Nagano, Japan
Access 65 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO45 minutes by car from
Google Maps　　Home Page

Activities other than skiing and snowboarding in the Karuizawa area4 selections

For those who are not good at skiing or snowboarding and want to have fun together with their dogs, we introduce winter activities in the Karuizawa area, such as snowshoeing and star gazing.

• Snowshoeing with your dog! Yunomaru/Kanazawa Area
• 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

Snowshoeing with your dog! Yunomaru/Kanazawa Area

Snowshoeing, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, is a new winter activity that allows people to enjoy nature while walking on snow. The Yunomaru and Kanazawa areas offer the perfect environment for exploring beautiful snow-covered forests and mountains. Snowshoe tours are also available for you and your dog, making it a great way to create special memories with your pet. Even beginners can easily enjoy snowshoeing, allowing them to fully appreciate the unique nature that only winter can offer. The single villa resort あさま空山望 also offers special tours with private guides.

Winter highland strawberry picking at Karuizawa Garden Farm Strawberry Garden

Karuizawa Garden Farm offers highland strawberry picking throughout the year. Visitors can pick fragrant and sweet varieties such as Benihoppe and Kaorino on the spot and taste fresh strawberries. Since they are grown in greenhouses, they are comfortable even on cold days, making this a perfect activity for making memories with family and friends. Please enjoy the delicious taste of fresh strawberries with the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness.

Karuizawa Garden Farm Strawberry Orchard
Address: 2062-1 Hatsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 15 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car.ASAMA KUZANBO41 minutes by car from
*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.
Google Maps　　Home Page

Authentic curling experience at Karuizawa Ice Park

Karuizawa became a mecca for curling when it hosted the 1998 Nagano Olympics, and Karuizawa Ice Park, established in 2004, is known as one of the few facilities in Japan dedicated to curling. The park offers a full range of hands-on programs for beginners, with expert instructors providing detailed instruction so that even first-timers can enjoy themselves (advance reservations required). While learning the basic rules, how to throw stones and use brushes, you can experience the appeal of curling in an actual game format.

Karuizawa Ice Park
Address: 1154-1 Hatsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 10 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car.ASAMA KUZANBO38 minutes by car from
Google Maps　　Home Page

Star gazing at the Asama Plateau where meteors fall

In winter, Karuizawa has the clearest weather of the year, and especially in Kita-Karuizawa, the high altitude and clean air create an ideal environment for star gazing. The night sky is filled with countless stars, some of which can even be seen as shooting stars. The time spent gazing at the breathtaking starry sky in the cool air will surely become a special memory.

Warm clothing is essential for stargazing. In addition to a heavy coat, gloves, and hat, it is recommended to bring a warm drink to ease the cold. We hope you will experience the miracle of twinkling stars and shooting stars in Karuizawa in winter.

Recommended Karuizawa Ski/Snowboard Travel Courses to Visit in Winter

Enjoy the spectacular natural scenery and skiing/snowboarding! 3-day/2-night trip to Karuizawa .

Day 1　Old Light Ginza→Shiraito Falls→Stay at あさま空山望
2nd day　あさま空山望→Parcole Tsumagoi Resort→Stay at あさま空山望
3rd day　あさま空山望→Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza→Usui Karuizawa IC

After strolling along the Old Karu Ginza where you can enjoy the tasteful streets of Karuizawa and admire the beauty of nature at Shiraito Falls, stay overnight at "あさま空山望" where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. The next day, enjoy the spectacular view and skiing from 2,100m above sea level at "PARCOAL Tsumagoi Resort", and spend a luxurious evening at "あさま空山望" again. On the last day, enjoy shopping at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza before heading home from the Usui Karuizawa Interchange. You can enjoy a romantic trip combining nature, activities, and shopping.

3-day/2-night trip to Karuizawa with snow play and strawberry picking!

Day 1　Old Light Ginza→Harnire Terrace→Stay at あさま空山望
2nd day　あさま空山望→Karuizawa Snow Park→Stay at あさま空山望
3rd day　あさま空山望→Strawberry picking at Karuizawa Garden Farm→Usui Karuizawa IC

After a day of shopping and dining at Kyukaru Ginza and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Harunire Terrace, stay overnight at あさま空山望. On the second day, enjoy snow play and skiing for children at Karuizawa Snow Park, and then relax again at あさま空山望. On the last day, enjoy strawberry picking at Karuizawa Garden Farm and be impressed by the fresh sweetness of the strawberries. This is a trip full of memories for children and adults alike.

Enjoy nature walks and snow play with your dog! 3-day/2-night trip to Karuizawa .

Day 1　Karuizawa Shopping Plaza→Asama Great Falls→Stay at あさま空山望
2nd day　あさま空山望 → snowshoeing experience → stay at あさま空山望
3rd day　あさま空山望→Karuizawa Snow Park→Usui Karuizawa IC

Enjoy shopping with your dog at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, take a stroll at Asama Otaki Waterfall, and then stay overnight at あさま空山望. On the second day, get active with your dog in the snow by experiencing snowshoeing, and then relax again at あさま空山望. On the last day, you can play in the dog-friendly area of Karuizawa Snow Park and enjoy nature before heading back to the Usui Karuizawa IC. This course allows you to enjoy Karuizawa in winter with your dog.

Karuizawa AreaWhat to Wear and Drive While Skiing

When visiting Karuizawa ski resort, it is important to take warm clothing due to the high altitude and low temperatures. Choose ski wear, windproof outerwear, and innerwear made of materials that will keep you warm. Gloves, hats, and neck warmers are also essential. Also, wear snow boots and thick socks to protect your feet from the cold.

As a precaution when driving, studless tires or chains must be installed because roads are often icy in winter. In particular, the road surface becomes slippery due to the cold morning and evening temperatures, so be sure to drive slowly, avoiding sudden braking or steering too hard. 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. Mountain weather is changeable. Please check the weather and road conditions in advance and drive safely with full preparation.

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 skiing/snowboarding trip to Karuizawa in winter!

Karuizawa's ski resorts offer a wide variety of courses and attractive facilities for both beginners and advanced skiers. This winter, why don't you enjoy skiing and snowboarding with beautiful snow scenery and create new memories? Get your body moving in the clear air and fully enjoy the unique winter charm of Karuizawa. Please dress warmly and take proper winter clothing to enjoy the winter in Karuizawa!

If you are looking for the perfect accommodation for your ski trip in Karuizawa, we recommend あさま空山望, a villa resort for rent in a single building. In the privacy of your own home, you can enjoy the spectacular view of snow-covered Mt. Asama while indulging in a sumptuous one-pot meal made with premium ingredients. For more details and reservations, please click the link below.

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

COLUMNcolumn (e.g. in newspaper)

Comfort of being close to nature｜ASAMA KUZANBO, Kitakaruizawa, Japan｜Sustainable Vision

Updated on 2025.12.05

Report on New Green Concerts to Enjoy with Your Dog: Spend in Tenku Dining

Updated: Nov. 07, 2025

Chef's Dinner in Karuizawa｜Luxurious stay at Chateau Waimarama and a villa for rent

Updated on 2025.12.05

Enjoy the rainy days to the fullest! Guide to 21 Adult-friendly Sightseeing Spots in Karuizawa Area

Updated on 2025.12.05

List of Columns