Enjoy the rainy days to the fullest! Guide to 21 Adult-friendly Sightseeing Spots in Karuizawa Area
Karuizawa offers a wealth of places to enjoy even during sudden rain or the rainy season. In recent years, due to climate change, sudden rain and thunderstorms can occur even in summer, but for a calm and relaxing trip for adults, the tranquility and change of scenery created by the rain can create a pleasant time.
This article introduces, by genre, such "fun even on a rainy day" sightseeing spots in the Karuizawa and Kita-Karuizawa areas. From museums and wineries to shopping and dining, we have carefully selected places that can be enjoyed only by adults.
Table of Contents
- 1 A journey that accentuates the senses, where architecture, art, and nature resonate with each other
- 1.1 Karuizawa Highland Church: A silent prayer space surrounded by the sound of rain
- 1.2 Karuizawa New Art Museum: Designed for Contemporary Art Beginners
- 1.3 Karuizawa Hiroshi Senju Art Museum: Water Art Blending into the Sound of Rain
- 1.4 Karuizawa Commongrounds: A cultural complex space where art, design, and a café merge in the forest
- 1.5 MMoP (Mop): a unique space that resonates with interior design enthusiasts
- 2 Adult tasting trip to discover local flavors and crafts
- 3 Experience Karuizawa's unique experience spots that can be enjoyed with all five senses.
- 3.1 Karuizawa Tagliacen's Archery Experience for Kids: Activities for Parents and Children, Even in the Rain
- 3.2 Trick Art Museum Karuizawa: A playful “hands-on art” space
- 3.3 Karuizawa Glass Studio: Experience blowing glass to create your own unique piece
- 3.4 Year-round strawberry picking at Karuizawa Garden Farm: a greenhouse fruit experience even on rainy days
- 3.5 Karuizawa DOG (KURAKO): Enjoy a quiet “time of making things” on a rainy day.”
- 4 A shopping spot where you can have fun without worrying about rain
- 4.1 Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza: Comfortable even on rainy days! All buildings are roofed
- 4.2 Tsuruya Karuizawa Store: A treasure trove of Karuizawa souvenirs, check out Tsuruya's original products!
- 4.3 Karuizawa Hatsuchi Ichiba: A hole in the wall where you can find local gourmet foods, vegetables, and souvenirs.
- 5 Popular restaurants and cafes with a relaxed atmosphere
- 5.1 Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura Old Karuizawa: Breakfast in a comfortable space even on a rainy day
- 5.2 Karuizawa Kawakamian: A quiet moment and a taste of Shinshu soba
- 5.3 Tenku Dining: ASAMA KUZANBO restaurant. The spectacular view in the fog is also a treat.
- 5.4 Atelier Fromage Karuizawa Pizzeria: A restaurant specializing in cheese dishes to be savored on a rainy day
- 5.5 RK Garden: All-weather healing space
- 6 On rainy days, a relaxing “hotel” is the key to travel satisfaction.
A journey that accentuates the senses, where architecture, art, and nature resonate with each other
In the quiet of Karuizawa, surrounded by rain, the beauty of art and architecture resonates even more deeply. Enjoy a moment to sharpen your senses in a space that is at one with nature.
Karuizawa Highland Church: A silent prayer space surrounded by the sound of rain
Karuizawa Highland Church was founded in 1921 as a "free art education workshop. The spirit of being a church open to all still lives on today, and visitors are warmly welcomed. Surrounded by forest, the wooden structure is a space where the sound of rain and birdsong mingle with the sacred air, creating a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Especially during the rainy season, the wet greenery and the fragrance of the wood stand out, creating a moist and beautiful atmosphere. Tours are limited to 10:00-17:00 (except during weddings), so be careful about the timing of your visit. Enjoy a moment to deeply resonate your senses in the silence.
Karuizawa Kogen Church
Address: Hoshino, Karuizawa-cho, Nagano, Japan
Access 12 min. drive from Karuizawa StationASAMA KUZANBO30 minutes by car from
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Karuizawa New Art Museum: Designed for Contemporary Art Beginners
This museum introduces a wide variety of works by domestic and international artists, with a focus on contemporary art. Exhibits are often replaced, so each visit provides new stimulation. The open, glass-walled building is designed to allow visitors to feel natural light even on rainy days, and the art and space are one and the same for a relaxing time. There is also a café space attached to the building, which is recommended for art beginners.
Karuizawa New Art Museum
Address 1151-5 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 2 minute drive from Karuizawa Station,ASAMA KUZANBO40 minutes by car from
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Karuizawa Hiroshi Senju Art Museum: Water Art Blending into the Sound of Rain
This museum exhibits mainly representative works by the Japanese-style painter Hiroshi Senju. The light-infused design by architect Ryue Nishizawa and the serenity of the rain-soaked courtyard combine to create a space where it seems as if nature itself is part of the artwork. The “Waterfall” series, one of the museum's representative works, resonates with the expression of water and the sound of rain, making it a place that one would want to visit only on a rainy day. It is a one-of-a-kind art spot where you can spend time "enjoying" the rain.
Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa
Address: 815 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO36 minutes by car from
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Karuizawa Commongrounds: A cultural complex space where art, design, and a café merge in the forest
Located in Nakakaruizawa, a cultural facility that resonates with the sensibilities of adults, this facility features a bookstore and gallery with a selection of books, a café specializing in beans and ingredients, and a select store. Visitors can enjoy art and lifestyle in a relaxed atmosphere. It is a popular spot for those who want to spend a special time away from everyday life.
Karuizawa CommongroundsKaruizawa Common Grounds
Address: 1690-1 Nagakura Toriihara, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO34 minutes by car from
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MMoP (Mop): a unique space that resonates with interior design enthusiasts
MMoP“ is a lifestyle complex located in Miyota Town at the southern foot of majestic Mt. MMoP is a ”village" of eight facilities, including a photography museum, cafes and restaurants, and interior design stores, where visitors can enjoy food, clothing, and housing with all five senses. The site's rich nature and architecture are in harmony with each other, creating a peaceful atmosphere that can only be enjoyed on a rainy day. Visitors can also encounter furniture and art goods designed in Japan and abroad, satisfying the sensibilities of adults who love interior design and architecture. This is a place worth a trip from Karuizawa.
MMoP
Address: 1794-1, Mazeguchi, Oaza, Miyota-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 23 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO43 minutes by car from
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Adult tasting trip to discover local flavors and crafts
A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of taste. Let's go on a journey to discover the rich flavors of craft whiskey, local beer, wine, and more that are unique to the Karuizawa area.
Komoro Distillery: A rising star Japanese whiskey attracting worldwide attention
Komoro Distillery, a new hot spot in 2024. Taking advantage of the natural bounty at the foot of Mt. Asama, world-renowned master blender Ian Chan's distillery is producing the highest quality Japanese whiskey. Inside the distillery, visitors can tour the distillation equipment and enjoy an aromatic tasting experience. The indoor facility can be enjoyed regardless of weather conditions. Whiskey will be on sale to the public from winter 2026. We invite you to experience the birth of the whiskey that will become a future masterpiece in a sophisticated space for adults.
Komoro Distillery
Address: 4630-1 Kou, Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture
Access 30 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO50 minutes by car from
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Komoro Winery Man's Wine: Quality time with indoor tour and wine tasting
The winery is perched on a hill overlooking vineyards, and after touring the wine-making process, visitors can enjoy a relaxing wine tasting indoors. The classic ambience of the wine cellar and tasting room is perfect for rainy days, and the quiet environment allows visitors to concentrate on the aromas and flavors. It is a soothing space that is well worth a stop during your visit to Karuizawa, not to mention for wine lovers.
Komoro Winery Man's Wine
Address: 375 Moro, Komoro, Nagano, Japan
Access 40 min. drive from Karuizawa Station.ASAMA KUZANBO60 minutes by car from
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Karuizawa Brewery: Local beer tasting & shopping
Located in Saku, a town next to Karuizawa, the brewery offers an attractive factory tour where you can experience the aroma, sound, and temperature, and taste freshly brewed draft beer. The indoor facility is safe even on rainy days, and the beer tasting is exceptional as you learn about the production process. The spacious store space also offers many gift items, making it a popular sightseeing spot for adults. Tours are offered five times a day and reservations are required through the official website (reservations can be made by phone on the day of the tour), so please check before visiting. Check it out before you visit.
Karuizawa Brewery
Address: 64-3 Nagatoro, Saku, Nagano, Japan
Access 30 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car.ASAMA KUZANBO50 minutes by car from
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Experience Karuizawa's unique experience spots that can be enjoyed with all five senses.
On rainy days, why not take some time to relax and enjoy “hands-on” activities? Here are some spots where you can experience the charms of Karuizawa through all five senses, such as craftsmanship, harvesting, and archery. Recommended for friends, couples, and families.
Karuizawa Tagliacen's Archery Experience for Kids: Activities for Parents and Children, Even in the Rain
Enjoy archery experience for children in the Karuizawa Tariacen, which is surrounded by beautiful nature by the lake. The facility is covered, so children can try archery even on rainy days. Even if it is your first time, the staff will carefully instruct you so that even children can enjoy the fun of shooting arrows. The tension and exhilaration at the moment of shooting an arrow is an enthralling attraction. Combined with a tour of the museums and cafes in Taliassen, this is a great way for parents and children to spend quality time together. (*Archery for adults will end in 2023.)
Karuizawa Taliesin
Address: 217 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO37 minutes by car from
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Trick Art Museum Karuizawa: A playful “hands-on art” space
This museum offers a world of “illusion art” that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The museum is an indoor facility, making it safe to visit regardless of weather conditions. The museum's unique exhibits, which make use of perspective and light tricks, make it a popular photo spot. It is recommended for a wide range of visitors, including friends and couples who enjoy a lively visit, and families who enjoy taking commemorative photos. We encourage you to visit the museum as a casual experience spot on a rainy day that stimulates your sense of fun.
Trick Art Museum Karuizawa
Address: 809, Kyu-Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 4 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO40 minutes by car from
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Karuizawa Glass Studio: Experience blowing glass to create your own unique piece
How about making your own original glass as a memory of your trip? Karuizawa Glass Studio, where you can enjoy glass blowing and sandblasting, is an indoor facility that is not affected by weather. With the support of the staff, even beginners can feel at ease in creating their own glass works. The crystal-clear works of art you create with your own hands are perfect as souvenirs of your trip. This is a recommended craft experience that you can enjoy while concentrating on your work in peace and quiet.
Karuizawa Glass Studio
Address: 664-9 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO35 minutes by car from
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Year-round strawberry picking at Karuizawa Garden Farm: a greenhouse fruit experience even on rainy days
This is a popular spot where you can harvest and taste very rare summer/autumn strawberries. The high-culture, all-weather greenhouses allow visitors to enjoy them comfortably even on rainy days. The attraction of this spot is that visitors can compare and taste the slightly smaller but aromatic summer/autumn strawberries. This is a “food experience” spot recommended for friends, couples, and families.
Karuizawa Garden Farm
Address: 2062-1 Hatsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access Approximately 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.
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Karuizawa DOG (KURAKO): Enjoy a quiet “time of making things” on a rainy day.”
Karuizawa DOG (Kurako) is a quiet studio space where you can enjoy hands-on pottery making. You can try your hand at making your own pottery by hand or with an electric potter's wheel. There is also a space where dogs are allowed, making it possible to bring your pet along on a trip. The time spent facing the clay with the sound of rain as background music is a time of healing and concentration. Finished products are delivered about a month later, so you can enjoy the aftermath of your trip later.
Ceramic Art Experience Karuizawa DOG (Kurako)
Address: Lake New Town, Hatsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO45 minutes by car from
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A shopping spot where you can have fun without worrying about rain
Enjoy shopping at an indoor spot where you don't have to worry about getting wet. To find local souvenirs and other delicacies, visit stores filled with Karuizawa's charms.
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza: Comfortable even on rainy days! All buildings are roofed
One of the largest resort-style shopping malls in Japan, directly connected to the south exit of Karuizawa Station. All areas are connected by a roof, making shopping stress-free even on rainy days. The mall offers a wide variety of items from famous domestic and international brands to sundries, outdoor goods, and gourmet foods. The view of Mt. Asama from the open courtyard is also an attraction, and when the weather clears up, you can take a break on the benches outside. Even if it rains, you won't waste your time sightseeing, making this a classic Karuizawa attraction.
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Address Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
Access 2 minute walk from Karuizawa Station,ASAMA KUZANBO39 minutes by car from
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Tsuruya Karuizawa Store: A treasure trove of Karuizawa souvenirs, check out Tsuruya's original products!
High-quality supermarket with an established reputation for its selection of local Nagano products. The reason for its popularity among locals as well as tourists is the wide variety of Tsuruya's original jams, dried fruits, Shinshu wines and seasonings. It is a rare place where shopping on a rainy day becomes sightseeing. It is one of the spots you should take your time to visit, as you can sometimes enjoy tasting and sampling in the clean store.
Tsuruya Karuizawa Store
Address 2707 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO35 minutes by car from
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Karuizawa Hatsuchi Ichiba: A hole in the wall where you can find local gourmet foods, vegetables, and souvenirs.
This popular direct sales shop offers a variety of Karuizawa's agricultural products, processed goods, and local gourmet foods. This indoor facility allows visitors to shop regardless of weather conditions, and offers easy access to seasonal vegetables, Shinshu miso, oyaki, and other typical Karuizawa delicacies. The adjoining restaurant, Minori, offers healthy lunches that make the most of local ingredients, perfect for a rainy day lunch. This place is loved not only by tourists but also by locals.
Karuizawa Hatsuchi City Garden
Address: 2564-1 Hatsuji, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 15 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO40 minutes by car from
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Popular restaurants and cafes with a relaxed atmosphere
Enjoying a relaxing meal or café time with the sound of rain as background music is one of the best parts of traveling as an adult. The scenery, the space, and the cuisine made with local ingredients will make your Karuizawa experience even more memorable.
Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura Old Karuizawa: Breakfast in a comfortable space even on a rainy day
A popular bakery in Old Karuizawa, the warm wooden interior is a soothing space where even the sound of rain can be felt comfortably. With a wide variety of freshly baked bread and a menu featuring local vegetables, the bakery is available for a wide range of meals, from morning breakfast to lunch. The large windows offer a view of greenery, especially on rainy days, and the moist forest scenery enriches the dining experience. This is one restaurant you do not want to miss in Karuizawa.
Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura Old Karuizawa
Address: 12-18 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 4 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO39 minutes by car from
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Karuizawa Kawakamian: A quiet moment and a taste of Shinshu soba
A popular soba restaurant located in Kyu-Karuizawa and Harunire Terrace, the restaurant's relaxed Japanese modern space is perfect for adult travelers. The restaurant is spacious and designed to be comfortable even on rainy days. In addition to aromatic handmade soba, the restaurant also offers a wide variety of seasonal a la carte dishes using local ingredients, which are recommended to be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere with sake. Soba time spent with the sound of rain is a luxurious experience to savor the tranquility of Karuizawa.
Karuizawa Kawakamian
Address: 6-10 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 4 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO39 minutes by car from
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Tenku Dining: ASAMA KUZANBO restaurant. The spectacular view in the fog is also a treat.
Located in ASAMA KUZANBO, a villa resort for rent in one building supervised by Junko Koshino, this open-air restaurant overlooks Mount Asama. The fantastic view surrounded by rain and fog can be enjoyed as a scenery unique to Kita-Karuizawa. The restaurant offers a choice of terrace or indoor seating depending on the weather, and its casual atmosphere makes it an attractive place to stop by. The pasta and curry dishes, which make use of local ingredients from Nagano and Gunma, are familiar and satisfying. If you use the restaurant in conjunction with the "Tenku Spa," a hot-spring bath facility that is open for day-trips, you can enjoy an even more elegant experience on a rainy day.
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.
Please search for "ASAMA KUZANBO" in Google Maps.
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Atelier Fromage Karuizawa Pizzeria: A restaurant specializing in cheese dishes to be savored on a rainy day
This long-established restaurant is well known for its cuisine that makes the most of fresh cheese from Karuizawa. The restaurant is centered around indoor seating, so you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere regardless of the weather. The menu includes warming dishes such as gratin and cheese fondue, perfect for lunch on a rainy day. The store also offers homemade cheese for purchase, making it a great place to look for souvenirs. Enjoy a fine dining experience in a space filled with mellow aroma.
Atelier de Fromage Karuizawa Pizzeria
Address: 22-1, Karuizawahigashi, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 10 minute walk from Karuizawa Station,ASAMA KUZANBO40 minutes by car from
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RK Garden: All-weather healing space
Although it is a garden café, it has an all-weather greenhouse space, so it is safe even in the rain. The health-conscious menu incorporating herbs and edible flowers is popular, especially among women. The natural and stylish space has many photogenic spots, where you can spend your café time relaxing in the sound of rain and greenery as if you are regulating your mind and body. It is the perfect place for a quiet afternoon.
RK Garden
Address: 1138-1 Oiwake, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 14 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO37 minutes by car from
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On rainy days, a relaxing “hotel” is the key to travel satisfaction.
Even the sound of rain can be soothing, making for an exquisite stay experience.
Karuizawa offers a variety of spots that can be enjoyed only on rainy days. This is the perfect season to refine your senses in a quiet space, soak in the local flavors, and enjoy a relaxing trip away from the crowds. We hope you will find this information useful for your trip as an adult seeking a quality time regardless of the weather.
If you are looking for a place to spend a special moment even on a rainy day in the Karuizawa and Kita-Karuizawa area, we recommend “ASAMA KUZANBO” a villa resort for rent in a single building. The popular "Polaris Villa" is equipped with a private sauna and theater screen, and is a luxurious space where you can enjoy an extraordinary experience without having to leave the house. Relaxing time with a view of the rain-soaked forest or enjoying your favorite movie on the big screen will make you forget about the weather. Here is a quality lodging experience that will enrich your time as an adult only.
*The information in this article is current at the time of writing and is subject to change. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
