Plizio Visual Lab
Karuizawa
Karuizawa is Japan's most storied mountain resort, perched on a highland plateau at the foot of the active volcano Mount Asama. Since the late 19th century, it has been a favored retreat for Tokyoites looking to escape the sweltering summer heat. The town has a unique blend of Western-style architecture and Japanese nature, best experienced along the welcoming Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza shopping street. Nature lovers shouldn't miss the Shiraito Falls, where water drapes like white silk threads over a mossy rock face, or the Kumoba Pond, which is particularly wide-open during the autumn foliage season. For those seeking retail therapy, the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza features a massive array of designer outlets set within a sprawling park-like environment. The area is also historically significant as the place where Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko famously met during a tennis tournament. Karuizawa is a year-round destination for outdoor activities, including golf, cycling, and winter skiing. Accessible from Tokyo in just about an hour via the Shinkansen, it is a handy spot for both day trips and longer, relaxing getaways.
- Location: Japan
- Top sights: Hanare Yama · Kazakoshi Park · Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary
- Nearby: Kusatsu Onsen (23 km)
- Population: ~20.023 (2024)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -5 | -4 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 21 | 17 | 11 | 4 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 83 | 60 | 83 | 88 | 103 | 143 | 199 | 162 | 178 | 159 | 87 | 90 |
Geography
Facts
- Premier summer retreat since 1886
- Massive Prince Shopping Plaza outlet
- Scenic Kumoba Pond reflections
- Silk-like Shiraito Falls nearby
- Views of active Mount Asama volcano
- Favored by the Japanese Royal Family
- Famous for local jams and crafts
- 60 mins from Tokyo by Shinkansen
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Karuizawa (3)
Frequently asked questions
Karuizawa: where is it located?
Karuizawa: what is there to see?
Karuizawa: when is the best time to visit?
Karuizawa: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
More places
