Kyu-Karuizawa (y, Kyū-Karuizawa) was formerly a post town along the Nakasendo Route, one of two major road connections that connected the imperial capital Kyoto with the shogunal capital Edo (present-day Tokyo) during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Today, Kyu-Karuizawa is the main center of the Karuizawa resort area.

The town has a pleasant atmosphere with chic restaurants and cafes aiming at affording patrons and with forested residential districts made up of holiday villas. Kyu-Karuizawa offers a wide range of shopping opportunities as well, notably at the Prince Shopping Plaza and the Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza. Visitors can also indulge in some of the many leisure activities available, such as bowling, golf and cycling around town.

Shopping

  • Karuizawa Ginza
    Hours: depend on each shop; typically 10:00 to 18:00
    Closed: Varying closing days for shops
  • Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
    Hours: 10:00 to 19:00 (varies according to season)
    Closed: Few unscheduled closing days

Nature

  • Kumobaike Pond
  • Usui Pass Observation Platform
  • Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort

History

  • Former Mikasa Hotel
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
    Closed: Wednesdays from November to mid July (or following day if Wednesday is a national holiday), Dec 28 to Jan 3
    Admission: 1000 yen

Getting there and around

Kyu-Karuizawa Town can be explored comfortably by bicycle. Rental shops close to Karuizawa Station and the Karuizawa Ginza offer bicycles at around 1000 yen per day. For good walkers, exploring the town on foot is also pleasant; the walk from Karuizawa Station to the Former Mikasa Hotel takes just under an hour one way, and stops can be made at various attractions along the way.

Various buses travel between Karuizawa Station and the Karuizawa Ginza multiple times per hour (5-10 minutes, 150-160 yen one way), including buses by Kusakaru Kotsu that continue via the Shiraito Waterfall (25 minutes, 720 yen) in the direction of Kusatsu Onsen and Seibu buses that continue to Naka-Karuizawa.

How to get to and around Karuizawa

Hotels around Karuizawa

Top rated in Karuizawa
Budget:
    • B&B Hotel Hyochoan
      Mid-range
      Opened in August 2012, B&B Hotel Hyochoan offers simple Western-style accommodations. Free in-room WiFi is available and guests can enjoy bird watching from the propertyfs terrace. JR Karuizawa Station is a 15-minute drive away. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV with Apple TV, Hulu and Netflix, an iPod docking system and an electric kettle with green tea bags. Japanese Yukata robes are provided for all guests and the en suite bathroom comes with a bathtub. A washing machine can be used free of charge during specific hours, upon request, and free private parking is on site. Luggage storage is provided at the front desk. A free shuttle is available from JR Karuizawa Station, if requested in advance. The property is handicap-accessible. Japanese and Western homemade meals are available at Caf? Hyochoan. Guests can soak in the Hoshino Hot Spring just 3-minutes away via car or visit the famous Shiraito Falls with a 7-minute drive. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza and Lake Kumoba can both be reached with a 15-minute drive.
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    • Mampei Hotel
      Luxury
      Surrounded by lush greenery, Mampei Hotel offers free WiFi and free on-site private parking. JR Karuizawa Station is a 10-minute drive from this non-smoking accommodation. Kumobaike Pond can be reached via an 8-minute car ride. All rooms have air conditioning and come with a minibar and flat-screen TV. A private bathroom is fitted with a bath, hairdryer and free toiletries. For guests' comfort, an electric kettle and slippers are provided. Boasting a classical interior with stained glasses, Main Dining Room serves carefully prepared French delicacies, while guests can sample various sweets at an on-site cafe. There are a 24-hour front desk that offers free luggage storage and gift shop at the property. Guests can unwind in a garden. The hotel also offers bike hire. Kyukaruizawa Ginza is an 11-minute stroll from Mampei Hotel, while Karuizawa Oga Hall is an 8-minute drive away. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is 8 minutes by car.
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    • Eau Sol Vert Karuizawa Club
      Luxury
      Situated in Karuizawa, 20 km from Honmachi Machiyakan, Eau Sol Vert Karuizawa Club features accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a restaurant. The property is around 29 km from Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park, 13 km from Karuizawa Station and 8.4 km from Karuizawamachi Botanical Garden. The hotel has a sauna, a concierge service and free WiFi. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. All guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. American and Asian breakfast options are available at Eau Sol Vert Karuizawa Club. You can play billiards at this 4-star hotel. Kazakoshi Park is 8.5 km from the accommodation. Matsumoto Airport is 84 km from the property.
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    • Koya Backpackers
      Budget-friendly
      Koya Backpackers in Karuizawa provides adults-only accommodation with a garden and a shared lounge. Providing free private parking, the 1-star guest house is 20 km from Honmachi Machiyakan. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests. Opening to a terrace with garden or quiet street views, all units at the guest house are fitted with a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a toaster. All units are equipped with a shared bathroom, a safety deposit box and free WiFi, while selected rooms come with a balcony and some have mountain views. The units will provide guests with a outdoor furniture and a kettle. A minimarket is available at the guest house. The guest house has a picnic area where you can spend a day out in the open. Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park is 26 km from the guest house, while Karuizawa Station is 6.7 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 84 km from the property.
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    • Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa Japan
      Luxury
      Featuring a restaurant and a bar, Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa Japan is situated in Karuizawa, 700 metres from Karuizawa Station and 17 km from Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park. Located around 1.9 km from Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, the hotel with free WiFi is also 600 metres away from Karuizawa Oga Hall. The property is less than 1 km from Kyukaruizawa Ginza and a 12-minute walk from Kumoba Pond. At the hotel, each room is fitted with a desk and a TV. The private bathroom is equipped with a bidet, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A ? la carte breakfast is served every morning at the property, while Spanish cuisine is available. Staff speak English and Japanese at the reception. Yukawa Furusato Park is 5 km from Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa Japan. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 89 km from the accommodation.
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    • Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel
      Luxury
      Offering a magnificent view of Mount Asama, Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel features an 18-hole golf course and a spa. JR Karuizawa Station and Karuizawa Shopping Plaza are a 12-minute drive from the resort. All rooms are air conditioned and equipped with a refrigerator and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Each features a balcony, where guests can enjoy the view of Mount Asama. The private bathroom comes with a bath and a hairdryer. At Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel, guests can get soothing spa treatments or play a round of golf. The bar offers a variety of cocktails for a relaxing evening. The Hiroshi Senju Museum is a 10-minute drive away, while Lake Kumobaike is a 15-minute drive from the property. Yukawa Furusato Park can be accessed within a 12-minute drive from the hotel.
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    • Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by Hilton
      Luxury
      Located in Karuizawa, Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by Hilton is situated a 6-minute walk from Kyu Karuizawa Ginza Dori shopping street. Complimentary shuttle service is available to/from JR Karuizawa Station, 1.2 km from the property. Featuring a local artwork, the contemporary rooms come with a 50-inch flat-screen TV and Nespresso Coffee Machine. Selected rooms feature a patio or balcony with courtyard views. The property offers private parking on site. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is a 6-minute drive from the property. Haneda International Airport is 2-hour by train from the property.
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    • Hotel Indigo Karuizawa
      Luxury
      Situated within R km of JR Karuizawa Station, , Hotel Indigo Karuizawa in Karuizawa has a number of amenities including a restaurant, a fitness centre and a public bath. This 4-star hotel features a 24-hour front desk and room service. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a coffee machine. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a hot tub and slippers, all rooms at Hotel Indigo Karuizawa have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms have a seating area. The rooms have a safety deposit box. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is 2 km from the hotel, while Karuizawa Oga Hall is 2.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 66 km from Hotel Indigo Karuizawa.
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    • Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa
      Luxury
      Open in July 2016, Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa is situated a 15-minute walk from Karuizawa Station. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. There is free private parking on site. Guest rooms feature classic decor and amenities. All rooms come equipped with a Simmons bed. Restaurant Arpeggio offers continental cuisine prepared by combining elements of Japanese-style and Italian-style cuisines. Seasonal dishes served at this restaurant are complimented by fresh produce acquired from contract farms in the Shinano highlands. Guests can also enjoy a drink at Bar Burgundy, or unwind at the cafe with a terrace facing the street. The open-air bath on site boasts star views at night and forest views during the day. The hotel offers bike hire for exploring the area. Karuizawa Shopping Plaza is a 6-minute drive away, while Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza is a 6-minute walk from the hotel.
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    • Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort
      Luxury
      Open from August 2018, featuring Mount Asama views and a single-star Michelin restaurant, Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort is located in Karuizawa. The resort is fitted with garden, bar, fitness and spa facilities including a hot spring bath. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with a private bathroom. Free WiFi is available throughout the resort. Karuizawa Station is 7.3 km away. At the resort each room has a desk and a TV. A buffet breakfast is available daily at Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort. The onsite restaurant features fine cuisine using local ingredients. Speaking English and Japanese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are ready to help around the clock. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is 7 km from the accommodation, while Karuizawa Lake Garden is 1.6 km away. The nearest airport is Matsumoto, 90 km from Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort, and the property offers a free shuttle service.
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