Kyu-Karuizawa

Kyu-Karuizawa, once a key gateway between Kyoto and Edo, blends mountain scenery with relaxed shopping streets and quiet cafes. Shopping streets and green spaces sit close together, encouraging a relaxed pace of life. Nature, culture and everyday local life come together within easy reach of the station.

Kyu-Karuizawa

Photo by: PIXTA/ まちゃー

Kyu-Karuizawa is a historic area in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture. Today, it is famous for its peaceful atmosphere, wooden cottages, bakeries and cafes, as well as small boutiques lining its streets. The combination of natural surroundings and a refined townscape gives Kyu-Karuizawa a relaxed, cosmopolitan feel.

Several of the area’s shopping streets and retail spaces are easy to explore on foot and can be visited throughout the year. Many travelers stroll along Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza (Old Ginza Street), where long-established shops and cafés sit alongside quiet reminders of the area’s connection to well-known cultural figures. For those interested in modern shopping, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza offers a large open-air complex with fashion, outdoor gear and dining options. This balance of greenery and retail makes the area suitable for a wide range of travel styles.

Kyu-Karuizawa is especially popular in summer, when cooler mountain air provides relief from city heat and shops stay open longer. Winter brings a quieter charm, with snowy scenery, warm ryokans and easy access to hot springs. Karuizawa is easily accessible by the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo, with travel times of just over an hour.

Seasonal Beauty

Photo by: PIXTA/ わおん

Each season gives Kyu-Karuizawa a different character. Spring features cherry blossoms along streets and walking paths. Summer highlights lush forests and clear mountain air. In autumn, Kumobaike Pond and nearby trees turn vivid shades of red and gold. Winter offers snow-covered landscapes and peaceful walking routes.

For scenic views, visitors can head to the Usui Pass Observation Platform to look out over Mount Asama and the surrounding mountains. Kumano Shrine, located on the Nagano–Gunma border, offers a quiet historical setting. Shiraito Falls, one of the area’s best-known natural attractions, is also nearby. Nature plays a central role in shaping the pace of the area.

Whether seeking seasonal scenery, shopping, or a peaceful mountain stay, Kyu-Karuizawa offers a well-balanced destination.