Top Tours & Activities in Karuizawa

Whether you are a child or a foreign tourist, anyone can enjoy authentic soba noodle making experience at Shinshu Soba Restaurant Yamahei in Karuizawa Prince Outlets (5-minute walk from Karuizawa Shinkansen Station). An Experienced instructor will carefully guide you through the process of kneading, stretching, and cutting soba noodles. The finished soba noodles will be served with tempura and the famous walnut sauce on the spot.

Karuizawa must be at the top of your list, if you’re looking for cooling-off place and a weekend getaway close to Tokyo. Hop on the bullet train at Tokyo Station and you’ll reach this mountain town in Nagano prefecture in just about 60 minutes. Karuizawa is known for Perfect Summer Retreats, shopping, beautiful forest and foods. This small-group tour explores the Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza shopping street, where Karuizawa's one of the most popular streets. Your guide leads you through Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza shopping street to visit food vendors and local places. Sample a local hot dog, deep fried curry bread, fried mashed potato, and local sweets on this in-depth experience of the legendary summer resort. ・Great way to get a sense for Karuizawa's street food culture ・Sample a range of street foods & sweets ・Eat and drink like a Japanese local ・Photography tour *We will be on hand to take some happy snaps which will be shared with you after the tour!

You will go around famous sightseeing spots in Hokushin (Northern Nagano) area. First, you will see the Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park worldly known for its snow monkeys. Then you will go to Obuse Town, which is reputed for its town renewal project vitalizing the historical heritages such as Hokusai Katsushika.

Enjoy a leisurely cycling tour of Karuizawa's classic spots. After renting a bicycle in front of Karuizawa Station, head to Kumobaike Pond, Karuizawa's most scenic spot. After getting off the bike and strolling around for a while, head to Old Karuizawa through the wooded villa area. While touring the narrow paths of the backstreets of Old Karuizawa, we will guide you to classic spots such as St. Paul's Catholic Church, Shaw Memorial Chapel, and the Karuizawa Association Tennis Court, famous for the romance between the Emperor and Empress. The entire route is flat, so people of all ages and genders can participate. For parents and children or couples, there is also a tandem (two-seater) tour unique to Karuizawa!

Picchio's nature watching tour takes advantage of the abundant nature surrounding Karuizawa and immerses guests in a tranquil, forest environment where they can enjoy and appreciate nature the way it is. There is the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife including Japanese squirrels, montane brown frogs and many bird species. The expert guides share their knowledge and passion in the hope of inspiring people to continue to love and engage with Japanese nature. *This tour is guided in Japanese and basic English. English ability may vary depending on the guide.

Shinanoji Nature Trail is a hiking course about 10km in length, which is almost a descent from the peak teahouse. Walk about 7,5 km to the hot spots in Oze, which has many attractions. A downhill trek is relaxed while being healed by the colorful miscellaneous trees and larch forest. You can also see the two famous Karuizawa waterfalls (Shiraito Falls and Dragon Falls) along the way. This course is recommended for people who are not always confident in their physical fitness, and young and old alike, since the entire trip is almost a descent. From Oze Onsen, it is also possible to return to the peak chaya parking lot by bus or directly to Karuizawa Station.

Step into the Edo period and follow in the footsteps of shoguns and travelers on the historic Nakasendo. This guided walking tour takes you across the Usui Pass, once known as the most difficult section of the route, while immersing yourself in history and nature. Along the way, Kamishibai storytelling brings to life legends of Sakamoto-juku, depicted in ukiyo-e prints. Dressed in Edo-style travel gear (sedge hat, straw raincoat, travel pass), you’ll visit landmarks such as Kumano Shrine, the Usui Sekisho checkpoint, and the Nagai Family Residence, where Emperor Meiji once stayed. Experience the journey with all five senses: See: History and legends through Kamishibai Taste: Chaya Bento with Toge no Chikara Mochi Hear: Multilingual guide commentary Smell: Cedar forest phytoncide walk Touch: Cross the pass in Edo traveler attire At the end, receive a souvenir certifying your Usui Pass crossing. Relive samurai culture and discover one of Japan’s most fascinating walking routes.

We’re a husband-and-wife team based in Nagano prefecture, offering relaxed, natural photo sessions for international travelers. With two cameras and one shared passion, we capture your journey with warmth and authenticity—real smiles, candid moments, and the beauty of Japan. Let’s make your trip unforgettable with memories you can relive forever.

We recommend visiting Karuizawa sightseeing spots for those who want to go around sightseeing spots in Karuizawa efficiently in a short time, or for the first time in Karuizawa. A local taxi driver guides you through the sights. Karuizawa is a course where you can experience the history, culture, and nature of Karuizawa, starting with the former Karuizawa area, which is the birthplace of Karuizawa, to the power spot "Kumano imperial shrine" and the scenic spot "Kumoba Pond".

A guided tour that uses snowshoe to trek the vast field of Asama. Courses for beginners, intermediates, and advanced students can be selected depending on the level, so anyone of all ages can participate. While looking for traces of wild animals and observing wild birds, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of Mt. Asama and the superb view.

Meet in Karuizawa as early as 10:00 a.m. and enjoy a relaxed, flexible journey to Kusatsu with a dedicated private guide until up to 5:00 p.m. Travel comfortably by private vehicle, avoiding crowded buses and trains, with a hotel-to-hotel transfer from Karuizawa to Kusatsu. During the tour, your luggage can be stored in the vehicle, allowing you to travel hands-free. You may stop at selected highlights such as Harunire Terrace, Onioshidashi Park, Shiraito Falls, and Asama Farm according to your preferences, with free stops at scenic photo spots. If you wish to visit locations not listed, please consult with us in advance. The itinerary can be adjusted within the available time and route. This tour is ideal for travelers who value flexibility, local insight, and a personalized experience while enjoying the nature and attractions of the Karuizawa–Kusatsu area. Arrival times may vary depending on the places visited.

The Japanese serow is revered as a national monument species in Japan and has been granted protected status. With only 4 serow species in the world, this creature is very unique and worth a glimpse at least once. Your experienced guide can take you on a hike to a spot favoured by Japanese serow and give you a really good chance to see one. Throughout the hike, there is also the opportunity to see other wildlife too such as deer and a variety of bird species. The surroundings are also interesting as sunlight dappled forests give way to swooping volcanic valleys. It is a fulfilling outdoor experience with the chance to see some really cool wildlife.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Karuizawa! Karuizawa is a quaint mountain resort that’s rich in nature and a prime leisure destination. From stunning natural landscapes to fun filled man made attractions, there’s always something to see and do in the place John Lennon loved to escape to. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best things to do when you visit, so you can pick what suits you, without the stress. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

It is a trekking tour with an exclusive guide to the summit of the small Asama mountain of the Asama mountain foot. Koasayama is a parasitic volcano on the eastern foot of Mt. Asama at an altitude of 1,655 m. A guide will guide you through the formation and vegetation of Mt. Asama and aim at the summit. As it is about two and a half hours by round trip, if you are new to mountain climbing, you can feel free to participate regardless of age or sex. From the top of the mountain covered by the volcano, the spectacular Mt. Asama and the wonderful prospects await.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Karuizawa! Karuizawa is a quaint mountain resort that’s rich in nature and a prime leisure destination. From stunning natural landscapes to fun filled man made attractions, there’s always something to see and do in the place John Lennon loved to escape to. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best things to do when you visit, so you can pick what suits you, without the stress. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hours tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Walk past Karuizawa inn from the former Nakayama Road to the Sakamoto inn. Sui Hui is a place that was once said to be the most difficult place in Zhongshan Road. At the top of the Usui Pass, you can see the view point of the Kanto plains panoramic view and the Kumano Imperial Shrine, which is famous for its power spots. After that, while going down the borge weir, we aim for Sakamoto inn while passing "Yamanaka teahouse ruins", "Sakamoto inn" with a panoramic view "Nagi". At the end of the trekking we will stop by and guide you to the hot spring "Kotonoyu". Slowly bathe in the hot spring, but if you are on your way back to Yokogawa Station, return to Karuizawa by bus.

Discover Karuizawa (located in Nagano Prefecture) in comfort and style with a private chartered vehicle tour designed just for you. Whether you’re interested in exploring cultural landmarks, browsing vibrant local markets, or venturing off the beaten path, you can create a fully customized itinerary that suits your pace and interests. For added convenience, take advantage of our optional restaurant reservation service (securing a table at a locally recommended dining spot) tailored to your taste.

Tour highlights: A long time ago, it was said that it was the most difficult place on Nakasendo. In this tour, we will aim for a scenic spot from the former Karuizawa Ginza through the boardwalk of the Suigaki Pass. The trail through the wooded villa has a promenade, and it takes about 1 hour to arrive at the viewing station. From the view point, the scenic views of Mt. Asama and Mt. As it is a simple hiking course, you can participate regardless of age and sex. As it will be disbanded freely at the view point, you can stop at Kumano Imperial Shrine and take a break at a teahouse and the like. On the way back, you can either return on the way you came, or take the bus back to the old Karuizawa. Travel time: Former Karuizawa Ginza ⇒ (碓 峠 promenade) 見 Mikarudai (local dissolution) * For each return trip, either return on the way or go to old Karuizawa by bus.

Lesson will be given by a professional Soba chef with an English translator. Young and old can enjoy it at ease.

This private and customizable tour for Karuizawa city (in Nagano Prefecture) is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. Discover 4-5 attractions in Karuizawa City at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour full day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences. After booking, you'll receive a form with varied themes, allowing easy selection based on your interests. Whether it's culture, history, cuisine, nature, or special events, you can highlight your preferences and must-see spots, streamlining our planning process.