When it comes to the most ideal day trip destination near Tokyo, Karuizawa is definitely a top contender. Whether it’s natural scenery, shopping, gourmet food, or hot spring experiences, you can satisfy all your desires in this elegant mountain town. This article will guide you through the transportation options from Tokyo with ease, provide an in-depth introduction to 7 must-visit attractions and hidden culinary gems, as well as recommend local hot springs, allowing you to freely explore even without a car!
Table of Content
1. How to Get to Karuizawa? Transportation Options Compared
2. Must-Visit Attractions in Karuizawa (Stone Church, Union Church, Suwa Shrine)
3. Strolling the Streets and the Aroma of Coffee (Ginza-dori, Roastery)
4. Outlet Shopping + Relaxing at Happo-no-Yu Onsen
5. Trip Overview and Link to Karuizawa One-Day Itinerary
How to Get to Karuizawa? Transportation Options Compared
How to Travel to Karuizawa? Choosing Between Shinkansen, Highway Bus, and Driving
There are three common ways to travel from Tokyo to Karuizawa, each suitable for different budgets and travel styles:
If you prioritize time and comfort, the Shinkansen is the top choice; if you have a limited budget and time to travel leisurely, the highway bus is more economical; and if you enjoy visiting off-the-beaten-path spots and want a completely flexible itinerary, driving is very suitable.
How to Get Around Karuizawa Locally? By Bicycle or Sightseeing Bus
Once you arrive in Karuizawa, the two most common ways to get around are by bicycle and the sightseeing loop bus. You can choose flexibly depending on your travel style and the places you want to visit.
Must-Visit Attractions in Karuizawa (Stone Church, Union Church, Suwa Shrine)
Karuizawa is not only a summer retreat but was also a mountain town where many missionaries and diplomats stayed for extended periods. As a result, it retains many Western-style buildings and churches. From the natural architectural language of the Stone Church to the wooden Union Church, walking along the forest paths often leads to the unexpected discovery of a church, as if every side road connects to a piece of history.
Amidst these Western-style churches lies a serene Japanese place of worship – Suwa Shrine. Here, the solemnity of the Shinto style is preserved, and due to its geographical proximity, it forms a unique atmosphere of cultural fusion with the surrounding churches.
Stone Church (石の教会)
A masterpiece blending architecture and nature, designed by Kendrick Kellogg. Its exterior is composed of curved stone walls and a glass dome, creating a sacred and dreamlike ambiance.
The moment you step inside the Stone Church, the air suddenly feels different. It’s as if sounds are absorbed into the gaps of the curved stone walls, leaving only the quiet flow of light. There are no traditional church spires or crosses here; instead, it feels like a space that grew out of nature itself, causing visitors to unconsciously slow down and take a deep breath. Photography is not allowed inside, which further enhances the sense of tranquility and solemnity it imparts.
Operating Hours: Vary depending on church events (may be closed during weddings).
Fee: Free admission.
Union Church（軽井沢ユニオンチャーチ）
The wooden Union Church is a century-old wooden church with deep brown walls and a simple, rustic design. Quietly nestled amidst the greenery, it doesn’t have the same stillness as the Stone Church but instead exudes a sense of warmth. When we visited, sunlight streamed through the window frames on either side, illuminating the pews and the pulpit. The interior of the church is small but retains the classic silhouette of a European chapel.
This is also a filming location for the Japanese drama “Quartet.” Stepping inside the church brings to mind the conversation scenes between Suzume and her grandmother.
Address: 862 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: Open for free viewing at any time (entry may be restricted during events).
Fee: Free
Suwa Shrine (諏訪神社・Suwa Jinja)
Leaving Union Church, a short two-minute walk up a gentle slope will bring you to another tranquil and historic shrine – Suwa Shrine. This is a guardian place often visited by locals for worship and is said to be particularly effective for praying for health, safety, and love.
Walking slowly up the stone steps, sunlight filters through the cedar trees and falls at your feet, while the air carries the scent of wood and the sound of the wind. The main shrine building is solemn and rustic, and the details of the torii gate and the purification fountain are also full of Japanese beauty. It’s recommended to stop here briefly, whether to get an amulet or simply sit and relax, making it a perfectly still moment in your journey.
Strolling the Streets and the Aroma of Coffee (Ginza-dori, Roastery)
After leaving the tranquility of the forests and churches, why not take a stroll down the lively Old Karuizawa Ginza Street? This is the most vibrant street in Karuizawa, with snacks,雑貨 (zakka - miscellaneous goods), and dessert shops lining the way. As you wander, the aroma of coffee fills the air, allowing you to enjoy the leisurely pace unique to this mountain town.
The birth of this street is actually related to the foreigners who settled in Karuizawa in the early days. Even now, you can see a blend of Japanese and Western streetscapes – Western-style jam shops, retro cafes, and souvenir shops that retain a Showa-era atmosphere.
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street (旧軽井沢銀座通り)
The moment you step onto Ginza Street, you’re greeted by rows of specialty jam stores, Japanese-style sweet shops, and old-fashioned retro coffee houses, making it feel like wandering through a small street where the Showa era and the modern day intertwine. The winter crowds weren’t too overwhelming, allowing for leisurely stops with each step. My favorite part was catching the aroma of coffee and roasted chestnuts wafting from the side alleys.
This is a street that encourages you to slow down. The wooden buildings, the scent of jam and coffee, and the lively atmosphere created by Japanese雑貨 (zakka) and travelers make you want to stop and take a seat without even realizing it.
I recommend trying the mocha ice cream at the long-established Mikado Coffee. It’s subtly bitter and not too rich, making it a comforting choice for the afternoon.
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (may vary slightly by individual shop).
Roastery Coffee Shop (Sawamura Roastery)
When I first passed by this cafe, I was actually a bit hesitant – its modern and minimalist exterior was somewhat different from the retro coffee shops or Japanese garden-style cafes I had in mind. However, stepping inside, the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxing and completely unexpected.
We happened to sit by the fireplace, where the fire was burning quietly. The entire cafe has a wood-toned theme and also features a small reading corner where travelers flipped through magazines and locals quietly sipped their coffee. That day, I ordered the seasonal pour-over coffee with a dessert, which completely changed my initial impression based on its exterior and turned it into an unexpected delight that I wanted to revisit during my trip.
I recommend ordering a latte on the outdoor terrace when the weather is warm and watching the scenery slowly unfold outside.
Address: 8-11 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM (open until 9:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and during August).
Outlet Shopping + Relaxing at Happo-no-Yu Onsen
After a full day of strolling and taking photos, if you still have time and energy, consider extending your itinerary to the “shopping + onsen” route around Karuizawa Station for a comfortable and therapeutic end to your day.
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is originally an open-air outlet that blends nature and commerce, allowing you to wander between lakesides and grassy areas with beautiful scenery, as if you’re shopping in the mountains.
And if you, like me, prefer to slow down your body at the end of a trip, I recommend heading to Happo-no-Yu in the suburbs after a long day. The open-air baths offer expansive views and are a rare spot in Karuizawa where you can “enjoy a hot spring while gazing at the stars.”
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (軽井沢・プリンスショッピングプラザ)
If churches and the old town are the spirit of Karuizawa, then the shopping plaza is its practical side. What I like most is its layout, with large grassy areas and ponds interspersed throughout.
To be honest, for those who love serious fashion shopping, the selection here isn’t vast, and sizes may not be readily available. However, it’s still suitable for families with children and those looking for a relaxed vacation. The large lawns, lakeside views, and convenient layout make this a great “one-stop” destination to conclude your Karuizawa trip.
Even if you don’t buy anything, you can enjoy a drink and soak up the sun on the outdoor seating, feeling like you’ve stolen an afternoon in the suburbs while still being close to the city.
Address: 1178 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (hours may vary depending on the season).
Happo-no-Yu (Natural Hot Spring)
Located on a forested hillside, this day-trip hot spring features a slightly alkaline “beauty bath” that leaves your skin feeling smooth after soaking. The open-air baths offer expansive views and are especially comfortable in winter, allowing you to hear the sound of the wind rustling through the treetops – truly therapeutic. Gazing at the starry sky while soaking in the warm water melts away the fatigue of your journey.
The facility also has well-equipped relaxation spaces and a dining area. Amenities such as cleansers, skincare products, and hair dryers are all provided, so you can essentially enter empty-handed. A thoughtful feature is that you can enjoy the hot spring even if you’re not staying at the hotel, and there’s a discounted entry fee after 6:00 PM, making it ideal for the last part of a day trip to warm up your body.
If you don’t have a car, there’s no need to worry. The facility offers a shuttle bus service from Karuizawa Station (advance reservation required), or you can take a taxi, which takes about 10 minutes – making transportation much more convenient than you might think.
Address: 864-4 Hachi, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:15 PM)
Fees: Adults ¥1,500, Children ¥750, Bath towel rental ¥330
Extended Recommendation | If You'd Like to Stay Overnight, This Place is Great: Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort (Happo-no-Yu)
Address: 864-4 Hachi, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Transportation: Free shuttle bus available (reservation required) / Approximately 10 minutes by taxi
Suitable For: Those who prefer a quiet accommodation environment and want to plan a slightly luxurious short trip.
Although we only came to enjoy the hot spring this time and didn’t actually stay overnight, just stepping inside the hotel and lingering in the lobby left a deep impression. The overall design is understated and elegant, surrounded by forest, and the air, light, and atmosphere all conveyed a sense of “Ah, this is vacation.”
The hotel’s attached “Happo-no-Yu” is a natural hot spring open to the public, with a gentle water quality and nice views from the outdoor baths. Guests staying at the hotel can use the hot spring facilities for free, making it a worthwhile accommodation option for those who want to spend a night in Karuizawa and truly relax.
This one-day trip packed the elegance and everyday charm of Karuizawa into our memories. Forest churches, strolling through the old town, the aroma of coffee, therapeutic shopping, relaxing in a hot spring, and the serene moments at the shrine and lakeside – these are all the enchanting reasons to visit Karuizawa.
