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Karuizawa is an upmarket mountain resort at the foot of the active volcano Mount Asama in Nagano Prefecture. It was first "discovered" and promoted as a mountain resort by Western residents of Japan in the late 1800s.
Nowadays, many wealthy urbanites own a second home in Karuizawa. Located at an altitude of roughly 1000 meters, the mountain resort provides a pleasant escape from the summer heat. Thanks to the Nagano Shinkansen (opened in 1998), it now takes little more than an hour to reach Karuizawa from central Tokyo.
Various outdoor activities, such as tennis, hiking, cycling, golfing in summer and skiing and skating in winter can be enjoyed in Karuizawa, and there are ample of shopping opportunities.
Karuizawa is located along Japan's Romantic Road.
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Former Mikasa Hotel
One of Japan's first Western style hotels, the Mikasa Hotel served travelers to Karuizawa from 1906 until 1970. Today, it is open to the public as a museum (400 Yen, open daily 9:00 to 17:00 except over New Year).
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Usui Pass Observation Platform
Beautiful views over the mountains of Gunma Prefecture on one side and Mount Asama on the other side can be enjoyed from this observation platform, which is accessible from central Karuizawa by bus or car or via a hiking trail.
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Karuizawa Ginza
As a resort for the wealthy, Karuizawa offers a wide range of shopping opportunities, including a local version of the Ginza, Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping district.
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Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
A newer addition to Karuizawa's shopping attractions, the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is an outlet mall for popular brands, outdoor and sport goods and local souvenirs. Open 10:00 to 18:00.
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Shiraito Falls
Only 3 meters high, but 70 meters wide, the Shiraito Falls are located along the Shiraito Highlandway toll road (300 Yen). Alternatively you can reach the falls by following a hiking trail from the Former Mikasa Hotel.
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How to get there
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By train from Tokyo:
Karuizawa can be reached from Tokyo Station in 65-80 minutes by Nagano Shinkansen. The one way journey costs about 5500 Yen.
By bus from Tokyo:
There are four highway buses per day between Tokyo's Ikebukuro district (stopping at Sunshine City Prince Hotel and Ikebukuro Station) and Karuizawa. The one way journey takes three hours and costs 2910 Yen.
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Travel Community
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Popularity of Karuizawa:
Users who have been to Karuizawa: 115
Most visited: Ranked 45th out of 113 destinations
Ratings for Karuizawa:
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japan-guide.com Rating:
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interesting
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User Rating (by 61 users):
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73/100
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recommended
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