Just an hour by Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo, Karuizawa is a popular mountain resort in Nagano Prefecture. Its elevation of 1000 meters above sea level make it a favorite destination to escape the heat in summer; and from around mid October Karuizawa becomes one of the more easily accessible destinations for early autumn colors.

In this year, the peak of the season has only just started in the town area and can be expected to continue for another week or so.

Usui Pass Observation Platform

Peak Color

I started my day at the Usui Pass Observation Platform, where the peak of the season was still ongoing, although a considerable number of leaves had already fallen. The 200 meter difference in elevation between the platform and the town center below causes the season here to be a few days more advanced.

A carpet of ginkgo leaves on the Usui Pass Observation Platform
The platform is partially in Gunma Prefecture and partially in Nagano Prefecture
View towards Gunma Prefecture
View towards Nagano Prefecture and Mount Asama emerging from the morning mist
It was bitterly cold on the platform this morning

Kyukaruizawa

Peak Color

The autumn colors in the town of Kyukaruizawa were at their peak today. I visited Kumobaike Pond, the most popular autumn color spot in the town, where I joined an already considerable number of tourists in taking in the season. I expect the colors around the pond to remain worth a visit for at least another week.

Maple trees at their peak line the main street in Kyukaruizawa
Kumobaike Pond was already well visited even at 8am in the morning
Peak colors at Kumobaike Pond
The pond seen from the opposite end
It takes about ten minutes to circle the pond on foot
The colors around the pond should remain at their peak for another week or so

Shiraito Waterfall

End of Season

The highest spot visited today, Shiraito Falls (1300 meters above sea level) has already seen the autumn color season come to a conclusion, and the unique waterfall was surrounded by mostly barren trees today.

Most of the leaves were already on the ground
Barren trees along the 150 meter trail to the waterfall
Multiple waterfalls
Shiraito Falls
Fascinating waterfall

Nakakaruizawa

Peak Color

In the town of Nakakaruizawa I checked the state of the season around the Hoshino Resort area. The colors were generally at their peak, and I found some of the best displays around the Hotel Bleston Court.

There were some but not many colors around the Harunire Terrace
The short trail near the Harunire Terrace reminded me of Oirase Stream
Colors in front of the Hotel Bleston Court
The Karuizawa Kogen Church is one of two churches on the hotel's grounds
The Stone Church is the other
Some of the best colors were found around the parking lot
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