Getting to Karuizawa

By bus from Tokyo
  • 3 h
  • ¥2,300 - 2,900

Highway buses make five round trips per day between Tokyo's Ikebukuro Station and Karuizawa Station. The one way journey takes three hours and costs 2300-2900 yen depending on the day of travel. Online reservations can be made through Japan Bus Online.

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By bus from Kusatsu Onsen
  • 1.5 h
  • ¥2,240

Kusakaru buses operate every 1-2 hours between Karuizawa and Kusatsu Onsen, stopping at the Shiraito Waterfall along the way. The one way ride takes about 80 minutes and costs 2240 yen.

By train from Nagano
  • 35 min
  • ¥3,500
Covered by: Japan Rail Pass

Karuizawa can be reached from Nagano in 35 minutes by the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen. The one way journey costs about 3500 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Alternatively, the one way trip by Shinano Railway takes 90-100 minutes, but cost only 1670 yen. There are one or two departures hourly and most require a change of trains at Komoro Station. JR passes are not valid on the Shinano Railway.

By bus from Kansai
  • 8 h
  • ¥9,500

Multiple companies operate overnight buses between Osaka, Kyoto and Karuizawa. The one way ride takes eight hours and costs around 9500 yen.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

The main transportation hub of Karuizawa is Karuizawa Station, which is served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Shinano Railway, local buses and highway buses. While some of the town's sights can be reached on foot from the station, others are distributed quite far across a relatively wide area and are best reached by bus, taxi, rental car or bicycle. A secondary transport hub is Naka-Karuizawa Station, one station west of Karuizawa by Shinano Railway.

The local bus network is operated by two companies, Kusakaru Kotsu and Seibu, and connects Karuizawa Station to the various attractions around town and beyond:

The most important lines are the hourly buses by Kusakaru Kotsu from Karuizawa Station via the Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza (160 yen, 5 minutes), the former Mikasa Hotel (270 yen, 10 minutes) and the Shiraito Waterfall (720 yen, 25 minutes) in direction of Kusatsu Onsen and by Seibu from Karuizawa Station via the Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza (150 yen, 5 minutes) to Naka-Karuizawa (290 yen, 15 minutes). While many of the Seibu buses terminate at Karuizawa Eigyosho, a few of them continue to the Onioshidashi Park (1230 yen, 35 minutes) and further to Manza Onsen.

In addition, there are a few loop bus lines that connect the stations with several attractions around town. The Karuizawa Free Pass allows unlimited rides on the above-mentioned buses (but not beyond Onioshidashi, and not including the Karuizawa Aka Bus) plus rides on the Shinano Railway between Karuizawa and Komoro stations. A 1-day pass costs 2500 yen, while a 2-day pass is available for 3600 yen. They are sold by Shinano Railway at Karuizawa, Naka-Karuizawa and Komoro stations.

Karuizawa is also suitable for exploration by bicycle. Many rental shops can be found close to Karuizawa Station and the Karuizawa Ginza area. Rental fees start around 500 yen per hour or around 1500 yen per day, while electric bicycles are avaiable for a little bit more. Another alternative is to travel by rental car. Rental car outlets can be found around Karuizawa Station.

Hotels around Karuizawa

Top rated in Karuizawa
Budget:
    • B&B Hotel Hyochoan
      Mid-range
      Opened in August 2012, B&B Hotel Hyochoan offers simple Western-style accommodations. Free in-room WiFi is available and guests can enjoy bird watching from the propertyfs terrace. JR Karuizawa Station is a 15-minute drive away. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV with Apple TV, Hulu and Netflix, an iPod docking system and an electric kettle with green tea bags. Japanese Yukata robes are provided for all guests and the en suite bathroom comes with a bathtub. A washing machine can be used free of charge during specific hours, upon request, and free private parking is on site. Luggage storage is provided at the front desk. A free shuttle is available from JR Karuizawa Station, if requested in advance. The property is handicap-accessible. Japanese and Western homemade meals are available at Caf? Hyochoan. Guests can soak in the Hoshino Hot Spring just 3-minutes away via car or visit the famous Shiraito Falls with a 7-minute drive. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza and Lake Kumoba can both be reached with a 15-minute drive.
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    • Hotel Wellies
      Mid-range
      Situated along a peaceful tree-lined street in Karuizawa, Hotel Wellies offers a British country hotel experience in the highland resort area. There is an English style garden with a lawn and gazebo and it comes with an English-language library, homemade British meals and spacious guest rooms that went through renovations every year since opening from 2013 to 2016. Free WiFi is available at public areas and all guest rooms. The whole hotel is non-smoking inside and all guest rooms include a 32-inch flat screen TV and a fridge. A hairdryer and toiletries are included in the en suite bathroom. All rooms has views of surrounding greenery, and some rooms feature great views of Mount Asama. Guests at Wellies Hotel can leave their luggage and ski/golf equipment at the property, or use a safety deposit box. Free parking and bicycle hire are available. The property's signature dish is a hearty, hot full English breakfast with homemade sausages, home-cured bacon and black pudding (included in the room rate). A 4-course meal, including authentic dishes such as fish & chips, beef stew, Yorkshire pudding and home smoked salmon is also available at a surcharge. Property staff are able to recommend local restaurants to guests who wish to eat out. The on-site bar offers local and imported beers, wines, cocktails and spirits, including many Scotch whiskies. A welcome tea is served to guests arriving before 18:00. Both Karuizawa Shinkansen (bullet train) Station, an outlet shopping mall, the Prince Ski Resort, Shiozawa Lake and the Kyu-Karuizawa area are all approximately a 10-minute drive from the property, while Naka-Karuizawa Station on the Shinano Line is a 3-minute drive. The Hoshino area with hot spring baths, the Sezon Museum of Modern Art, Harunire Terrace and Karuizawa Stone Church are a 5-minute drive away. The Yu River and local temples and shrines can also be reached within a 5-minute walk.
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    • Eau Sol Vert Karuizawa Club
      Luxury
      Situated in Karuizawa, 20 km from Honmachi Machiyakan, Eau Sol Vert Karuizawa Club features accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a restaurant. The property is around 29 km from Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park, 13 km from Karuizawa Station and 8.4 km from Karuizawamachi Botanical Garden. The hotel has a sauna, a concierge service and free WiFi. At the hotel the rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. All rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. American and Asian breakfast options are available each morning at Eau Sol Vert Karuizawa Club. You can play billiards at this 4-star hotel. Kazakoshi Park is 8.5 km from the accommodation. Matsumoto Airport is 84 km from the property.
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    • Hotel Indigo Karuizawa
      Luxury
      Situated within R km of JR Karuizawa Station, , Hotel Indigo Karuizawa in Karuizawa has a number of amenities including a restaurant, a fitness centre and a public bath. This 4-star hotel features a 24-hour front desk and room service. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a coffee machine. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a hot tub and slippers, all rooms at Hotel Indigo Karuizawa have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms have a seating area. The rooms have a safety deposit box. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is 2 km from the hotel, while Karuizawa Oga Hall is 2.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 66 km from Hotel Indigo Karuizawa.
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    • Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa Japan
      Luxury
      Featuring a restaurant and a bar, Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa Japan is situated in Karuizawa, 700 metres from Karuizawa Station and 17 km from Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park. Located around 1.9 km from Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, the hotel with free WiFi is also 600 metres away from Karuizawa Oga Hall. The property is less than 1 km from Kyukaruizawa Ginza and a 12-minute walk from Kumoba Pond. At the hotel, each room is fitted with a desk and a TV. The private bathroom is equipped with a bidet, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A ? la carte breakfast is served every morning at the property, while Spanish cuisine is available. Staff speak English and Japanese at the reception. Yukawa Furusato Park is 5 km from Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa Japan. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 89 km from the accommodation.
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    • Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel
      Luxury
      Offering a magnificent view of Mount Asama, Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel features an 18-hole golf course and a spa. JR Karuizawa Station and Karuizawa Shopping Plaza are a 12-minute drive from the resort. All rooms are air conditioned and equipped with a refrigerator and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Each features a balcony, where guests can enjoy the view of Mount Asama. The private bathroom comes with a bath and a hairdryer. At Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel, guests can get soothing spa treatments or play a round of golf. The bar offers a variety of cocktails for a relaxing evening. The Hiroshi Senju Museum is a 10-minute drive away, while Lake Kumobaike is a 15-minute drive from the property. Yukawa Furusato Park can be accessed within a 12-minute drive from the hotel.
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    • Bellscabin Guesthouse
      Budget-friendly
      Situated around a 15-minute stroll away, or 900 metres from Naka-Karuizawa Station, the completely non-smoking Bellscabin Guesthouse provides cosy rooms in bold colours and free WiFi throughout. Skiing and summer outdoor activities can be found nearby. Looking out on the natural surroundings, rooms at Cafe & Guesthouse Bellscabin are air-conditioned. Bed linen is provided. Showers and toilets are shared with the other guests. The shared bath is open 24/7. Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort and Kyu Karuizawa Golf Club are both about a 15-minute drive away. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is 4 km away. Parking is free, and bicycles and cars can be hired on site. Tonbu-no-yu hot-spring bath and Ishino Church are both a 20-minute walk away. There are hiking opportunities in the area. A free-use internet PC is provided. A Western breakfast is served daily from 07:30-09:00 at the property's cafe.
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    • SHISHI-IWA-HOUSE Karuizawa
      Luxury
      Situated in Karuizawa, 20 km from Honmachi Machiyakan, SHISHI-IWA-HOUSE Karuizawa features accommodation with a terrace, free private parking and a bar. This 5-star hotel offers a concierge service and luggage storage space. The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with a wardrobe and free WiFi. The rooms include a private bathroom fitted with a bath and a hairdryer, while some rooms are fitted with a kitchenette equipped with a fridge. Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park is 23 km from the hotel, while Karuizawa Station is 6.7 km from the property. Matsumoto Airport is 84 km away.
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    • Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by Hilton
      Luxury
      Located in Karuizawa, Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by Hilton is situated a 6-minute walk from Kyu Karuizawa Ginza Dori shopping street. Complimentary shuttle service is available to/from JR Karuizawa Station, 1.2 km from the property. Featuring a local artwork, the contemporary rooms come with a 50-inch flat-screen TV and Nespresso Coffee Machine. Selected rooms feature a patio or balcony with courtyard views. The property offers private parking on site. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is a 6-minute drive from the property. Haneda International Airport is 2-hour by train from the property.
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    • Hotel Grand Vert Kyu Karuizawa
      Luxury
      Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from JR Karuizawa Shinkansen (bullet train) Station, Hotel Grand Vert Kyu Karuizawa offers spacious guestrooms with a comfortable sofa and free WiFi. Guests are welcomed at the lobby with a fireplace. Featuring unique colour schemes and d?cor, each room comes with a flat-screen TV and a fridge. The stylish en suite bathroom comes with a large bath tub, a hairdryer and free toiletries. Kyu Karuizawa Grand Vert Hotel is an 8-minute walk to Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza. Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort is an 8-minute drive away. The nearest convenience store is a 30-second walk from the property.
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