Karuizawa Day Tour from Tokyo by Car English Speaking Driver/Guid

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  Prince Shopping Plaza in Karuizawa is one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping malls, offering a huge range of fashion and other goods to the public at wholesale factory prices. The mix of shops on offer is somewhat eclectic too. Big name brands such as Adidas, Coach and Disney sit alongside local fashion labels, handmade goods and souvenir stores. There’s also no shortage of food and drink options too, with Chinese, European and Japanese restaurant options joining the obligatory coffee shops, delis and cafes. Tourists will also be glad to know that many of the stores in Prince Shopping Plaza allow tax free shopping and accept all major credit cards. Paying by credit card can sometimes be problematic in what is still very much a cash-based society here in Japan. The Plaza also has an onsite currency exchange making it easy to get hold of Japanese yen if you need to.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Old Karuizawa Main Street

  Whilst the Prince Shopping Plaza offers the very best in modern conveniences, maybe you’re looking for something a little more 'old school' and authentic? If that’s the case, then you need look no further than Old Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street. Whilst much of Karuizawa has undergone a certain level of renewal and urbanization in recent times, the Ginza Shopping Street has, thankfully, remained unspoiled. Indeed the street continues to enjoy international recognition to this day, thanks to the vote of confidence it received from The Beatles’ John Lennon, when he visited it during one of his many trips to Japan alongside his partner Yoko Ono. However, you don’t need to be one of the all-time legends of popular music to enjoy this charming little area. Among the handicraft shops, various other homemade goods and local fashion stores, you will also find some great little cafes, where you can sit back, relax and “imagine” a world of possibilities.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• 3

  The healing and health-boosting qualities of the legendary 'onsen' (hot springs) are known all across Japan. Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-Yu in Naka-Karuizawa is a relatively new addition to this legend, with these springs only being used by the locals since 1916. However, their hydrogen carbonate and chloride enthused waters are said to help alleviate a whole range of human ills, from arthritis to headaches, to nerves and anxiety. In any case, as this writer will testify, nothing refreshes both the body and the spirit quite like a good long soak in an onsen. Tombo-no-Yu offers both indoor and outdoor baths, with admission JPY1300 for adults and JPY750 for children.

  1 hour • Admission ticket not included
• 4
  Kumoba Pond

  Located nearby the Old Ginza area of town and around 20-minutes walk from Karuizawa Station, Kumoba Pond is one of the best spots in town to enjoy the autumn leaves. On a clear and calm day, Kumoba Pond offers a striking mirroring effect when the surrounding greenery is reflected in the pond’s clear and unspoiled waters. The entire pond is also encircled with a boardwalk, making this the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful summer stroll, or perhaps pull up a chair and take some time out from the stresses and strains of daily life. The pond is also popular with cyclists and nature lovers. If you’re lucky, one of the families of ducks who call the lake their home may even come over to say hello.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Church Street Karuizawa

  History of Karuizawa Kogen Church Since the arrival of Canadian missionary Alexander Croft Shaw in 1886, Christianity has taken root in Karuizawa, and faith has been nurtured in various churches. Karuizawa Kogen Church was founded in 1921 (Taisho 10) as the "Artistic Liberal Education Workshop." Leading cultural figures of the time, including Kanzo Uchimura, Hakushu Kitahara, and Toson Shimazaki, gathered there and passionately discussed the pursuit of a "truly rich heart." And from the Liberal Arts Education Workshop, a philosophy emerged: "Playing is good, and playing is also learning." In an era when modesty was demanded in all things, the Liberal Arts Education Workshop was a space where people could express what they felt as they felt it and freely discuss it. Kanzo Uchimura, who loved this space dearly, named it "Hoshino Yugakudo" (Hoshino Play School). And the philosophy of the Liberal Arts Education Workshop has been passed down in this place.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 6

  November to March Admission tickets need Karuizawa Snow Park Operated by the Prince Hotel group, Karuizawa Snow Resort offers a 'Snow Kids initiative' to attract families. As well as offering free ski-lift access to kids under the age of thirteen, the resort also offers a variety of games and events geared towards younger skiers throughout the year. If you’re lucky, you might even get to meet Tonakky, Karuizawa Ski Resort’s ample-antlered mascot! For an additional fee, the resort also offers specialized children’s ski lessons. Advance booking is recommended.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tags

Rating