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Karuizawa: Take a trip to this mountain resort town that is beautiful year-round

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Karuizawa is a serene and upscale resort town in Nagano Prefecture. It’s accessible in just over an hour by bullet train from Tokyo, making it a perfect day trip destination. It has made a name for itself as a summer mountain resort town near the active volcano, Mount Asama, an image that came about for it in the late 1800s. Its main draw during summer is because its relatively high altitude makes it a cool escape from the overbearing heat of Tokyo and its surroundings.

There’s a little bit of something for everyone in Karuizawa. While it is widely known for its upmarket and Westernized atmosphere that can be experienced in the old town of Kyu-Karuizawa, there are also exciting nature spots and cultural sights around.

Shopping Streets

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Photo: iStock/ colinhui

Karuizawa is home to two shotengai (shopping streets) and a massive outlet park by the station. Karuizawa Ginza Shotengai is one of the first spots people visit in the area. Just a 10-minute bus ride from Karuizawa Station, the shopping street has a variety of exciting street food, cafes and delightful souvenir shops featuring crafts and materials from the region.

For an upmarket experience, Harunire Terrace is located closer to Naka-Karuizawa station and is a good place for a romantic dinner. Just a few steps from Harunire Terrace is a famous, upscale onsen (hot spring) called Tonbo no yu which features a spacious sauna room and outdoor and indoor baths.

Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary

Click here to read more.

© GaijinPot

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Visited many times. Well worth a visit for a few days.

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