Stayed in a forest cabin guesthouse in Karuizawa—so healing.
Anyone who gets it, sisters!! When Tokyo was 35 degrees and felt like my soul was melting, I escaped to Karuizawa’s 25-degree summer in just an hour on the Shinkansen 🧊 I instantly felt alive again
The 1,000-meter-high plateau basin is no joke. In July, short sleeves are perfect during the day, but you actually need a light jacket in the morning and evening. I even dug out a knit cardigan from my suitcase 😂
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“How’s the transportation?”
From Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen Hakutaka, fastest direct trip in 62 minutes, reserved seat 6,420 JPY
Key point 💡 Buy the JR Tokyo Wide Pass (15,000 JPY/3 days). Karuizawa is covered, so one round trip pays for itself. You can also use it to visit Nikko and Kawagoe on other days—great value
Right outside Karuizawa Station is the outlet mall. Lockers cost 400–700 JPY. Big lockers fill up early, so go early
What to do after arriving? Here are three routes I tried for you 👇
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“Cycling is the way to go”
The soul of Karuizawa is cycling! There are several rental shops near the station. Electric bikes are 1,500 JPY/day, regular bikes 800 JPY/day
I rented an electric-assist bike, and climbing hills was effortless. Riding through the birch tree-lined paths, the breeze carried the fresh scent of leaves—it’s addictive
⚠️ Note: In July, sunset is around 7:00 PM. Forest paths get dark earlier than flat areas, so don’t ride too far or you might not make it back
Recommended cycling loop: Karuizawa Station → Kumoba Pond → Old Karuizawa Ginza → Yazaki Park → back to the station. About 12 km total, a leisurely 2-hour ride
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“Visit Kumoba Pond early in the morning”
Locals call it “Swan Lake.” In summer, the lush greenery reflects on the water, surrounded by larch and birch trees
Arrive before 8:00 AM and you’ll basically have it to yourself! The water is mirror-like, perfect for wallpaper-worthy photos
Walking around the pond takes about 20 minutes. The path is flat and easy. There are some mosquitoes but not too bad—just bring a mosquito repellent bracelet
It’s about a 10-minute bike ride or 20-minute walk from Karuizawa Station
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“Stone Church: my highlight of the year”
Located in the Hoshino Resort area of Naka-Karuizawa. There’s a free shuttle bus from JR Naka-Karuizawa Station to the Hoshino area, about 5 minutes
The church was designed by architect Kendrick Kellogg, built with natural stone and glass, with no straight lines. The whole space feels like it’s grown out of the mountain
The moment I stepped inside, I was stunned—sunlight streamed through irregular glass gaps, paired with soft pipe organ music, giving me goosebumps
⏰ Open 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (temporarily closed during weddings, check the official website before you go)
Free admission
Next to it is the Plateau Church, a triangular wooden structure wrapped in forest, full of atmosphere. The two churches are connected by a 3-minute walk, so visit both together
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“Rest stop guide for Elm Street Town”
Also in the Hoshino Resort area, a small commercial street built along a creek with about ten independent shops and cafes
Sitting at an outdoor seat by the creek with a hand-brewed coffee, listening to the flowing water—this kind of relaxation doesn’t exist in Tokyo
I recommend Maru’s coffee, made with locally roasted Karuizawa beans, very clean taste
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“Where to stay”
🌲 The guesthouse is deep in the birch forest of Naka-Karuizawa, just a few minutes’ drive from Hoshino Resort, surrounded by towering trees, with green views from every window
🌲 The whole house is a log cabin style with a high-ceiling living room and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace (purely decorative in summer but sets the mood). The loft bedroom upstairs has a skylight, perfect for star-gazing from bed at night
🌲 The host provides hand-brew coffee equipment and local Karuizawa tea. Drinking coffee on the terrace while listening to birds in the morning—that’s what a vacation should be
Here’s how to plan your second day 👇
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“Shiraito Falls: only worth visiting in summer”
From Karuizawa Station North Exit, take the Kusakaru Kotsu bus from platform 2 to Shiraito Falls Station, about 20 minutes, fare 720 JPY
The waterfall is only 3 meters high but 70 meters wide!! Summer has the most water flow, like a white curtain spread out. Standing on the viewing platform, the cool mist hits your face and the temperature drops by 5 degrees
The return bus stop is right across the street, with about one bus per hour. Check the schedule so you don’t wait too long
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“Old Karuizawa Ginza Street”
An old shopping street dating back to the Meiji era, 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by bike from Karuizawa Station
The street isn’t long. A slow stroll takes about 40 minutes. Shops on both sides sell handicrafts, jam specialty stores, and vintage jewelry
There’s a jam shop that’s been around for nearly 100 years, famous for handmade strawberry and blueberry jams. About 800 JPY per jar—perfect as a souvenir
The local loop bus also passes here, 100 JPY per ride, convenient for those who want to skip walking
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“Practical tips”
· Average temperature in Karuizawa in July is 20–25 degrees, cool in the morning and evening, so bring a light jacket
· UV rays are stronger than in the lowlands! Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must
· Cash is king. Many small shops and buses only accept cash. It’s recommended to carry 30,000–50,000 JPY in cash
· The JR Wide Pass can be purchased in advance on the JR East website and exchanged for a physical ticket at Tokyo Station
· Karuizawa Station has a tourist information center where you can get free maps and bus schedules. Staff speak basic English
· Convenience stores are concentrated near the station. Once you enter residential areas, they’re hard to find, so buy water and snacks in advance
This 48-hour trip in Karuizawa had me walking over 20,000 steps a day, but I never felt tired because every step was surrounded by beautiful scenery 🌿