Here are some representative spots from past photos of autumn foliage.
Shin-Karuizawa: Karuizawa Station North Exit, Ohga Hall, Shinonome Intersection, Hatoyama Street
Old Karuizawa: Kumoba Pond, Shaw Memorial Chapel, St. Paul’s Church, Gazebo, etc.
Nakakaruizawa: Along the Yugawa River, Nagakura Shrine, Yugawa Furusato Park, Kera Pond
Shiozawa: Picture Book Forest Art Museum, Karuizawa Tagliassen, Kazakoshi Park
Oiwake: Shinano Oiwake Station, Oiwake Local Museum, Hori Tatsuo Literature Memorial Museum
Wide area: Karuizawa Marathon Festival, Usui Pass Megane Bridge, 1000 meter forest road
The former Mikasa Hotel has been closed since December 28, 2028 for large-scale conservation and repair work, including seismic reinforcement. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the closure and ask for your understanding.
Photo cooperation: Karuizawa Photo ClubFacebook page / Facebook Group
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New Karuizawa
Karuizawa Station North Exit
These are the autumn leaves at the north exit of Karuizawa Station, the gateway to Karuizawa.
Ohga Hall
Along with Ooga Hall, the adjacent Yagasaki Park is an excellent spot for a relaxing stroll while enjoying the view of Mount Asama and the autumn leaves.
Karuizawa Main Street, Shinonome intersection
Stores, museums, and galleries line the Shinonome intersection. Ginkgo trees, which are scarce in Karuizawa, add color to the area.
Hatoyama Street
A quiet villa scene with the early morning sun shining through.
Old Karuizawa
Unba Pond
Just before dawn, the starry sky was particularly beautiful. Here is a 30-minute star trajectory at Unba Pond, where the autumn leaves are at their peak.
Shaw Memorial Chapel
Shaw Memorial Chapel, the oldest church in Karuizawa, founded by missionary Alexander Croft Shaw. There are so many fallen leaves that the church priest has to clean it twice a day, morning and evening, to keep up. Three Canadian maple trees have been planted here, and the yellow fallen leaves enhance its beauty.
St. Paul’s Church
St. Paul’s Church is one of the symbols of Old Karuizawa. The beautiful gradation of autumn leaves colors this quaint wooden building. It is a perfect photo point.
Suwa Shrine
Suwa Shrine is tucked away on a back street one street back from the main street in Old Karuizawa. The vivid leaves of the old trees spreading on the carpet of moss paint a wonderful colorful scene. Recommended for those who want to enjoy the autumn leaves with tranquility.
Shiraito Falls
The tourist spot Shiraito Falls is located on the Shiraito Highland Way. You can enjoy the autumn leaves not only in the surrounding area but also on the drive to your destination.
Old Usui Pass Gazebo
When the weather is fine, you can see Mt. Asama and the mountains on the Gunma side of the mountain. It is also called Sunset Point because of its beautiful sunset. Please note that the cobblestone promenade is slippery at some points along the way.
Kumano Koutai Shrine (the inner shrine of Ise Shrine)
The top of the Usui Pass, 1,200 meters above sea level, this is a rare shrine in Japan where the border between the two prefectures, Nagano and Gunma, is divided at the center of the shrine.
Nakakaruizawa
Along the Yugawa River
On a clear day, Mt. Asama can also be seen. The photo shows the view from the bridge crossing to Nagakura Shrine.
Nagakura Shrine
Adjacent to Nagakura Park, visitors can enjoy the autumn leaves while strolling through the park.
Yukawa Furusato Park
The golden color of the larch forest is magnificent.
Hoshino Area Kela Pond Skating Rink
Nature Tour gateway to Picchio. Kela Pond can be enjoyed as a skating rink from late October.
salted fish (esp. salmon)
Picture Book Forest Art Museum
This is a natural garden created by British landscape designer Paul Smither that plays on the original landscape of Karuizawa.
Karuizawa Tagliassen
In the park, historical buildings of Karuizawa have been relocated, and visitors can stroll around in the quiet air and take their time to appreciate them.
Kazakoshi Park Karuizawa Ice Park
Karuizawa Ice Park is equipped with one of the largest curling facilities in Japan, and an outdoor skating rink will be available from November. Kazakoshi Park also has tennis courts, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, an indoor skating rink, a botanical garden, and an Olympic memorial monument.
forked road
Shinano Oiwake Station
Although Shinano Oibu is a small, unmanned station, such scenes are one of the charms of Karuizawa. The cherry blossoms on the lower side of the station bloom magnificently in spring.
Oiwake Folk Museum
A local museum along the road that retains the atmosphere of an inn town. Materials related to the Oiwambetsu Festival have been preserved.
Hori Tatsuo Literature Memorial Hall
The autumn leaves of the trees lining both sides of the entrance are magnificent.
Other, wide area
Karuizawa Marathon Festival
The Karuizawa Marathon Festival is held annually under the autumn leaves, and in 2020 will be held as an online marathon.
Usui Pass Megane Bridge
A brick arch bridge in the neighboring town of Matsuida, Gunma Prefecture, about 40 minutes by car from Karuizawa. It is the Usui Pass Megane Bridge, an important cultural property that was featured in the Ghibli movie “The Wind Rises. (Photo taken on November 6, 2013)
1,000-meter forest path
The road stretches east to west parallel to the north side of National Highway 18. This is the autumn foliage of the street called “1,000-meter forest road” due to its high elevation. (Photo taken 11/10/2013)
