Here are three hiking routes that will take you to waterfalls and bird forests and give you a taste of Karuizawa’s rich natural environment.
1. Mine-no-chaya to Shiraito Falls and Ryu-ganeshi Falls route Descending through lush thickets and larch forests, we will visit two of Karuizawa’s most famous waterfalls.
2. Senkataki Route A stroll along the promenade that takes in the famous waterfall, which boasts the largest drop in Karuizawa, and the clear moss-covered stream.
3. Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest Route Visit a shrine with huge trees and a bird sanctuary in one of the best habitats in the country.
- Descending through lush thickets and larch forests, we will visit two of Karuizawa’s most famous waterfalls.
This is the core of the Shinanoji Nature Trail that passes through Karuizawa. The trail is entirely downhill, making it an easy walk and blessed with viewpoints. It is also reassuring to know that the trail parallels the Shiraito Highland Way, which is also serviced by local buses.
- The best time to visit is from late May to October when the leaves change color. ⑥It is possible to go out from Mikasa to Kyukaruizawa, Hoshino to Nakakaruizawa, etc. in combination with Mikasa to Kose, Hoshino course, etc. *For details, please click the image below and refer to the PDF file.
- A stroll along the promenade that takes in the famous waterfall, which boasts the largest drop in Karuizawa, and the clear moss-covered stream.
The trail, named Seseragi no Michi (Seseragi Path), was constructed over a period of three years starting in 1997, and is characterized by its construction methods that take into consideration the prevention of mountain disasters and the preservation of the living environment in the downstream area.
- As with other hiking trails, the best time to visit is from late May (when the leaves are fresh green) to early October (when the leaves turn red). The Oshigaoka bus stop is a little closer to the start of the course, but there are fewer buses. It is also good to combine this course with the Nakakaruizawa to Chigataki course (11). For more details, please click the image below and refer to the PDF file.
- Visit a shrine with giant trees and a bird sanctuary in one of the best habitats in the country.
Karuizawa is one of the best places in Japan to view wild birds, with as many as 150 species seen annually and 100 species breeding in the area. The Wild Bird Forest, designated in 1974, is the first national wild bird forest in Japan. The site, which is more than 20 times the size of Tokyo Dome, is equipped with observation paths and huts where visitors can enjoy watching plants and animals and taking a forest bath.
- Advice》Walking is best from late May when the leaves are fresh green to October when the leaves turn red, but bird watching is also good in early winter and early spring when the leaves have fallen. Bird watching is also good in early winter and early spring when the leaves have fallen. Paid guided tours are also available. You can combine this course with (6) Mikasa to Kose and Hoshi no Course and (11) Nakakaruizawa to Chigataki Course. For more details, please click the image below and refer to the PDF file.
