Model Course] Karuizawa Day Trip Plan with “Nature” as a theme (3 hours)

Model Course

This course is an efficient tour by cab of spots where you can learn more about historic Karuizawa. *These spots are also related to the Karuizawa Web Certificate.

You can also book a charter cab by the hour by clicking "Click here to book a cab" at the bottom of the page.
Charter service is available at any time of your choice, either departing from or arriving in Karuizawa.
We can set up any itinerary you wish, as long as it is within the time frame of Karuizawa's nature and historical buildings.
Charter cabs are available from 1 hour.

Karuizawa Station
Old Usui Pass Gazebo
Kumano Koutai Shrine (the inner shrine of Ise Shrine)
Shiraito Falls
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

SPOT 1

Karuizawa Station

Base for sightseeing in Karuizawa

Karuizawa Station is easily accessible by the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, which takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Tokyo Station and 2 hours from Kanazawa Station, and is the base for sightseeing in Karuizawa, served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line and the Shinano Railway.

Meet at Karuizawa Station and depart

Approximately 20 minutes by cab

SPOT 2

Old Usui Pass Gazebo

Spectacular spot located on the border of the prefecture

The Usui Pass Gazebo is located at an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level.
Located on the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures, it offers a wonderful view of the Myogi mountain range to the east and Mount Asama to the west.
There is a 4-km boardwalk at the gazebo entrance.

(Stay about 30 minutes)

Approx. 5 minutes by cab

SPOT 3

Kumano Koutai Shrine (the inner shrine of Ise Shrine)

A shrine located on the border of a prefecture, a rarity in Japan.
Located at an elevation of 1200 m above the summit of Usui Pass, this ancient shrine is called "Kumano Koutai Shrine" on the Nagano Prefecture side and "Kumano Shrine" on the Gunma Prefecture side, and is said to have been built by Yamatotakeru. It is designated as a special shrine in Shinano-kuni.
The shina tree, which is more than 1,000 years old, has long been worshipped as a sacred tree for good fortune and matchmaking.

(Stay about 30 minutes)

See details

Approximately 30 minutes by cab

SPOT 4

Shiraito Falls

Karuizawa's representative healing spot

Located at the source of the Yugawa River, this truly beautiful waterfall is 3 m high and 70 m wide, with hundreds of strands of underground water falling like white threads from the rocks. In spring, visitors can enjoy the fresh green foliage, in summer, the spray and cool breeze, and in autumn, the dazzling autumn leaves.

(Stay about 40 minutes)

Approximately 25 minutes by cab

SPOT 5

Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

The main street of Old Karuizawa. Old established bakeries, coffee shops, souvenir stores, and eateries line both sides of the 750-meter Old Karuizawa Ginza Street.
The Karuizawa Kanko Kaikan, a classic wooden structure, provides tourist information.

The course ends upon arrival. Please enjoy exploring on your own.

See details