A course to feel the charm and wind of Karuizawa by e-Bike

START

It is a stop on the JR East (Hokuriku Shinkansen) and Shinano Railway lines. The Shinano Railway is a symbol of the area that was once the main artery of transportation, formerly the Shinetsu Main Line.

Located in the heart of Karuizawa, Yagasaki Park is a place of recreation and relaxation for the community. In winter, a fireworks display is held as the opening event of the Winter Festival. Ohga Hall, located on the site, is a large concert hall donated by Norio Ohga, honorary chairman of Sony. The pentagonal shape of the building was designed to ensure that sound reaches every seat in the hall evenly. It hosts many classical music concerts throughout the year.

Karuizawa as a summer resort was first established in 1886 when Canadian-born Anglican missionary A.C. Shaw visited Karuizawa and, fascinated by the beautiful and clean nature and climate, recommended the area to his family and friends. Two years later, in 1888, Mr. Shaw built a villa, and since then, missionaries, political and financial figures, military men, and literary giants have had villas in Karuizawa. In the same year, a chapel was opened for the first time in the area, which has remained a familiar landmark in Karuizawa to this day. The first villa built by Mr. Shaw has been restored and can be viewed inside the grounds.

This round-carved, three-sided, six-armed statue of the Horse-headed Kannon stands in the Old Karuizawa Rotary. The statue was created in 1853 by six Karuizawa innkeepers who collected donations. Originally, the statue was enshrined near the Futate Bridge to pray for the safety of travelers, but as there was no one left to enshrine it, it was protected by Genjiro Nozawa in the Taisho era (1912-1926), and was further moved to its current location by the town in 2018. It is a symbolic stone Buddha of the Old Karuizawa area.

The pioneer of Karuizawa development, Keijiro Amamiya's residence (photo), and the villa of Fumimaro Konoe, who became prime minister three times during the Taisho period (1912-1926), are located on the same site. The Konoe villa was originally owned by Mr. and Mrs. Imachizo and Kiyoji Ichimura, and in 1997, the Ichimura family donated it to the town and moved it to the current site. The villa includes a gallery and other facilities, and is sometimes used as a filming location for exhibitions and TV dramas.

Karuizawa had three post towns along the Nakasendo route (Asama-Neketsu no Sanjuku). One of them, Kutsumigakejuku, was located in what is now the Nakakaruizawa area. Nakakaruizawa Station is located in the center of the area. The station has a library, tourist information center, conference space, restaurants, and other facilities that are used by many local residents and tourists. In winter, the entire station is decorated with illuminations, which attract many visitors. Please use the station as a resting spot.

This is a green park along the banks of the Yugawa River, covering an area of approximately 6 hectares. Located in the center of Karuizawa, the park has lawns, a large playground complex, a dog run and futsal court, and is a relaxing space in the community where you can enjoy strolling and walking with your dog.

GOAL

On the way back, return the way you came.
Bicycle distance: approx. 14.6 km