Leisure / Hobbies Spots in Eastern Shinshu Area

  • Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
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    4.0
    1400 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Karuizawa
    A gigantic shopping mall and virtual landmark in Karuizawa. With a total of seven parking areas, shoppers visiting by car are encouraged to look up which stores they are most interested in before choosing where to park. In addition to fashion brands, the mall also contains a shop selling Karuizawa sweets and jams, making it the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs as well. Children can play to their hearts’ content in the spacious outdoor kids park.

    This outlet mall is situated just in front of shinkansen station and very accesible. The mall is very huge with many brand stores selling outlet items. The price is very reasonable for some brands...

  • Komoro Castle Remains Kaikoen
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    4.0
    235 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Komoroshi Tei 311
    This park on the site of Komoro Castle in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 famous castles and 100 famous cherry blossom spots. Komoro Castle is an unusual structure built below the elevation of the castle town, and has also been called Anashiro Castle (“hole castle”). The park is dotted with facilities including the Important Cultural Property San-no-Mon gate, the Toson Memorial Hall, the Koyama Keizo Art Museum, a zoo and a children’s play area. It is appreciated by both tourists and locals looking for a place to refresh and relax. In spring there are 400 cherry blossom trees in bloom, and in autumn it is famous as a great place to see the changing leaves.

    A little-too-early for cherry blossom season, the park is particularly sparse and drab with no focal point to draw attention other than some bright and happy cartoon posters of a smiling lion...

  • Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa
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    4.5
    168 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Nagakura 815
    Located in Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture, this private art museum exhibits the works it owns created by artist Hiroshi Senju, a modern Japanese painter who is active around the world. The building was designed by architect Ryue Nishizawa and has large glass windows that give it a bright and spacious atmosphere. It also has a beautiful garden with various trees and plants, and is a creative space that achieves harmony with nature. The museum holds exhibitions that introduce Senju’s works as well as special exhibitions according to different themes. There are also a bakery café and shop, and guests can relax and enjoy art and nature.

    A unique approach to defining a building, well worth the visit. Unfortunately the art, while well-executed, is not cohesive and sometimes derivative. I tried to imagine the experience of the building...

  • Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort
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    4.0
    83 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Ueda-shi Sugadairakogen 1223-146
    A winter resort with 19 lifts and 60 runs. It is divided into three areas: Davos Area, Taro Area, and Pine Beak Area. They all make use of a base layer of artificial snow, which means you can ski there until the end of March. You can also ride their popular Snowcat up Mt. Neko, where you'll see snowbound trees around the summit. Ski the four kilometers back downhill from the top, or if you can't ski, just take the Snowcat back down.

    I visited with Ocean Ski Club and learned to ski here. Its a great place for people of varying levels of ability and appears to be kid-friendly and safe. Id definitely recommend.

  • “Mugonkan” Memorial Art Museum for Fallen Art Students
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    4.5
    68 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Uedashi Koaso 3462
    Mugonkan was born when Seiichiro Kuboshima acquired half the Shinshu Dessan Building in 1997 to exhibit works left behind by art students who fell in battle. You can see exhibitions of fallen students’ art pieces and easels. It’s about 30 minutes by car from the Sakaki Interchange on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway.

    長年訪問したかった「無言館」。 日曜日だったので混雑していてじっくり見ることが出来ず、残念でしたが、やはり心に訴えるものがありました。 戦争という悲しい歴史がなかったら、さぞやご活躍なされただろうと思う方の作品も多くあり、本当に残念な思いがしました。 次回は、ゆっくりじっくり見学したいと思います。

  • Karuizawa Picturebook Museum (Forest of Muse)
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    4.0
    48 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Nagakura 182
    "This museum is in Nagakura, Karuizawa Town. They display items related to picture books, including Peter Rabbit. The First Exhibition Hall showcases the research of honorary adviser Mr. Shinichi Yoshida, a researcher of British and American children's literature, and has a permanent display called ""Peter Rabbit's Secret Room."" Planned exhibits occupy the Second Exhibition Hall. They also have a picture book library with primarily Western works where you can browse 1,800 volumes. There is also a museum shop and a conference room where various events are held."

    2020年10月9日から2021年1月11日まで軽井沢絵本の森美術館でやっている『グリム童話の裏話』を旅行ついでに行ってみました。こじんまりした展示ではありましたが、なかなか興味深い内容で、グリム童話に潜むもの、兄弟・家族観、キリスト教、過激な表現、社会・道徳・世相、ジェンダー等に分けて展示してありました。ちなみに10時〜16時(10/9-12は9時半から17時らしいが時期により時間が違う可能性あ...

  • Harunire Terrace
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Nagakura 2148
    Located in a commercial facility that serves as the entrance to the Hoshino Area in Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture, the concept of this store is “everyday Karuizawa.” Taking on the role as the hot spring town for Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-Yu, it features 15 stores that include restaurants and shops. Inside the facility which features a wood deck construction and nine buildings is a space full of abundant scenery that incorporates a grove of more than 100 Japanese elm trees which had been growing there naturally. There are also book cafes and unique miscellaneous good shops, and visitors can experience the vacation home life that is typical of Karuizawa.
  • Ueda City Museum
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    3.5
    49 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Uedashi Ninomaru 3-3 (in Ueda Castle Ruins Park)
    This is a museum that stands at the ruins of Ninomaru in Ueda castle ruins. Inside the museum visitors can see Oda Nobunaga’s leather armor and Someya Yaki pottery designated as national important cultural properties, as well as drawings of Shinano Province from the Shoho era (1644–), designated as prefectural treasures. Archives showing the history of the Ueda region since the Middle Ages, material on nature, folk material and so on are collected and displayed.

    上田で最も人気のある真田氏に関しては別館でじっくり展示されており、本館は仙石氏および松平氏の上田城城主、および近代史がメインです。上田城の櫓とセットで500円は安いですね。今年も上田の祇園祭がコロナにより中止となり、代わりに祇園祭とは何かを本館で解説していました。上田わっしょいは開催、京都の祇園祭も開催、でも上田の祇園祭は中止。解せません。

  • Trick Art Museum Karuizawa
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    4.0
    24 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Kitasaku-gun Karuizawamachi Kyukaruizawa 809
    "A museum situated along the Old Karuizawa Ginza Street in Karuizawa, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture. The museum displays around 100 pieces of ""trick art"" such as images which appear to jump out at the viewer depending on the viewing angle, and works of art which make use of forced perspective. Visitors can also use some of the works on display to take amazing photos. Pets are allowed in the museum and can even be brought into the adjoining cafe."

    入口が狭いのと入場が高いので、気にはなってたけど中々入れなかった美術館。いざ入ってみると三階建てで奥行きもあったのと、インスタ映えするので、けっこう長い時間写真撮ったりして、楽しめました。

  • Tateshina Teddy Bear Museum
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    4.0
    34 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Kitasakuguntateshinamachi Ashitahatsukano 1522
    "This museum is on the Daimon Highway in Ashidahatsukano, Tateshina Town, Kitasaku County. It has 11,000 teddy bears from Japan and abroad on view, with enormous dioramas and special manufacturer collections. Their ""Teddy Bear Plaza"" shop is the largest of its kind in Japan. You can visit it without entering the museum."

    宿泊していたホテルの向かい側にあるので、チェックアウト前に見学しました。館内は可愛いテディベアがいっぱい。ウエディングや世界の街角などのセットにいろいろなスタイルをしたテディベアがお出迎えしてくれます。多種多様なシーンを見て楽しめるのが最高です。お土産コーナーも充実。どのテディベアを選ぼうか迷うくらい。小さいお子様連れのファミリーにはオススメのスポットです。

  • Komoro City Koyama Keizo Art Museum
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    4.0
    30 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Komoro-shi Tei 221
    A 10-minute walk from Komoro Station and a 10-minute drive from the Komoro Interchange. This art museum is located close to Kashima Shrine on the northwest side of Komoro Castle Park. The museum displays the works of Western-style painter Keizo Koyama, an honorary citizen of Komoro City who has also been awarded the Order of Culture. Established by the artist in 1975, the museum and the artwork inside it have been donated to the city. The museum's wide-ranging collection, spanning an array of periods and genres, also includes water colors, sketches, and depictions of Mt. Asama and a summertime forest the artist created while a junior high school student. The museum also holds special exhibitions and exhibitions of works submitted by the general public.

    懐古園のずっと奥にある美術館です。浅間山の溶岩が点在する庭を歩いていくと美術館に着けます。展示室内は撮影不可になっています。遠目で雰囲気がわかる撮影ならOKとのこと。念のため、撮影済みの写真をその場で見てもらって了解を得ました。フランスやスペインの街並み・浅間山や姫路城の絵画などが展示されています。どの絵画も見ごたえがあり、あたかもその場にいるかのような錯覚を覚えます。高輪プリンスホテルに展示され...

  • Ueda City Museum of Art
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    4.0
    9 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Uedashi Tenjin 3-15-15
    An art museum located in Tenjin, Ueda City. The museum's collection consists primarily of works by artists deeply connected to Ueda City such as Western-style painter Kanae Yamamoto, sculptor Tsuruzo Ishii, and photographer Harry K. Shigeta. In addition to displaying this collection, the museum also holds special exhibitions. In addition, the museum has a studio and gallery available for use by residents as well as a children's studio.

    複合的な文化施設サントミューゼの一角にある美術館。 歴史が浅いらしく、館内はとても綺麗。あと美術館らしく、個性的な作り。 日曜日に行ったが、入館者はとても少なかった。 モネ、ムンク、ピカソらの作品を紹介する展覧会を開催していたのに! 地方の美術館らしく、すいている。 でも、他人に気兼ねすることなく、名画を鑑賞する。 もったいないけど、入館者には都合が良い。

  • Nature Kids Forest House
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    5.0
    22 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Kitasaku-gun Karuizawamachi
    "An outdoor activity center adjoining the Karuizawa Prince Hotel East in Karuizawa, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture. The center holds ""kids challenge"" events consisting of a variety of seasonal outdoor activities. The center also has programs such as a forest crafting activity, and a fully-fledged climbing facility which requires no advance reservation. In addition, the center holds special seasonal programs like starwatching around a bonfire, and nighttime forest safari tours."

    My kid loved it when we stayed in Prince Karuizawa. 森の家 is within walking distance from the cottage and just next to the shopping mall. It is also just 2 minutes walking from the ski lift. We enjoyed...

  • Karuizawa New Art Museum
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    3.5
    28 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Karuizawa 1151-5
    Artworks from the postwar period of Japan to the present day are exhibited here. The art museum was created with the intention to publicize outstanding artworks both domestically and internationally. Exhibitions display works not only from Japanese contemporary artists but from overseas artists too. The museum has invented itself to appeal to the expectations of art fans from all over the world. The museum houses a restaurant, café and shop where you can get some KaNAM original goods which can only be purchased here.

    After missionary Alexander Croft Shaw’s building a chapel in Karuizawa, this town has been a sought-after fairyland for wedding. My wife and I visited the Museum on a sunny morning. Turns out there...

  • Megamiko Center
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    4.0
    25 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Prefecture Kitasaku-gun, Tachinchocho cho, Goddess Lake 987
    A leisure facility located in Tateshina Town, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture. Located on the shore of Lake Megami, here visitors can enjoy seasonal leisure activities. The facility also has a restaurant serving select dishes made with organic vegetables and other natural ingredients, and a shop where visitors can purchase Tateshina souvenirs. In addition to canoeing, kayaking, and boating, in winter, visitors can go cross country skiing or go ice driving on the lake.

    女神湖南にある女神湖センターにはボートがたくさん並んでます。女神湖は人の多い白樺湖と違って余裕をもって、カヌー・カヤック・バトルボートなど水上スポーツを楽しめるスポットです。横に小さな湿原があり、桟橋のような木の通路を通って中を移動できます。

  • Karuizawa Ice Park
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    4.5
    8 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Kitasaku-gun Karuizawamachi Hotchi 1154-1
    "This curling center is part of the Karuizawa Kazakoshi Park sports facility, a 15-minute drive from Karuizawa Station. With six curling sheets, it is one of the largest year-round curling facilities in Japan, holding major domestic and international competitions. They also have curling lessons for beginners as well as recreational programs for groups. Shoes, curling stones, and brushes are available for rent, so anyone can enjoy this game that's also known as ""chess on ice."""

    初めてカーリング体験。1時間でしたがとても楽しめます。インストラクターがテキパキと親切に教えてくれるので、一応ゲームまでできます。足元は安定しませんでしたがとても楽しめます。またお邪魔したいです。

  • The Museum of Contemporary Art, Karuizawa
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    4.0
    15 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Nagakura 2052-2
    This art museum collects and exhibits works with a theme of ''artists who crossed the oceans.'' Its primary collection features works by artists including Yayoi Kusama, Yoshitomo Nara, Shusaku Arakawa, Atsuko Tanaka, and Ayako Rokkaku. The museum also features a gallery where visitors can purchase artwork. Admission includes a complementary cup of tea and a snack, allowing visitors to soak up impressions of the artwork at a relaxed pace. The museum closes over the winter from late November to mid-April. It is a five-minute drive from JR Karuizawa Station.

    軽井沢の森の中にこれぞ軽井沢と言った感じの美術館である。 シニア料金は800円、昔は飲み物が出たらしいが、今はクッキー1ケがもらえる。 海を渡ったアーティスト展を開催中であった。 美術館の大きな窓からは、これぞ軽井沢と言った景色が見える。

  • Yunomaru Ski Area
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Tomi-shi
    A ski area known for its vaunted, season-long powder snow. The resort's wide and variegated slopes are situated 1,700 to 2,000 meters above sea level. There's also a sledding hill for children and a snowboard park, and the resort is a popular destination for families, as well. In addition, there are many day-use hot spring bathhouses in the area, and the resort is a convenient two hours away from the Tokyo metropolitan area.
  • Seizan Golf Course
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    4.5
    11 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Kitasaku-gun Karuizawamachi Karuizawa
    This golf course has a fine location 60 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen and two minutes from Karuizawa Station by taxi. There's also good access from Usui-Karuizawa Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway, letting you reach it in less than 15 minutes. The flat hill course is fully self-serve. With hand-operated carts, it's a popular spot for a casual round of golf. You can take in grand Mt. Asama and the lovely Karuizawa scenery from every single hole. With lots of wide fairways, it's ideal for beginners and families.

    台風19号は、各地で相当な被害をもたらし、私が大好きな晴山ゴルフ場が、とても心配でした。昨日久しぶりに、行って来ました。 スタッフの方に伺うと、幸いにも大きな被害が無かったそうで、ひと安心しました。 3番と12番の間の池、6番の池が豪雨の影響で満々の水が溜っていて、景色が一変! 超格好良くなっている!外国のリゾートのようでした! 久しぶりの快晴のもと、楽しくプレーできました。

  • Koumi-machi Kougen Museum of Art
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    4.0
    12 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Minamisakugunkoumimachi Toyosato 5918-2
    The Koumi-machi Kougen Museum of Art opened in 1997 and primarily showcases collections of works from the late Kesao Kuribayashi, a painter and former member of the “Kokugakai” society as well as a Koumi-machi local, and the late Tatsuzo Shimaoka, a potter who was a designated a Living National Treasure. Located at the foot of Mt. Yatsugatake, this art museum is at harmony with the surrounding environment and is famous for its unique exhibits on local artists, modern art, architecture, design, and more. It’s about one hour by car from the Sutama Interchange on the Chuo Expressway.

    八峰の湯のすぐ隣にある美術館。八峰の湯と町営バス停も一緒。有名な建築家がデザインしたようで、外観がとてもモダンで、レストランもあるようなので、八峰の湯とセットで周りたかったが、今回はバスの時間と合わず美術館は断念。どちらもゆっくりしたければ、午前中から行くか、車で行くしかないようだった。

Nagano Areas

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Nagano prefecture is an exciting mix of mountains, hot spring monkeys, and preserved Edo history. At the heart of the Japanese Alps, Nagano is one of the country’s most popular destinations, whether in winter for its snow sports and the much-loved Jigokudani Monkey Park or in the warmer months for discovering the undulating hills on foot. For fantastic Edo architecture, head to the Kiso Valley for a 60-kilometer stretch of quaint wooden buildings that marked the Nakasendo route 200 years ago.

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