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The beautiful cool mountain region of Karuizawa is one of Japan’s most popular year-round tourist destinations. Visitor numbers peak in summer as travelers attempt to escape the summer humidity to the land famed for its natural splendor and temperate climate. Located close to the city of Nagano and sitting at an elevation of 1,000 meters above the sea, Karuizawa has a unique and antique feel, with laid back summer cabins scattered around the quaint township.
Getting Around Karuizawa
Karuizawa attracts scores of tourists drawn not only by its beauty but also by the accessibility of its location. Karuizawa is only an hour and ten minutes away from Tokyo via the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen. It is also super easy to catch a highway bus from Tokyo’s Ikebukuro Station if you’re looking for a cheaper option. The bus route makes five round trips per day and will cost you only around 2,600 yen.
Getting Around Karuizawa
Within Karuizawa itself, the main public transport hub is Karuizawa Station. From here, local buses are available on two separate networks, the Kusakaru Kotsu and the Seibu Kogen Bus. Both of these are routed to various tourist locations, such as the popular Kumobaike Pond and main shopping center. But the most useful buses are the Kusakaru Kotsu which leave hourly. The different destinations will cost travelers between 160 to 2,200 yen depending on the goal. The company also runs a shuttle bus service between Karuizawa Station and the Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza, the famous main shopping street of the town.
Getting Around Karuizawa
Obtaining a Karuizawa Free Pass will give visitors to Karuizawa unlimited access to the shuttle bus up until the Onioshidashi bus stop. It will also allow you access to unlimited rides on the Shinano Railways between Karuizawa Station and Komoro Station. A one-day pass will cost you 2,500 yen while a two-day pass will cost you 3,600 yen.
Getting Around Karuizawa
One of the less conventional ways to get around town is via rickshaw. Just keep a look out for the friendly rickshaw guys when walking through Kyu Karuizawa Ginza Dori. They offer 15 to 60 minute rides through the beautiful forest areas of Karuizawa, costing from 3,000 to 10,000 yen for two people. A pleasant rickshaw ride through Karuizawa is an unforgettable experience and a great way to see the town in a fun and unique way.
Getting Around Karuizawa
Many tourists also opt to explore the township by bicycle in order to see the natural beauty at their own pace and breathe in the fresh air of the stunning landscape. Rental shops can be found near Karuizawa Station, with fees operating on a hourly basis, or around 700 to 900 yen for a full day of cycling. The rental shops can also be found near Karuizawa Ginza, or alternatively, rental cars are also available.
- Kumoba Pond
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- Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Karuizawa
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- 0267425538
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- open everyday
View All- Kyukaru Ginza (Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street)
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- Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Karuizawa
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- 0267425538
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- Each Depends on establishmen…
View AllKaruizawa Cross
601-1 Karuizawa, Karuizawa, Nagano
Getting Around Karuizawa
2017.11.17
NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR