Hometown Homepage - Karuizawa Places to Visit

The Old Mikasa Hotel

The Old Mikasa Hotel - a gathering place for aristocrats

Built in western style by a Japanese carpenter, the former Mikasa Hotel is one of Japan's designated important cultural assets. The hotel opened in 1907 and was frequented by intellectuals and aristocrats of the time, but in 1970 the accommodational operations ended. Today, a portion of the historic building is open to the public. The geometrically designed window frames and the elaborate patterns carved into the curtain boxes are some of the extravagant ornamentation that characterizes the hotel.

From Karuizawa station take the Kusakaru Bus towards Kita Karuizawa. Get off at Mikasa Kaikan Mae (7 min. ride)

Entrance Fee 300 yen for adults, 150 yen for children through high school age / 0267-42-7072

Karuizawa's symbol - Karuizawa St. Paul's Catholic Church

This church was established in 1935 by a British priest, based on a design planned by an American A. Raymond, the master of modern architecture. Karuizawa St. Paul's Catholic Church is famous for its appearance in Hori Tatsuo's literary work Ki no Jujika.

From Karuizawa station take Kusakaru Bus or Seibu Kogen Bus for Kyu Karuizawa.

Get off at Kyu Karuizawa (4 min. ride) and walk 5 min. / 0267-42-2429

A. C. Shaw Memorial Chapel

A. C. Shaw Memorial Chapel - amidst the deep woods

The church where A. C. Shaw, the father of Karuizawa, held his sermons. It is also Karuizawa's oldest wooden church. Behind the chapel is the Shaw House, the first vacation home in Karuizawa.

From Karuizawa station take Kusakaru Bus or Seibu Kogen Bus for Kyu Karuizawa.

Get off at Kyu Karuizawa (4 min. ride) and walk 20 min. /0267-42-4740

Kumobanoike Pond - reflects beauty of all seasons

Nicknamed Swan Lake by Westerners, the pond with its mirror-like surface reflects the changing colors of the surrounding trees.

From Karuizawa station take Seibu Kogen Bus for Naka Karuizawa via Kyu Karuizawa.

Get off at Roppontsuji (6 min. ride) and walk 3 min.

shiraito Falls

Shiraito Falls - Fresh spring of water

The name Shiraito meaning "white strings" best describes this water fall. The fall drops 3 meters and is 70 meters wide, and the area is covered with alpine vegetables.

From Naka Karuizawa station take Kusakaru Kotsu Bus for Onioshidashi.

Get off at Shiraito Falls (20 min. ride) and walk 5 min.

[ Karuizawa || Look Back a Bit | Transportation | Main Street | Places to Visit | Museums and Parks | Outdoor Activities | Local Food | Arts, Crafts and Specialities | Festivals and Events | A Local Celebrity | Accommodations ]
[ Hometown Homepage ]