Karuizawa
Outline
Karuizawa is one of the oldest and most popular summer resorts in Japan. It has thrived and been recognized as a beautiful summer resort since a Canadian missionary of the Anglican Church, Alexander Croft Shaw (1846-1902), built his summer retreat here in the late 19th century after he was attracted by the natural beauty of the surrounding area. It was at a tennis court in Karuizawa where the then Crown Prince Akihito, the present Emperor, met Miss Shoda Michiko, the future Empress.
Sightseeing spots
Let's take a walk to Kyu Karuizawa (Old Karuizawa). The center of the area is Kyu-karu Ginza, which developed as a shopping district catering to the needs of residents who stayed at their villas there. You can find many kinds of shops ranging from venerable old stores to trendy shops including a French Bakery once patronized by John Lennon, another bakery, Boulangerie Asanoya, Mikado Coffee (cafe), and Akaneya Coffee (cafe). It is said that John Lennon stayed at Mampei Hotel and every day he ordered Royal Milk Tea sitting right at the back of its classical cafe. Shaw Memorial Chapel is located nearby in a wooded area, and it is the oldest church in Karuizawa. Old Mikasa Hotel, which opened in 1906, is a Western style wooden structure. Once the hotel was a gathering place for members of the Imperial family, and also for movers and shakers of the political and economic world. After the Mikasa Hotel was closed in 1970, the building was designated an Important Cultural Asset. It is highly recommended that you rent a bicycle, and enjoy cycling along the larch tree lined road to see the Old Mikasa Hotel.
You can see Shiraito and Ryugaeshi waterfalls while walking on the Shinano Shizen Hodo hiking course from Old Mikasa Hotel to Mine no Chaya restaurant. The sight of Shiraito fall, with its melted snow water from Mt. Asama gushing out from the surface of rocks, is particularly cool and refreshing. The walking course ascends when starting out from Old Mikasa Hotel. Those who want to enjoy a more casual stroll should start walking from the opposite Mine no Chaya side.
Another charm of Karuizawa is the opportunity to commune with nature, as it is located on a beautiful highland plateau. "Karuizawa Yacho no Mori," a wild bird sanctuary, is home to a wide variety of wild fauna and flora. Visitors enjoy walking on the 2.4-km trekking path. If you participate in a guided tour called Nature Walking, you can experience and deepen your knowledge of nature in Karuizawa. Kita Karuizawa (Northern Karuizawa) on the foot of Mount Asama is an ideal hiking place, with interesting sights along the way, especially Oni Oshidashi (Demon Extrusion), which has been selected as one of the three most mysterious spots in the world. The natural art of the peculiar rocks was created by the lava flow caused by the eruption of Mount Asama in 1783. The bizarrely shaped rocks make you feel that you have wandered into some mysterious other world.
On the south side of Karuizawa Station, you can enjoy golf, tennis and skiing in winter. Karuizawa 72 Golf is a country club which has a variety of courses including the official course used for women's professional golf championship tourneys, as well as casual family courses. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area is located in front of Karuizawa Prince Hotel. You can enjoy skiing here if you take a train for just one hour from Tokyo. It also has a snow field for children's play, so young children and those who came to ski for the first time can have fun, too.
Shopping
Let's wrap up the Karuizawa trip by enjoying some shopping. New East Garden Mall opened in November 2008 at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza at the south exit of Karuizawa Station, and houses many of the world's top designer brand shops, including three shops which opened for the first time in Japan. There is also the "New West," "West," "East" and "New East" cluster of shopping malls and 60 percent of a total of about 210 shops are outlet shops. Exploring and shopping at this large-scale mall is sure to be enjoyable.
Food
Various kinds of berry jam and sausages are recommended as souvenirs from Karuizawa. Many shops compete with each other, each offering their own original flavors. There are also many famous dairies and bakeries, as well as fashion item shops, which you can easily stop by when rambling in the city
Access
From JR Nagano Station to JR Karuizawa Station: 30 minutes by JR Nagano Shinkansen bullet train.
Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa has long been a popular traditional hot spring resort. The famous nozawana, often pickled, originated in this town. You can see local people cooking vegetables or eggs in the sources of hot springs, using geothermal power. The thirteen outside bathhouses in the town welcome tourists free of charge. After staying at a Japanese style hotel, taking a morning bath, you can visit morning markets and buy fresh vegetables there.
The Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Festival takes place from January 13 to 15 every year. Dosojin is a god that protects people from disasters and is worshipped by people who wish for the growth and blessing of their child grow and blessing with children. The statue of the god can often be found standing on village borders or crossings.
When the spring comes, the lemon-yellow rape blossoms bloom in every part of Nozawa Onsen town. In summer and autumn, you can enjoy trekking and hiking in the vast wilderness here, while in winter you can experience various snow-related activities including skiing.
Access
From JR Nagano Station to JR Togari-Nozawa-Onsen Station: 1 hour by JR Iiyama Line.
From JR Karuizawa Station to JR Togari-Nozawa-Onsen Station: 1 hour 30 minutes by JR Nagano Shinkansen bullet train and JR Iiyama Line (transfer at JR Nagano Station).
Karuizawa Town
http://www.town.karuizawa.nagano.jp/html/English/
Nagano Prefecture Tourism Association
http://www.go-nagano.net/
