What to know
Kyu-Karuizawa (旧軽井沢, Kyū-Karuizawa) was once a post town on the Nakasendo Route, one of two major highways linking the imperial capital Kyoto with the shogun's capital Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Today, it serves as the main hub of the Karuizawa resort area.
The town boasts a pleasant atmosphere with stylish restaurants and cafes catering to visitors, along with forested residential neighborhoods filled with holiday villas. Kyu-Karuizawa also offers abundant shopping opportunities, especially at the Prince Shopping Plaza and the Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza. For leisure, guests can enjoy bowling, golf, and cycling around town.
Exploring Kyu-Karuizawa by bicycle is easy and enjoyable. Rental shops near Karuizawa Station and the Karuizawa Ginza offer bikes for around 1000 yen per day. For those who prefer walking, the stroll from Karuizawa Station to the Former Mikasa Hotel takes just under an hour one way, with plenty of attractions to stop at along the route.
Several bus lines run frequently between Karuizawa Station and the Karuizawa Ginza (5-10 minutes, 150-160 yen one way). These include Kusakaru Kotsu buses that continue to Shiraito Waterfall (25 minutes, 720 yen) toward Kusatsu Onsen, and Seibu buses that go on to Naka-Karuizawa.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- depend on each shop; typically 10:00 to 18:00
- Closed
- Varying closing days for shops
- Admission
- 1000 yen (~$6.4)
- English name
- Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort
- Original name
- Kyu-Karuizawa
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.