A resort town nestled in between the mountains, Karuizawa is the perfect one-day getaway to escape the hustle and bustle that Tokyo is known for. With Autumn fast approaching, we can’t recommend readers much more than to visit Karuizawa. The air is crisp, nature is bountiful, and the relax and chill atmosphere is a definite welcome to a one-day getaway.

Our team got to spend a whole day at Karuizawa, a excursion to visit and write (get away from work..) about what’s the best way to spend your time at Karuizawa. Below is a few places that we enjoyed, and we hope for you to enjoy also with us through our tour!

Naka Karuizawa

Naka-Karuizawa is a town center that offers a elegant atmosphere integrated into the woods, offering chic restaurants, shops and a hot spring bath. The center of attention of Naka-Karuizawa is Harunire Terrace, a trendy, upmarket shopping and dining area built on a wooden terrance surrounded by the forest. It’s absolutely stunning. Array of restaurants and boutiques lined up the surroundings of Harunire Terrace, giving a very modern yet nature-y vibe to the place.

 

Shiraito Falls

Shiraito no Taki literally means “the waterfall of white threads”, which aptly describes its appearance, as multiple streaks of water drape over the surface forming what seems like a white curtain. The site is most beautiful in summer when the vegetation is lush; it is a somewhat popular destination for autumn around late October each year. Immediately below the Shiraito Waterfall is a secondary waterfall that is shaped such that water cascades over several steps. Definitely a must-go if you’re at Karuizawa!

There you have it! While Karuizawa is certainly small, the experience that it offers impressed us in a big way and I’m sure it will impress you as well! The chic and relaxing atmosphere, coupled with stunning natural vistas is hard to beat.