Karuizawa in Nagano: the old shopping street, the forest walks, Shiraito Falls and access by shinkansen from Tokyo.

Operational details such as opening hours, admission fees, and train times can change. Prefer official pages and reconfirm before you travel (sources checked on 30 October 2026).

Why visit

• Karuizawa is a highland town at about 1,000 metres, cooler than Tokyo in summer.
• Kyu-Karuizawa has a stone-paved old shopping street with bakeries and cafés.
• Shiraito Falls and the forest paths sit a short bus or car ride away.

Top places and highlights

Kyu-Karuizawa old street

A short stone-paved street of shops and cafés, best walked in the morning.

Shiraito Falls

A wide curtain of spring-fed falls, reached by a path from the car park.

Kumoba Pond and the forest paths

Quiet walking and cycling routes through larch and birch.

The shopping outlet

A large outlet mall by the station, which is why many people stop here.

Food and drink

• Bakeries and cafés on the old street are the main draw for food.
• Soba and Japanese restaurants sit around the station and the old street.

Getting there and around

• Shinkansen to Karuizawa from Tokyo in about an hour to 80 minutes.
• Local buses run to Shiraito Falls and the old street from the station.

Where to stay

• Hotels and ryokan sit around the station and the old street.
• Cottages and pensions in the forest need a car or taxi.

Best time to visit

• Summer is the busiest season, and the reason for the town’s name as a retreat.
• Autumn colour comes early at this height; winter is cold with some snow.

Practical tips

• Bring a jacket even in summer; evenings are cool.
• Check bus times to Shiraito Falls; services thin out in the afternoon.
• Treat fares and opening hours as things to reconfirm.

Suggested day-trip outline

1. Take the shinkansen in the morning and walk the old street.
2. Bus to Shiraito Falls in the afternoon.
3. Return to Tokyo in the evening, or stay for a cooler night.

Before you go

Timetables, fares, admission fees, and seasonal access rules can change. Check the official tourism and transport sites linked below for the latest information before you travel.

Explore More of Japan

Published guides that pair with this one:

• Kawaguchiko Travel Guide: The Fuji Lake in Yamanashi
• Matsumoto Castle Travel Guide: Japan’s Original Black Keep
• Takayama Travel Guide: Hida Old Town and Alps Access
• Gujo Hachiman Travel Guide: Waterways, a Summer Dance, and a 1933 Castle
• Nagoya Travel Guide: Castle, Miso Food and a Practical Base for Central Japan

Browse every Chubu guide on this site for the rest of the region.

Sources

• Karuizawa Tourism (official) (checked 2026-10-30)
• JNTO (checked 2026-10-30)