Nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa is an affluent mountain resort for Japanese royal and wealthy families as well as A-list celebrities worldwide including John Lennon. The best part is that the town does not cater to luxury travelers alone, other average tourists can visit too. Located just an hour from Tokyo, there is plenty of things to do in Karuizawa.
Stone Church
Renowned for being one the most visited attractions and a popular wedding venue, the Stone Church features breathtaking architecture. The interior, with its round stone arches, is beautiful and captivating. Built by American architect Kendric Kellogg, the church boasts some interesting features including small stream of water and green plants cascading the walls. Access to the site is free, making it a perfect spot for every traveler. However, if there’s a wedding ceremony ongoing, you just have to wait.
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Harunire Terrace
If you’re looking for a place to fuel up in terms of food, do some shopping or enjoy a finely brewed cup of coffee, then the Harunire Terrace is the place for you. Harunire Terrace is a stylish shopping and dining area set on a wooden terrace. Even if you don’t feel like shopping or eating due to the high price tag, the architectural design is a beauty to behold. Additionally, activities here include hiking through the woods.
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Forest of Muse
The Forest of Muse is home to top museums including Erz Toy Museum and Picture Book Art Museum. The museums are within proximity of each other. The Picture Book Art Museum, which was originally built as a European style villa but now a museum, is home to a large collection of picture books. Permanent exhibits include an extensive collection of sketches and art from Beatrix Potter’s books. Explore lots of amazing Western and Japanese picture books. Worried about the language barrier? All exhibits in the museum are available in Japanese and English languages.
The Erz Toy Museum, on the other hand, features lots of handmade German toys. Kids and even adults will definitely love it here. Don’t leave the museum without checking out the café nearby from some great tasting cakes.
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Taliesin
Taliesin is home to many shops, restaurants, and museums. No matter your taste or lifestyle, Taliesin has something for you. Lovers of great architecture will love the Meji era house and the villa set on the lake. Nature lovers can wander around the English rose garden. With its location close to Lake Shiozawa, you can choose to go boating. In addition to these, you’ll find three museums namely, Musee Peynet, Literary Museum of Karuizawa and Kouko Fukazawa Nonohana Flower Museum. The park is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm.
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Prince Shopping Plaza
Shopaholics will fall in love with this shopping plaza. Here you will find lots of high-end shops like Gucci, Nike and Marc Jacobs. Located a few distance away from Karuizawa station, Prince Shopping Plaza is indeed a shopper’s delight. Even if you don’t want to shop, take a stroll around to marvel and marvel at its breathtaking architecture.
There are many more things to see and do in Karuizawa. The town is beautiful and uniquely different from other popular tourist destinations in Japan. With proximity to Tokyo, a trip to Karuizawa is hard to miss.