A Relaxing Day Trip from Tokyo to Karuizawa, Nagano

Last Updated on March 2, 2026

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Train Trip to Karuizawa

On a day in October, my mother and I took a day trip to Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train. For those looking to escape everyday life and enjoy a blend of nature and elegance, in this article, I’ll show you how to fully enjoy a Shinkansen trip from Tokyo based on my own experience.

About Karuizawa

Nagano Prefecture may feel a bit far from Tokyo, but Japan’s bullet train makes it possible to get there in about one hour. The main photo shows Karuizawa’s old station building. Karuizawa’s story began in 1888 when Canadian missionary A.C. Shaw built a villa here. Surrounded by lush nature, it stays cool even in summer, making it a popular place for vacation homes. The town also has many shops selling bread, ham, and other goods favored by villa owners, and it gradually developed as a tourist destination.

Shinkansen Hakutaka

Now, the Shinkansen for Karuizawa has arrived, departing from Tokyo at 10:33 a.m. The “Hakutaka” is a train on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, which runs from Tokyo toward the Hokuriku and Niigata regions.

Hokuriku is a region located in the central part of Honshu (the main island of Japan) along the Sea of Japan, and Karuizawa is the fourth stop on this route from Tokyo.

Quick Tips: Hokuriku Shinkansen

Please note that not all trains stop at Karuizawa, so it’s a good idea to check the display before boarding. This Shinkansen is an E7 or W7 series, featuring a stylish, calm blue and bronze color scheme. Because many boys love Shinkansen trains, it is quite common for parents in Japan to become experts on these models too.

Finding the Best Train Snacks

One of the best parts of a train trip is having some snacks. I recommend arriving at the station a little earlier than your meeting time to pick some up. Inside Tokyo Station, you can find a large shopping complex called GRANSTA. It offers a wide variety of Japanese and Western sweets, fresh desserts, bakeries, restaurants, and cafés.

For this trip, my train snacks were fried manju, okaki (rice crackers), and hojicha tea. Many of you may know that “Manju” is a traditional steamed sweet made from flour and sweet red bean paste. “Fried Manju” is simply a deep-fried version, and it tastes a bit like a donut. I believe the flavor is very approachable and will be enjoyed by people from all over the world.

Hojicha is a type of Japanese green tea that is roasted, giving it a distinctive nutty and toasty aroma. Unlike regular green tea, hojicha has a brownish color and a mild, earthy flavor. It is also lower in caffeine, making it a perfect drink to relax with.

I really liked the manju’s filling—it was white bean paste with a hint of milk. The okaki (rice crackers) came in various flavors, and my mother and I enjoyed them while sharing our thoughts on the taste and taking in the scenery. I’ll include details about these shops in the information section below.

Quick Tips: Where to Buy

Tokyo Station is very crowded and busy. Therefore, make sure to stay alert so you don’t get lost when boarding the train. I recommend visiting the sweets shop area on the first basement level (B1F), located around the “Silver Bell” (Gin-no-Suzu) meeting spot near the Shinkansen gates.

Arriving in Karuizawa

The mountains of Gunma prefecture came into view, and before we knew it, we arrived in Karuizawa, Nagano, amazed at how quickly the journey had passed. Around the station, there are places you can reach on foot or by bus, but for this trip, we wanted to visit some spots farther away, so we rented a car first.

Lunch at Hotel Indigo

And then, as it was almost lunchtime, we headed to KAGARIBI, a restaurant at Hotel Indigo that we had reserved. The name “KAGARIBI” refers to a bonfire lit to illuminate the path at night. It’s a beautiful name that perfectly matches the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant. Hotel Indigo Karuizawa opened in 2022, and I had been wanting to visit. We couldn’t stay this time because our family was waiting for us at home, but we still got to enjoy the atmosphere.

Hotel Indigo is an IHG Hotels & Resorts brand that focuses on offering neighborhood-inspired experiences unique to each location. It was unfortunately a rainy day, but the interior was beautiful with high ceilings and large windows, and we were given a spacious, open seating area.

We chose the prix-fixe Italian lunch, and before long, our dishes were served.

Salad with local vegetables

We started with a salad made from locally grown vegetables. It featured some vegetables I don’t usually eat, topped with a vinaigrette made with Karuizawa honey and citrus. With plenty of vibrant vegetables, it was a healthy start to lunch.

Today’s soup

The soup of the day was pumpkin soup. I sometimes make pumpkin soup at home, and I could tell that this one was made with plenty of pumpkin too.

Lately, I’ve been too busy to feel like cooking, but I hope that if my body and mind feel energized, that will change. I’m thinking of reducing my workload a little.

Pasta

There were three pasta options to choose from, and I went with the Shinshu beef Bolognese penne. Shinshu Beef is a flavorful Kuroge Wagyu (Japanese Black) raised in the lush nature of Nagano Prefecture, and it is highly renowned throughout Japan. Shinshu is the traditional name for Nagano, and it is still very commonly used today.

The portion was quite large for us, so we probably should have asked in advance to have it reduced. Personally, I could have used another stomach!

Dessert

At the time of our visit, the cake wasn’t included in the course, but we could choose from the hotel’s homemade cakes.  I picked the pistachio opera. As always, I like to end with something sweet and coffee. The menu has recently been updated, and a small dessert is now included in the set from the start.

Bakery & Shop

The restaurant has a checkout at the exit, and there’s also a display case selling bread, cakes, and more. The focaccia included in the course was so good that I bought some to take home. Some people came from outside just to buy bread.

Important Tips: Snowy Roads

We took a look at the lobby as well. With its big fireplace, it seemed like a cozy place even in Nagano’s harsh winter. However, snowy roads can be very dangerous for those from low-snow areas like us, so I would recommend avoiding driving there when snow is likely. It’s best not to visit by car if there is a chance of snow.  For your safety, it is best to rely on a local taxi with an experienced driver or the hotel’s shuttle service during the snowy season.

 

Karuizawa Taliesin

We drove through the trees and arrived at Karuizawa Taliesin, a cultural theme park with small libraries and museums around a lake. Although it rained, the wet roads and soft mist made the scene feel magical. It was early October, and since it’s a cold region, I was hoping to see some autumn colors, but it seemed a little early.

I can only imagine how beautiful it must be in the bright green of early summer. Although it’s not a new place, I think many visitors from the city come here to enjoy the calm surroundings and lush greenery. In addition, since there’s a rose garden, we went to see it as well.

A walk in the rain

As we made our way to the rose garden, we noticed a small hut, likely for keeping the gardening equipment. The scenery was so unexpected, with mountains in the background shrouded in mist, that I found myself wondering if this was really Japan. It might have been a good thing that we came here on a rainy day.

Visiting on a quiet weekday made it feel as if we had stepped into a storybook. The cool, misty air was filled with the fresh, earthy scent of wet soil and greenery. It was a luxurious moment of peace, unique to Karuizawa, where I felt truly liberated from my busy life and the hustle and bustle of the city.

This is near the entrance to the rose garden. It’s small and hard to see, but there were two chairs placed under the tree. If it hadn’t been raining, it would have been a lovely spot to sit, enjoy the view, and rest under the tree.

Thinking that someone had placed them there for someone else made me feel warm inside.

The rose garden seemed past its peak, but a few roses still brought us joy. The fine raindrops clinging to the petals made them look even more beautiful.

Quick Tips: Best Time to See the Roses

While there are autumn roses, it seems that the peak season for this rose garden is in June with the spring roses. There appears to be a Rose Festival period in late June, which must be a wonderful time to visit.

Souvenir Shopping

Having soaked in the enchanting atmosphere, we made our way to Harunire Terrace to pick up some souvenirs. Harunire Terrace is a stylish mall operated by Hoshino Resorts. With hot spring accommodations nearby, it’s a popular spot to stop by.

As you know, it was a rainy day, but on a clear day, I’m sure you could fully relax and enjoy the lush greenery. However, it was uncrowded and very comfortable for shopping that day. I’ll share the souvenirs we picked up a little later.

Akaneya Coffee

With some time to spare after returning the rental car, we went to a nearby café, Akaneya Coffee. One unique feature of this café is that, in addition to carefully hand-dripped coffee, you can choose your own cup from a wide selection of coffee cups.

I chose a Herend cup, while my mother picked one by Okura Touen. Both were beautiful cup-and-saucer sets. With its slight acidity and fragrant aroma, the coffee tasted wonderful, and enjoying it in such beautiful cups made for a perfect moment.

This café originally started in Kobe, but later opened a location in Karuizawa. It now has several branches in Tokyo as well. Kobe is said to be famous for its coffee because it was introduced along with Western culture after the port opened. As a port city, Kobe welcomed many foreign visitors, which helped Western food culture take root early on.

Even with the rain, Karuizawa left me with such beautiful memories. I’m still a bit of a stranger to western Japan, so I hope to explore that area someday when I have a little more freedom.

Quick Tips: Smoking

In Tokyo, there are still many traditional cafés where you can choose your own cup or have the barista select one for you. However, since smoking is often allowed in these classic shops, those who are sensitive to smoke should keep that in mind.

On the other hand, some modern coffee chains, like the one I visited, now offer a similar choice of beautiful cups. Many of these locations provide completely non-smoking areas or separate smoking booths. This is a wonderful trend as it allows everyone to choose their preferred environment—whether you want to fully enjoy the rich aroma of the coffee or relax with a smoke.

I hope to visit again someday and will definitely share my experience with you then.

Local sweets

These are the sweets I bought at Harunire Terrace, called “Koro-koro Kurumi.” These baked sweets are from a shop named Izumiyadenbei. They are manju filled with white bean paste, nuts, and apples, with a hint of cinnamon. They go well with both green tea and coffee.

I first learned about this sweet when an old friend gave it to me as a souvenir. Since it’s usually only available in Karuizawa, I had decided to buy some when I visited.

This shop also offers sweets and dango made with local specialties like Hana-mame beans and fruits from Nagano, so I’d love to try them if I visit again.

Getting Around Karuizawa

If you don’t plan to rent a car, taking a taxi is your best option. While local buses do operate throughout Karuizawa, they are not frequent or extensive enough to conveniently cover all major sightseeing spots. To make the most of your time, I recommend relying on taxis for a smoother and more efficient journey.

If you choose to use taxis, booking a private “hired taxi” (charter service) can be even more convenient. Taxis are not always readily available in every area, so it can sometimes be difficult to catch one on the street. As a rough reference, a 2.5-hour private taxi charter for 2–4 passengers typically starts from around ¥15,000, while a 5-hour course generally ranges from ¥25,000 to ¥30,000. Prices may vary depending on the season and route, and are subject to change.

For assistance with bookings or transportation inquiries, you can contact the Karuizawa Station Tourist Information Center, officially managed by Nagano Prefecture. I’ve included their details in the information section below.

Without a Car

Even if you don’t have a car, you can still fully enjoy the area around Karuizawa Station.

Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street

Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street is lined with traditional shops offering local specialties such as Nagano wines, cheeses, hams, and freshly baked bread. You’ll also find beautiful, long-established stores featuring intricate wood-carved furniture — a craft deeply rooted in the area’s history.

It takes about 25 minutes to walk there from the station. The route is simple and easy to follow. You might consider taking a taxi on the way there and then enjoying a leisurely walk back. This way, you can save your energy for sightseeing first and take your time exploring the charming streets and shops as you return to the station on foot.

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is just a short walk from Karuizawa Station. The mall offers a wide range of shops, from local Karuizawa specialties to internationally renowned brands. Surrounded by greenery, it’s a pleasant space where you can enjoy both shopping and dining in a relaxed, nature-filled setting.

Harunire terrace

For those looking to experience a blend of tradition and modern style, Harunire Terrace, mentioned earlier, is highly recommended. Nestled among trees along the river, this charming area lets you immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a peaceful and unhurried atmosphere.

If you plan to visit Harunire Terrace without a car, there is an English bus timetable available, making it easier for international visitors to navigate the local bus system with confidence. I’ve included the details in the information section below.

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I thought the basket packaging was so cute that I decided to display it by my entrance.
Check out the related posts below!

Transitioning decor from fall to winter

 

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Information

Information, prices and exchange rates are current as of my visit but may change. Please check official sites.

Snacks

Mikadoya
Fried manju milk flavor Set of 3
– ¥440 (approx. $2.8 / €2.4)
Okaki
– ¥150 (approx. $1.0 / €0.8)
– Google Maps
– Gin no suzu area map (No.6)
– GRANSTA English website

Hotel Indigo Karuizawa by IHG

KAGARIBI
Italian lunch course
– ¥3,800 (approx. $24.1 / €20.6)
Optional cake
– ¥500 (approx. $3.2 / €2.7)
Take out Focaccia
– ¥350 (approx. $2.2 / €1.9)
Access
– About 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Karuizawa Station

Accommodation
The rooms are designed with wood finishes and luxurious fabrics, offering a serene stay that complements the beauty of the surrounding nature. Check current prices and availability on Booking.com or Expedia.

Karuizawa Taliesin

– Closed during winter
Admission Fee
– ¥900 (approx. $5.7 / €4.9)Access
– About 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Karuizawa Station
– Google Maps

Harunire Terrace

– Official English website
– Google Maps
Access
– Access page (with English bus timetable)
– About 3.2 mi (5.2 km) from Karuizawa Station
(About 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from Naka-karuizawa Station)

Korokoro Kurumi

Set of 5 in a basket
– ¥1,242 (approx. $7.9 / €6.8)
– Izumi-ya Denbei

Akaneya Coffee Ekimae

Coffee in a cup of your choice
– ¥1,000 (approx. $6.3 / €5.4)
Access
– About 390 ft (120 m) from Karuizawa Station
– Google Maps

Shinkansen Bullet Train

Klook
– Check current prices and availability.
– The reservation process is simple

JR-EAST
– Official English website
– JR is divided into six regional companies
– The Shinkansen is run by the JR companies
– Reservations are also available
– Recommended for experienced travelers
– Other travel information is also available

Tourist Information Center

– In Karuizawa Station
Office Hours： 9:00〜17:30
TEL：0267-42-2491
*Opening hours will be extended during GW and summer vacation periods.
– Official English website

Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street

– About 1 mi (1.6 km) from Karuizawa Station
– Google Maps

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

– About 980 ft (300 m) from Karuizawa Station
– Official English website

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