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KARUIZAWA
A cosmopolitan ambiance in a charming popular mountain resort
In cool, green mountains Karuizawa is a cool getaway from the summer's heat; relax and enjoy the interna-tional ambiance conveniently close to Tokyo.
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| History of Karuizawa |
 Karuizawa is a popular mountain resort town located at the foot of Mt. Asama (2568 m.) in the eastern region of Nagano Prefecture. At a lofty 1000 meters in altitude, it's a cool getaway from Japan's often sweltering summer heat and is much prized as a second home location by wealthy urbanites. Karuizawa developed over the centuries as an 'umaya' (station) on the strategic and busy Tousando Road and further prospered as a 'shukuba' (a post town) during the Edo Period. In 1886, Alexander Croft Shaw, a Canadian missionary, discovered the cool benefits of Karuizawa as a convenient summer place and introduced it to other westerners ; since then it has developed with an international atmosphere attracting attention at home and abroad as a cultural Mecca with an exciting aura of charm and sophistication.
Recently, visitors have been flocking to Karuizawa for sightseeing, plentiful shopping opportunities as well as summer recreational activities such as hiking, cycling, tennis, and golf and in winter for skiing and skating. Karuizawa continues to grow steadily having benefited from international exposure as the site of the curling event at the Nagano Winter Olympic Games of 1998, as well as the building of the Joshinetsu expressway and the Nagano 'Shinkansen' bullet train. Karuizawa is an idyllic town where Japanese and foreign nationals can enjoy meeting and interacting in an harmonious setting.
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How to enjoy hiking in Karuizawa
Set in a rich natural setting with a cool summer atmosphere, Karuizawa offers outdoor attractions including hiking, camping, tennis and golf. Hiking is a great way to enjoy nature and sightseeing.
  
Two popular walking courses are shown on the right. Extend your tour to include 'Shiraito-no-taki', a National Important Cultural Asset 'Old Mikasa Hotel' and 'Shaw Memorial Chapel'. Famous 'Shiraito-no-taki' (White Threads Waterfall) is a magnifi-cent sight, the underground water cascades and splits over the rock face resulting in a white thread-like wispy appearance.
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| Course A(1.5 hrs.) |
| Karuizawa Station |
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| Roppontsuji |
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Kumoba Pond
also known as Swan Lake, stop and admire the landscape and sky perfectly mirrored on clear, calm waters |
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| Golf bridge at Old Karuizawa Golf Club |
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Shaw Memorial Chapel
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| Suisha no michi |
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| Kanko kaikan |
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| Karuizawa station |
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| Course B(4 hrs.) |
| Karuizawa Station |
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| Kyu Karuizawa parking |
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Nitebashi
during the Edo Period this bridge was the sending off point for friends and visitors |
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| Tsuribashi(suspension bridge) |
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| Hodoukyo |
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Usuitoge Miharashidai
a superb look-out to view an impressive range of mountains as well as still active Mt. Asama volcano
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| Other Recommended Spots |
Karuizawa Onsen
Kazuizawa has several 'onsen' sites such as 'Sengataki Onsen', 'Shiotsubo Onsen' and 'Tonbo no yu', 'Yuusuge Onsen' and 'Kose Onsen'. After exercise and sporting activities, visitors can stop by a health spa to refresh themselves in excellent therapeutic waters. Each spa offers a different special atmosphere; sooth your body in natural hot springs located amid nature at its best.
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Karuizawa Shopping Street
Visitors to Karuizawa will discover Kyukaruizawa Ginza street (the local version of Tokyo's famed namesake,) and 'Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza' adjacent to the rail station, offering excellent shopping including bakeries, cafes, souvenir shops and retail outlets.
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Access to Karuizawa
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Pension Accommodation style
Derived and adapted from the European 'Pension' the Japanese version is a westernized B & B style inn usually run by a family thus offering a cozy feeling. 'Pension' accommodations are usually located far from metropolitan centers as most operate in tourist sites such as highland, mountain and ski resort places. A few can be found by the sea or islands. Often an area called 'Pension-mura' (Pension village) is located in a mountain and ski resort with most resembling their European counterparts in exterior and interior style.
 However, in keeping with Japanese scale, the accommo-dations are relatively smaller than regular hotels and 'Ryokan' (Japanese-style inn) instead offering more interpersonal communion and friendly interaction with homey and cozy hospital-ity. A tourist benefits in choosing a 'pension' in several ways, generally lower fees and warm homey atmosphere. Much as international standard B&Bs, dishes are deliciously home cooked and prepared with fresh local specialties. Stay at a 'Pension' in Karuizawa, it's sure to be a wise choice.
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| Artisan Carvings and Local Preserves |
Karuizawa Carving
Local carvings come in a variety of items, from small pieces such as hand-held mirrors, teacups and plates to large items such as bureaus. |
Jam
A unique variety of fresh fruit jams, some not found anywhere else are made here and are a popular take-home item.
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