Karuizawa is famous as a summer resort and villa area.
But which prefecture is Karuizawa in? Where is it located?
Actually, there’s some basic information about Karuizawa that you might not know…
This article will introduce the basic information about Karuizawa!
After reading this, you’ll know the basics of Karuizawa, want to know more about it, and your trip to Karuizawa will be more enjoyable!
Which prefecture is Karuizawa in? Where is it located?
Simply put, Karuizawa is in Nagano Prefecture!
It’s located at the eastern edge of Nagano Prefecture, bordering Gunma Prefecture.
It’s a plateau town spread across the southeastern slope of Mount Asama (elevation 2,568m). (Elevation 900-1,000m)
Mount Asama, the town’s symbol, is one of Japan’s representative triple-layered stratovolcanoes.
It is still an active volcano (!) and is designated as a “volcano under constant observation” by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
To the east and south, a range of mountains over 1,000 m high, such as Mt. Hanamagari, Mt. Tomebu, Mt. Yagasaki, and Mt. Happu, stretch out, with Usui Pass, Iriyama Pass, and Wami Pass connecting these mountains.
To the west, a gentle slope continues, leading to the Sakudaira! Karuizawa and Sakudaira are just one Shinkansen station apart, or about 30 mins by car.
Tokyo to Karuizawa is also about 70 mins by Shinkansen! It’s closer than you might imagine!
Even on weekdays, many tourists get off the Shinkansen bound for Nagano from Tokyo Station at Karuizawa.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were tourists, so it enjoys enduring popularity!
What does Karuizawa look like on a map?
Let’s take a closer look at Karuizawa on a map.
Nagano Prefecture has an area of approximately 13,562 km², making it the fourth largest prefecture in Japan. Karuizawa is located in the northeastern part of Nagano Prefecture, accounting for about 1.15% of its total area.
It’s a small town with a population of about 20,000.
This small town receives approximately 8 to 8.5 million tourists annually! Amazing!
At one point, its tourist numbers were comparable to those of Hawaii and Okinawa.
Is Karuizawa a summer resort?
Karuizawa is often referred to as a summer resort!
How much of a summer resort is it, really?
What exactly is a summer resort?
A summer resort… a place or area suitable for avoiding the summer heat.
Karuizawa is a town at a high altitude of 900 to 1,000 m, so it’s cool in the summer!
In recent years, due to the effects of global warming, more households have installed air conditioners, but until recently, many households spent the summer without them. Furthermore, because it’s surrounded by mountains over 1000m high, it does snow quite a bit, though not as much as heavy snowfall areas like Niigata Prefecture.
Therefore, studded tires are essential from autumn to early spring.
Incidentally, other famous summer resorts include:
Lake Nojiri (Nagano Prefecture)
Kamikochi (Nagano Prefecture)
Shichigahama (Miyazaki Prefecture)
Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture)
These are some of the famous summer resorts.
Where is Shiraito Falls, a famous tourist spot in Karuizawa, located? How do you get there?
Where is Shiraito Falls, one of Karuizawa’s famous tourist spots, located?
Some might think it’s in Gunma Prefecture, but it’s just barely in Nagano Prefecture! It’s in Karuizawa Town!
It’s located along the “Shiraito Highland Way*1” connecting Karuizawa (Nagano Prefecture) and Kita-Karuizawa (Gunma Prefecture).
The waterfall is small, with a drop of just over 3m, but it’s a wide waterfall, measuring 70m in width.
Because it’s a subterranean waterfall originating from groundwater, the flow rate is almost constant and the water remains clear, unaffected by rain or sunshine. It’s said to have been named for its appearance, with clear water constantly flowing down like countless white threads.
When you actually see it, the water flow is beautiful, like a curtain!
If you go at the end of autumn when all the leaves have fallen, you might think, “Huh, it’s a bit plain?!” (lol), so it’s recommended to go on a sunny day in early summer with dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, or during the autumn foliage season.
*1 What is Shiraito Highland Way?
Shiraito Highland Way is a 10km-long toll road connecting Old Karuizawa to Mine-no-Chaya. It’s a very convenient road for going from Karuizawa to Kusatsu Onsen, and is also known as a shortcut from Kita-Karuizawa to the outlet mall. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles under 125cc are not permitted (quoted from Shiraito Highland Way website).
For the latest information on tolls, etc., please refer to the Shiraito Highland Way website.
What prefecture is the nearby tourist spot, Karuizawa Toy’s Kingdom, in?
Which prefecture is Karuizawa Toy’s Kingdom, a popular tourist spot near Karuizawa, located in?
Karuizawa Toy’s Kingdom is in Gunma Prefecture!
Karuizawa Toy’s Kingdom is a comprehensive theme park where you can see, touch, and experience toys.
With three play areas, it’s one of the largest in northern Kanto, offering treehouses, zip lines, and more, providing a full day of fun!
① Nature & Athletic Area
→ Approximately 120 athletic elements in “Exciting Adventure Forest,” and plenty of nature experiences like stream fishing.
② Attraction Area
→ Fun for children from 0 years old, including a Ferris wheel and a train attraction that you can operate yourself.
③ Toy Room Area
→ 12 themed indoor facilities, such as “Tomica & Plarail Land” and “Licca-chan House,” perfect for rainy days!
A hotel is also located nearby, making it ideal for overnight trips with young children!
While some parts of the facility have a historical feel, the grounds are incredibly spacious, including the parking lot and athletic facilities.
I think even adults can get a good workout spending a whole day there!
Please check the official website for operating hours, as the park is closed for winter from mid-November to mid-April every year.
Thank you for reading to the end!
That’s all for “What prefecture is Karuizawa in?”
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