I asked a few Japanese friends what came to mind when they thought of Karuizawa. Everyone had the same reaction:
“Summer resort!”
I only found out about Karuizawa recently, actually. After the summer holidays, a colleague told me about his great trip there with his ‘well-off’ friends! Curious to see this resort for myself, I made it the destination for the second day of my two-day trip. After a day exploring the town of Matsumoto, I jumped on the train and made my way around the mountain range to Karuizawa.
The town lies about an hour’s train ride from Tokyo (via bullet train). It’s roughly divided into five different areas, with plenty to do in each – camping, swimming, fishing, birdwatching, playing golf or tennis, horseback riding, hiking and lots more. It’s all about being able to relax and enjoy being surrounded by nature! And at 1,000m above sea level, this cool mountain town makes for the perfect getaway during hot July and August.
For those less ‘outdoors’ inclined, Karuizawa is also home to lots of boutique stores, gourmet restaurants and one of the biggest brand outlet shopping malls in Japan, the Prince Shopping Plaza. This massive, and very beautiful I might add, mall sits on a 26-hectare lot complete with a lake and gardens. With about 240 shops, I was hoping to snag a bargain, but alas even outlet items are still far beyond my reach. It was nice to dream though!
Karuizawa is not just any old summer resort. It is also known as a playground for the rich and famous. Since the late 1800s, the town has been frequented by the Imperial family, prime ministers, sportspeople, actors, musicians, writers and poets. Many wealthy Tokyoites have second houses here (like my colleague’s friend). Over half of the homes in the area are used only as holiday houses! In the summer, so many people migrate here that the population of the town increases tenfold!
Despite the allure of shopping malls and mansions, it was a walk through the woods that really captivated me. The air was so pure, so cool, so fresh! I just wanted to stand there and breathe it all in. From the bus stop, the walk up to Shiraito Falls is a short 5 minute one. But once you get there, it’s hard to leave! The waterfall naturally comes out from the rocks, although I did read that the rocks have been altered in some way to help the whole ‘curtain’ look. Still, it is impressive.
I can definitely understand why thousands of people flock here in the summer. Luxury meets tranquility. It’s a beautiful place and has made me see Japan in a new light. I had no idea such a resort existed! So Japan is not all about ‘work work work’, but they do enjoy a dash of ‘play’!
Wonderful photos of waterfalls! It is like looking into a dreamland. It is amazing that the place is located only one hour away from the hustle, bustle of Tokyo. It would be nice to go to such a pristine and peaceful forest every weekend to revitalise the soul.
LikeLike
Beautifully said! I’m sure there are people who go once a month at least! In winter, the place turns into a ski resort, too. Fun all year round!
LikeLike
来週の週末に また 軽井沢に いくなんて、うらやましいです。
紅葉を見るのが たのしみですね。
軽井沢の近くに スキー場が たくさん あるのですか。
LikeLike
はい、富山の帰りに行く予定です!とても楽しみですよ。スキー場は小さいですが東京の近くと軽井沢駅のすぐ隣にありますので人気あるようですね。
LikeLike
Beautiful pictures. I would love to go there.
LikeLike
I hope you get the chance to go! I’m planing to go back there next weekend actually, for the autumn leaves festival.
LikeLiked by 1 person
what a nice mix in Karuizawa – great shots and whew, lovely place :)
LikeLike
So lovely, isn’t it! I can’t believe it look me so long to find out about it!
LikeLike
I’m going there on my next visit to Japan for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
holy moly. Had no idea that there were so many pretty falls around the areaa!! :D
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a pocket of magical beauty! Lots to explore and discover!! :)
LikeLike