Discover Karuizawa: Your Perfect Summer Getaway Near Tokyo
Discover One of Japan's Best Summer Destinations, Just a Short Trip from Tokyo
Summer in Tokyo can feel like being trapped in a giant steamer, with high temperatures almost daily. Walking around the city becomes challenging. Thus, finding a cool place to relax is a common wish for travelers and locals.
Today, I’ll introduce you to Karuizawa, located in Nagano Prefecture, which is only 1 hour away by train from Tokyo. It is one of the most beloved summer vacation destinations for locals.
Karuizawa is famous for its beautiful natural environment and rich historical background. Besides, it has numerous shopping streets with delicious restaurants and adorable shops.
In this article, I will provide a special cycling route for exploring Karuizawa and highlight attractions worth visiting during summer.
1. Why do people like Karuizawa?
Karuizawa (軽井沢) is located in Nagano Prefecture, just about 1.5 hours by train from Tokyo. Thus, planning a short trip there is convenient for those staying in Tokyo.
The breathtaking natural environment in Karuizawa includes mountains, lakes, and falls. The relatively high sea level and tree shadow make outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling much easier in Summer.
Karuizawa’s deep historical and cultural heritage infuses the town with a distinctive humanistic ambiance. Historic architecture, galleries, and museums can be seen everywhere, but it would be time-consuming to visit each one.
Thus, if you only briefly stay in Karuizawa, I recommend renting a bicycle to start your journey. Of course, you can also book a tour of Tokyo using the link below!
<<Karuizawa & Kawagoe One Day Tour from Tokyo>>
2. Cycling around Karuizawa
Riding a bicycle sightseeing around Karuizawa is a popular way to explore the town. There are many bicycle rental stores near the Karuizawa Station. The price and the return time differ from store to store, so you may consider renting one based on your own budget and schedule.
Here, I recommend a particular cycling route in Karuizawa that includes natural attractions and historical shopping streets. I hope it inspires you for your trip.
Stop 1: Harunire Terrace Area
Stone Church (20 minutes from Karuizawa Station)
© STONE CHURCH
After renting your bike near Karuizawa Strain, you will head to the Harunire Terrace area. The first place you will stop to visit is the Stone Church, designed by American architect Kendrick Kellogg and highly recognizable for its appearance. The design philosophy, “organic and natural,” is reflected in the church’s stone construction, where you can hear the sound of flowing water and view the outside scenery through the windows.
It feels like you’re in a natural cave, yet it’s not enclosed; sunlight streams into the church, creating a serene and healing atmosphere. Adjacent to the church is the Nakaura Kanzo Memorial Hall, which exhibits the life and philosophy of Kanzo Nakaura, Japan’s first non-churchist. His belief was that people should integrate with nature and not be confined by formality or religion.
Karuizawa Kogen Church (1 minute from Stone Church )
Karuizawa Kogen Church is extremely close to the Stone Church. In 1921, a group of people gathered here to discuss artistic ideas, disregarding their identities and religions, simply aiming to communicate with sincerity. This began Hoshino Gakudo and the precursor to the Kogen Church.
Surrounded by dense forest, the church’s triangular roof creates a warm and romantic atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy tale. Both Kogen Church and the Stone Church are popular wedding venues in Japan. If you happen to visit during a wedding, you must wait until the ceremony is over to tour the church.
Every summer, the Kogen Church hosts a special summer event called Summer Candle Night (2024 is from August 1st to August 31st, by reservation only). Candles in glass lanterns decorate the surrounding woods, enveloping visitors in the warm glow of candlelight and the tranquil night sky. It’s a fantastic chance to experience the romantic summer nights of Karuizawa.
