5 Must-Visit Spots in Karuizawa This Fall and Winter — Walk Around an 850-Year-Old “Shinano Tree” for Love Luck
▲ 5 Must-Visit Spots in Karuizawa this Fall and Winter: The 850-Year-Old “Shinano Tree” at Kumano Hongu Shrine Has a Little Heart You Can Walk Around for Love Luck.
Reported and photographed by Yan Yuncen / Karuizawa Town, Japan
Located in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture at an altitude of 1,000 meters, Karuizawa is a famous summer retreat in Japan. As autumn arrives and temperatures cool down, the colors of the mountains begin to become vibrant. When visiting here in the fall and winter, you must check out five top spots. In addition to enjoying the thrill of speed at Prince Ski Resort, which opens earliest, you can also visit the Hiroshi Senju Museum of Art to experience the moving fusion of paintings and nature. If you have time, consider hiking up from Old Ginza to Mikazukiyama Viewpoint, where the snow-covered Mount Asama lies right before your eyes.
Shiraito Falls
▲ Water seeps through the rock wall at Shiraito Falls.
Arriving at Shiraito Falls in northern Karuizawa, you might not immediately spot the source of the water. After asking around, you’ll learn that the falls are formed by groundwater stored in Mount Asama seeping through the rock wall. Hundreds of thin streams cascade down a 70-meter-wide, 3-meter-high cliff, resembling white silk threads hanging from the mountain, hence the name.
▲ The flow grows stronger as you move downstream.
Due to its high latitude, winter arrives earlier in Karuizawa than in other regions. By the end of November, the area is filled with bare trees, and there’s some snow along the roadsides. Visiting during late autumn and early winter offers a chance to capture breathtaking shots of nature in serene solitude if the weather is clear. There are also hiking trails near Shiraito Falls — those who are physically up for it might enjoy a good trek.
Mikazukiyama Viewpoint & Kumano Hongu Shrine
▲ Mikazukiyama Viewpoint is located where Karuizawa transitions into the mountains, while Kumano Hongu Shrine is situated in the direction of the mountains.
For a long time, residents of Gunma and Nagano Prefectures have shared a saying:“When Mount Asama gets snowed on three times, Karuizawa will be covered in snow.”At 2,568 meters above sea level, Mount Asama is a composite andesitic active volcano. In autumn, its peak gradually turns white, and the best spot to view this majestic mountain is undoubtedly Mikazukiyama Viewpoint.
▲ The viewpoint offers a sweeping panorama. On the left side is Gunma, and on the right is Nagano.
Mikazukiyama Viewpoint is located at the border between Nagano and Gunma Prefectures. A wooden sign marks the boundary. Heading toward Gunma, you can enjoy views of the Gunma mountain range, including the famous Mount Myogi. Walking toward Nagano, the massive Mount Asama appears at the 2 o’clock position, and on clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the 12 o’clock direction.
▲ A mother and son dressed in kimono prepare to attend a festival at Kumano Hongu Shrine.
Also located at the prefectural border is Kumano Hongu Shrine. The stone steps at the entrance clearly mark the boundary between the two prefectures, and interestingly, the shrine itself is managed separately as well.When visiting the Nagano-side of the shrine, be sure to pay respects to the 850-year-old Shinano Tree, which has a naturally formed heart-shaped hole in its trunk, earning it the nickname “Love Tree.” Walking around it counterclockwise not only brings blessings and luck but may also help you find love.
▲ The same shrine has different priests due to its cross-prefectural location, and offerings are collected separately as well.
▲ A votive plaque (ema) dedicated to the Shinano Tree on the Nagano side of Kumano Hongu Shrine.
▲ The Shinano Tree in summer, lush and green, with its little heart clearly visible. (Photo provided by Kumano Hongu Shrine)
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street
▲ Filming location for Show Lo’s “Barely Happy.”
Walking down from Shiraito Falls and Mikazukiyama Viewpoint, you’ll arrive at Old Ginza Street. The area is lined with unique shops, including a retro photo studio whose clothes and vintage items are sure to delight girls. The MV for Show Lo’s song “Barely Happy” was also filmed here.
▲ Natural strawberry jam is a bestseller at SAWAYA.
In Old Karuizawa, almost everyone on the street is carrying a purple jar of SAWAYA jam. This additive-free, all-natural jam is a favorite souvenir among tourists. The seasonal apple cream, made with Red Delicious apples, offers a sweet and tangy flavor loved by many.
Karuizawa Hiroshi Senju Museum of Art
▲ The Hiroshi Senju Museum of Art is built into the mountainside.
Normally, artworks in galleries are displayed in dimly lit areas to prevent fading from light exposure. However, the Hakone Open-Air Museum takes the opposite approach by showcasing paintings under natural light. The museum’s curator explained that the pigments used in these artworks are extracted from over ten types of rocks, making them resistant to light-induced deterioration. Nevertheless, the glass is coated with UV-resistant material to minimize potential damage from ultraviolet rays.
▲ Enjoying the artwork under natural light, paired with scenic views through the glass windows, feels as if the paintings are scattered throughout the park.
The most distinctive feature of the Hakone Open-Air Museum, aside from its mountainous terrain that makes walking inside feel like strolling through a park, is the opportunity to watch a 10-minute animation. Accompanied by soothing cello music, the screen presents overlapping artworks depicting the four seasons of Hakone. No matter when you visit, you can experience the masterful brushwork capturing the beauty of all seasons in one go.
▲ A full walking record of the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Log House Café
▲ The premium wagyu set at Log House Café.
Beef lovers must not miss this restaurant. Just a 5-minute walk from Karuizawa Station, Log House Café is also where Show Lo dined after filming an MV. For groups of 4–5 friends, you can opt for the hot pot and grilled meat combo, satisfying both cravings in one meal. The premium wagyu slices are covered with delicate marbling. It’s recommended to grill them to about 70% doneness—once served, you’ll savor the exquisite taste as the meat melts on your tongue.
▲ Log House Café’s premium wagyu shabu-shabu.
Shiraito Falls
Address: ?井l㈩?げ旨br />
Transportation:
1. Train: Take the JR Hokuriku (Nagano) Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station, then a bus for 25 minutes followed by an 8-minute walk
2. Car: Approximately 22 km / 50 minutes from the Usui-Karuizawa IC
Kumano Hongu Shrine
Address: ?井l④囝?番
Transportation: Take the “Red Bus” from Karuizawa Station. For the schedule, please refer tothe official website
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Address: Nagano [incomplete] Kitasaku District ?井l㈩?げ指15
Official Website:http://www.senju-museum.jp/
Log House Café
Address: Nagano [incomplete] Kitasaku District ?井l㈩?げ殖148-1
Business Hours: Lunch 11:00–14:00, Dinner 17:00–22:00
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