Head to Karuizawa for a vacation in a paradise of skiing and shopping

When winter in Japan comes to mind, one immediately thinks of Hokkaido’s vast snowy landscapes and snow festivals. However, apart from Hokkaido, many other parts of Japan are also blanketed in white, offering scenery that is no less stunning than Hokkaido’s. Especially in Nagano Prefecture, just over an hour away by Shinkansen from Tokyo, there are top-tier ski resorts and perfect shopping outlets, combining to create a "ski and shop" paradise.

This year’s winter has brought abundant snowfall, with delicate snowflakes falling all over Japan. Streets and tree branches are covered with thick layers of snow, while mountainous areas resemble a world of silver and white. Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture has been favored by royalty and nobility since ancient times. Surrounded by mountains such as Mount Asama and Mount Hanamagari, it enjoys cool summer weather and is a famous summer retreat. In winter, it transforms into a fairytale snow kingdom, attracting sightseers from all over who come to admire the snow.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Karuizawa is a vacation destination near Tokyo. Its development is comprehensive, from its European-style townscapes to shopping malls and artificial ski slopes invested in by the Prince Hotels under the Seibu Group, all contributing to a convenient atmosphere. In the past, many visitors might have simply rented a bicycle at Karuizawa Station to stroll around, and many young Japanese women once dreamed of bumping into royalty here. But today, Karuizawa is bustling with young Japanese people, especially in winter – thanks to the Karuizawa Ski Resort.

The Karuizawa Ski Resort is an artificial ski area, so it is unaffected by weather conditions and can be enjoyed all winter long. This resort mainly caters to beginners, especially young people who enjoy snowboarding. Most of the slopes at Karuizawa Ski Resort are relatively gentle, allowing skiers to take in the distant scenery while skiing. Though it may not match up to professional ski resorts overall, it is more than satisfying for those still honing their skills. For those who are hesitant to try skiing, you can build a snowman, go sledding, or try out beginner skiing experiences.

Additionally, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is another major draw for visitors to Karuizawa. The fashion brands here include those from Japan and Europe, and prices are about 30% lower than market rates—great for bargain hunters. With over 200 shops, the plaza offers a wide variety of goods, including locally produced Karuizawa specialty ceramics, allowing visitors to fully enjoy holiday shopping.

Karuizawa Transportation: Take the JR Joetsu or Nagano Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Read more: Practicing “lightness skills” on snowshoes (provided by Tripass Attractions)