Karuizawa Old Town
Nagano, Japan • INR 5293 - INR 23066 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jul, Aug, Oct
16°C – 26°C, warm but not hot, with mountain breezes; some rainy days early in the month, clearer later, high crowds, peak season
16°C – 26°C, warm but not hot, with mountain breezes; some rainy days early in the month, clearer later, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Walking on uneven streets is required; some stairs and slopes present.
Walking on uneven streets is required; some stairs and slopes present.
Value for money
Medium
Prices are high, but the experience is generally pleasant.
Prices are high, but the experience is generally pleasant.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Stroll
Couples loved the charming atmosphere, perfect for a romantic walk and window shopping.
Delightful Cafes
Visitors found the cafes cozy and ideal for a relaxing break during a day of exploring.
Charming Shops
Couples enjoyed browsing unique shops and finding special souvenirs along the street.
Overpriced Souvenirs
Travelers found some souvenirs and dining options to be a bit expensive for the area.
Crowded Weekends
Couples noted that weekends and peak seasons made the area feel very crowded.
Uneven Pavement
Some couples with mobility concerns found the cobblestone streets difficult to navigate.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Savor the finest street food in the charming old town of Karuizawa.
A tourist embarks on an exciting adventure to the picturesque Karuizawa.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM
-4-5°C
Cold, with occasional snow and clear winter skies. Ski season begins late in the month, and festive decorations appear.
Cold, with occasional snow and clear winter skies. Ski season begins late in the month, and festive decorations appear.
Open
Recommended
December brings winter charm and the start of ski season. Accessibility is good, and Old Town shops and cafes are generally open, though some smaller businesses may close around New Year.
December brings winter charm and the start of ski season. Accessibility is good, and Old Town shops and cafes are generally open, though some smaller businesses may close around New Year.
January
LOW
-8-2°C
Cold winter conditions with frequent frost and occasional snowfall; mountain climate at high elevation.
Cold winter conditions with frequent frost and occasional snowfall; mountain climate at high elevation.
Open
Some smaller shops and cafes may have limited hours or close for winter holidays; main street usually accessible, but icy conditions possible.
Some smaller shops and cafes may have limited hours or close for winter holidays; main street usually accessible, but icy conditions possible.
Not recommended
January is off-season for Old Karuizawa. The area is quiet and serene, with wintry scenery and fewer open businesses. Good for peaceful walks if weather permits, but not ideal for shopping or café-hopping.
January is off-season for Old Karuizawa. The area is quiet and serene, with wintry scenery and fewer open businesses. Good for peaceful walks if weather permits, but not ideal for shopping or café-hopping.
February
LOW
-7-3°C
Continued cold and dry winter weather with occasional snow; crisp mountain air.
Continued cold and dry winter weather with occasional snow; crisp mountain air.
Open
Some shops and restaurants may have limited hours; street remains open but can be icy.
Some shops and restaurants may have limited hours; street remains open but can be icy.
Not recommended
February offers a tranquil but chilly experience in Old Karuizawa. Most attractions are quiet, and the focus is on winter sports elsewhere in town.
February offers a tranquil but chilly experience in Old Karuizawa. Most attractions are quiet, and the focus is on winter sports elsewhere in town.
March
MEDIUM
-3-8°C
Gradual warming with a mix of cold and mild days; snow begins to melt, but early spring can still be brisk.
Gradual warming with a mix of cold and mild days; snow begins to melt, but early spring can still be brisk.
Open
Most shops and cafes resume regular hours by late March; early in the month, some may still operate on winter schedules.
Most shops and cafes resume regular hours by late March; early in the month, some may still operate on winter schedules.
Recommended
March marks the transition from winter to spring. The old town becomes more lively, and the scenery is a blend of lingering snow and early blooms.
March marks the transition from winter to spring. The old town becomes more lively, and the scenery is a blend of lingering snow and early blooms.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Local bus networks (Kusakaru Kotsu and Seibu Kogen Bus) provide access to Karuizawa Old Town from JR Karuizawa Station.
Train
Recommended
The Hokuriku Shinkansen and Shinano Railway provide access to Karuizawa Station, from which you can access the Old Town.
Walking
Recommended
Walking is convenient within Karuizawa Old Town from JR Karuizawa Station.
Bike
Bike rentals are available for exploring the area from Karuizawa Station.
Car
Driving is an option, with parking available in and around Karuizawa Old Town. Notable parking facilities include the Church Street Karuizawa Parking, Kyukaruizawa Parking, and Unimat Parking Karuizawa.
Shuttle
Shuttle services operate between Karuizawa Station and Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza shopping street.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available for direct transport to and from Karuizawa Old Town from JR Karuizawa Station.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required