Our 354th entry in our digital diary is our second time visit to our favorite winter wonderland, Karuizawa, in Nagano, Japan. 🙂 This is a 4-hour bus ride away from our place in Yokohama, so it’s fairly easy to go here and enjoy the winter.

We stopped at Karuizawa Station. The main gateway to Karuizawa, this modern station is served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, making it easily accessible from Tokyo in about an hour. It combines sleek architecture with convenient amenities, including shops, cafés, and direct access to nearby attractions like the Prince Shopping Plaza.

Our first stop, as always, is the Prince Shopping Plaza Food Court. Located within the Prince Shopping Plaza, the food court offers a wide variety of Japanese and international dishes. It’s a convenient spot for travelers to enjoy quick meals in a relaxed setting while taking in views of the surrounding greenery and Mount Asama.

We then toured around Prince Shopping Plaza outlet shops while waiting for our Airbnb checkin time. This is one of Japan’s largest outlet malls, the Prince Shopping Plaza features hundreds of stores ranging from luxury brands to local boutiques. Set against a scenic backdrop of mountains and open lawns, it provides a unique outdoor shopping experience in Karuizawa.

We then checked-in to our lovely and cozy apartment Airbnb, the Compass Globe Karuizawa. We spent the night inside our warm apartment, against the overly cold temperature outside. 🙂

The next day, we walked to the Naka-Karuizawa station, just a one stop station from the main Karuizawa Station.

We spent the whole morning enjoying the snow play at Prince Snow Park. This is a family-friendly ski resort located near Karuizawa Station, Prince Snow Park offers well-maintained slopes ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers. With stunning winter views and convenient facilities, it’s a perfect destination for a quick ski getaway from Tokyo.

There are many restaurants in Prince Shopping Plaza. The shopping plaza is home to a diverse selection of restaurants, from casual cafés to full-service dining. Visitors can enjoy local specialties like Shinshu soba, as well as Western cuisine, making it an excellent place to take a break between shopping and skiing.

We then went back to Naka-Karuizawa and walked towards Harunire Terrace. A serene riverside complex surrounded by over 100 elm trees, Harunire Terrace features stylish boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Designed to blend with nature, it’s a peaceful spot for strolling, dining, and experiencing Karuizawa’s refined resort atmosphere. They also have frozen pond that is turned in to a ice skating rink.

At night, we joined a Star Gazing Tour by Picchio in Harunire Terrace. Organized by Picchio Nature Center, this guided tour offers a chance to observe Karuizawa’s clear night skies. Participants can learn about constellations and seasonal stars while enjoying a unique outdoor experience in the quiet forest setting. We then went back to our Airbnb and rested for the night. 🙂 The next day, Sunday, we looked for a Church to visit.

First, we went to the Stone Church (Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Church). An architectural landmark designed by Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, this church harmonizes stone and glass elements with the surrounding forest. It stands as both a spiritual space and a tribute to Christian thinker Uchimura Kanzo.

There is also another church nearby, the Kogen Church. One of Karuizawa’s most historic churches, Kogen Church is known for its tranquil forest setting and simple wooden design. It has long been a symbol of Karuizawa’s cultural heritage and a peaceful place for reflection.

For our last stop, we went to the Old Ginza Street. A charming shopping street that preserves the town’s historic resort atmosphere. Lined with souvenir shops, bakeries, and cafés, it’s a great place to experience local flavors and traditions while enjoying a leisurely stroll.

Karuizawa is a scenic mountain resort town known for its cool climate, natural beauty, and refined atmosphere. Popular year-round, it offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural sites, shopping destinations, and dining experiences, making it a favorite getaway from Tokyo. Hope we can be back here again soon. 🙂