On the bus and off we go!

This time, we took the Chikuma bus from Ikebukuro East Exit. There was a partition curtain between each of the seats. I was able to stretch out my legs even though I am 5’5, which meant that I was able to ride in comfort ♪.

Also, there is a rubbish bin on board, which is something you won’t find on other buses, so you can dispose of any rubbish straight away! No more searching for bins at service areas and car parks.

We’ve arrived in Karuizawa! Let’s begin sightseeing

The journey took about 3 hours. We arrived in Karuizawa before we even knew it! The express bus stop and the bus stop for buses going to Shiraito Falls are right next to each other, so we could just change buses without having to go anywhere!

There are very few buses from Karuizawa Station to Shiraito Falls, so if you’re taking the bus, be careful! It costs 710 yen one way from Karuizawa to Shiraito Falls. Cashless payment is not accepted and the fare must be paid when you get off the bus.

Shiraito Falls

We arrived after a 20-minute ride from Karuizawa station. As soon as you get off the bus, you will see a sign for Shiraito Falls! A few minutes walk from this sign and you are at Shiraito Falls!

A waterfall that spreads over the whole area. Just looking at it is soothing. The waterfall is formed by the underground water in Mount Asama and creates this scenery. It looks cold, but the water temperature is as high as 11.8 

Kyu Karuizawa Ginza Street

Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza-dori is a popular spot for many tourists! Take the bus from Shiraito waterfall to Karuizawa station and get off at “Kyu-Karuizawa”. There are many shops along the street and it is a great place to eat. Here are some of the best places to eat♪.

① Mikado Coffee Karuizawa Old Road Store “Mochasoft”

 A long-established coffee shop that opened in 1952.  Mikado Coffee’s mocha soft serve is a popular menu item! Soft ice cream made from coffee roasted in our own factory and dripped. The soft serve ice cream is made from coffee roasted at our factory and drip-fed. It is not too sweet, but you can enjoy the fragrant taste of the coffee. ♪

② Mikasa Coffee Karuizawa Old Road Store “The Longest Curry Bread”

 After a short walk from Mikado Coffee, you will see Mikasa Coffee, where you can enjoy “Karuizawa’s longest curry bun”. The outside is crispy and the inside is filled with mild roux. The long and thin shape makes it very easy to eat and perfect for walking around!

We have only introduced two restaurants, but there are many more with a lot of charm, so please enjoy walking around and eating.♪

Kumoba Pond

Kumoba Pond, also known as “Swan Lake,” is a beautiful pond filled with clear spring water.  The forest surrounding the pond changes colour in autumn, adding a splash of colour to the surface of the lake. A leisurely walk around the pond takes about 20 minutes, and you can enjoy it from many different angles!

New Art Museum

You can walk from Kumoba Pond.  The New Art Museum was established with the aim of presenting contemporary art to the world. The New Art Museum was established with the aim of presenting contemporary art to the world, with free admission on the ground floor and a bookstore with a wide range of books.

The 2nd floor is a special exhibition, and “Ronaldo Ventura Exhibition-Introspection” is held from August 7, 2021 to April 10, 2022.

Ronaldo Ventura is an artist from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The Philippines was colonized by Spain, America and Japan. About 80% of the people are Catholic. Born in such a Philippines, his identity and way of life are expressed in powerful art, which is overwhelming.

Take a break at the cafe “Raffine”

After a 10-minute walk from the museum, you will see a sign. You will end your day’s journey in a café that looks like something out of the world of Ghibli. Surrounded by trees, the café will help you to relax after your trip.

This time I ordered the Cafe Glace, which has two beautiful layers of black and white. When mixed together, the bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the milk combined to make a very tasty treat. The interior of the café is just as charming, with its warm lighting, and it’s just as serene!

Return home by bus

On the way back, we took the Seibu Kanko Bus. The white lion is a landmark and easy to understand!

There is a toilet in the car, so it’s safe if you overslept and couldn’t wash your hands at SA / PA! 

Summary

In this article, we have introduced a model course for a day trip to Karuizawa. It only takes about 3 hours to get there from Tokyo and you can enjoy it to the fullest on a day trip, so it’s easy to go there on your day off! If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and get in touch with nature, please visit us.

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