Karuizawa walking route: Mampei Hotel to Mount Asama
Explore Karuizawa's luxury resort heritage and natural attractions on this 38.2 km route. Visit the historic Mampei Hotel, browse Ginza Shopping Street's boutiques, then venture to Shiraito Waterfall, Harunire Terrace, and Mount Asama for scenic views near Tokyo.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Mampei Hotel
- End
- Hoshino Resorts Plaza
- Stops
- 7
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Mampei Hotel — Historic hotel founded in 1894, featuring stained glass windows with Karuizawa landscapes. Day 1 accommodation.
- Shiraito Waterfall — 'The waterfall of white threads'. Visited on Day 2.
- Harunire Terrace — Terrace complex visited on Day 2.
- Karuizawa (Main Destination) — 2-night stay, 1 hour north of Tokyo by Shinkansen. Japanese-Western aesthetic, inspired films like Studio Ghibli's 'The Wind Rises'.
- Ginza Shopping Street — Shopping area in Karuizawa, 20 minutes by foot from hotel.
- Mount Asama — Visible landmark during the trip.
- Hoshino Resorts Plaza — Small plaza by the river operated by Hoshino Resorts.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Karuizawa is 1 hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Book tickets on Klook using code 'SAMANDVICTOR' for discounts.
- Where to stay
- Mampei Hotel (founded 1894) recently reopened in October 2024 after renovations. It's one of 9 Japan Classic Hotels and was John Lennon's favorite retreat.
- Food
- At Mampei Hotel cafe, John Lennon used to order apple pie and royal milk tea. You can get apple pie à la mode with vanilla or royal milk tea ice cream.
- Food
- Forest cafe (Meiji period building) only accepts cash payment. Located in forest, accessible by walking from parking area near a church.
- Timing
- Visit during low season (spring/early summer) means many cafes close for winter. Peak seasons are summer holidays, autumn for fall leaves, and winter for skiing.
- Avoid
- Many local cafes and attractions close during off-season. Popular Tudor-style cafes may be closed all winter. Check ahead before visiting.
- Food
- Outlet mall has a souvenir court with local Karuizawa produce: fruits, jams, and juice from local farms. Open later than other shops when sun sets.
- Transport
- Shiraito Waterfall toll is ¥500 by car. Hike to waterfall takes only 10 minutes. Waterfall closes at 5pm.
- Tip
- Mampei Hotel floral cookie tins are limited stock daily and available at the shop. Part of Classic Hotel Association with passport stamps.
- Transport
- Mampei Hotel offers a shuttle bus to Karuizawa station for guests. Taxis available outside station but arrive late at night.
- Food
- Ginza shopping street has multiple bakeries, soba restaurants, and souvenir shops. Popular soba restaurant has long lines; plan to visit for dinner.
- Tip
- Karuizawa has European-style buildings due to a Canadian missionary who promoted it as a resort town. Western-Japanese aesthetic differs from rest of Japan.
Video on this route
2 days in karuizawa (1 hour from tokyo)