A Storybook Winter: Karuizawa & Hakuba

Start the day slow. Settle into your hotel before spending the afternoon wandering Karuizawa's charming café district. Enjoy exceptional coffee, artisan breads, and peaceful bookstores tucked among the trees. Finish your stroll at Karuizawa Common Grounds, where you may stumble upon a weekend antique market. Whether browsing vintage finds or simply relaxing with a warm drink, today is all about slowing down and embracing the town's elegant mountain atmosphere.

Spend the morning surrounded by horses and fresh mountain air with a leisurely horseback riding experience at Makiba Karuizawa. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the cozy Hitofusa no Budo before taking a slow stroll through the Karuizawa Picturebook Museum, a hidden gem nestled among the trees. As evening approaches, make your way to Harunire Terrace for boutique shopping, warm cafés, and a relaxed dinner beside the flowing river.

Begin the day with a peaceful stroll through the Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary before gliding across the charming outdoor rink at Kera-Ike Pond, surrounded by snow-covered trees. Continue to The Cowboy House for a hearty lunch—be sure to save room for their famous homemade apple tart. In the afternoon, visit the tranquil Karuizawa Kogen Church before finishing the day with a leisurely browse through Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, where luxury brands, local boutiques, and winter cafés offer the perfect end to a cozy day.

Spend the day exploring some of Karuizawa's most charming specialty shops. Begin at Shima International Karuizawa Bears, where handcrafted teddy bears, British-inspired gifts, and unique keepsakes fill the cozy boutique. Afterwards, enjoy a sweet treat at LiLiBET, before browsing the colorful galleries and creative art supplies at Karuizawa Art Box. Finish the afternoon at the Hermann Teddy Collection House, home to an enchanting collection of traditional German teddy bears and their fascinating history.