KARUIZAWA, JAPAN
From Tokyo, an estimate of 80-minute trip via Shinkansen (Asama) will take you to Karuizawa, Japan.
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| Prince Shopping Plaza in Karuizawa, Japan during winter |
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| Ticket booths in the train station of Karuizawa, Japan |
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| Woods and a road leading to the Komoba Pond. |
The place is posh and elite but will definitely bring you close to nature, as I to describe. The climate is cooler (negative temperatures on a winter) just perfect for their snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. If not into sports, walking around the town is another best option. Check for walking/cycling routes from Karuizawa Information Guides available in their Tourist Information Center. Center is found within the train station. Also, Karuizawa is a home of fancy brands (from Hermes, Chanel to sports giants Nike and Adidas). Hit their stores and ready your shopping bags.
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| Karuizawa train time table. |
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| One of the few buildings in the city square. |
Start the day by having your hot coffee in the Yamato Cafe just outside the train station. If lucky, you could get a seat near the window to have a good view of the place. You could request their staff for a good seat. The staff welcomes guests as good as their coffee.
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| Yamato Cafe |
From Yamato Cafe, start your trip to the Kumoba Pond. It takes 1.3 kilometers by foot to reached the pond. On your way, you can explore more of the town and a path with trees and cabins. Tiring? No. With the cold atmosphere and interesting views, its relaxing indeed.
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| A path leading to the Komoba Pond |
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| Private cabins are seen on the way to the Komoba Pond. |
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| Karuizawa's road ornaments made of wood. |
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| A snowman in pink motif. |
The Kumoba Pond is famous for its flora and fauna. Tourists and birdwatchers as well, gather here often to witness the pond's symbiosis. Go around the pond to take different angles for your photo shots. It will take less than an hour.
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| Entrance of Kumoba Pond. |
You can also take a train from the Karuizawa Station to Naka-Karuizawa. The train trip lasts for 4-minutes. Free shuttle buses are also available from the Karuizawa station to Naka-Karuizawa, just ask the Information Center.
Because of the serene and silent environment, Naka-Karuizawa is a good place to reflect. A number of churches (Christians) are located here and the famous is the stone church (Karuizawa Kogen Church). Note, no photos allowed inside the churches.
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| Karuizawa Kogen Church |
Few metres away, other churches are located.
From the churches, continue walking downhill and you'll arrive in a number of shops. Take a tour around. Shops for clothes, food and fancy items are available.
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| A little girl enjoying playing with the door in Karuizawa. |
Try their Gelato at "Nagai Farm" in one of the shops. Its totally addicting. It comes in different flavours giving you wide array of selection.
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| Nagai Farm Gelato |
End your day by sipping the rich coffee of "Mikado Coffee". This is famous in the Karuizawa area.
That's all folks. Give me feedback when you visit the place. You will enjoy this trip, same as I did. I hope to hear from you.
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(The team. Travel date January 19, 2015)
