Discover Karuizawa’s Most Breathtaking View! Travel Guide to Kumoba Pond

Kumoba Pond, one of Karuizawa’s best spots for fall foliage, reaches its peak from mid-October to early November.
The richly colored leaves in reds, yellows, and oranges are exceptionally beautiful.
The sight of fall colors reflected on the pond’s surface as it sparkles in the morning sun is truly spectacular.
Try a stroll around Kumoba Pond in the quiet of early morning.

In winter, Kumoba Pond shows a completely different side than in fall.
Snow-covered trees create a pure white world, and the area is wrapped in crisp air and silence.
Karuizawa’s coldest season is from January to February. Minimum temperatures drop to around 14°F (-10°C).
If you visit Kumoba Pond in winter, warm clothing and non-slip, waterproof shoes are essential.
It’s a harsh environment, but it’s still well worth going to see Kumoba Pond in winter.
As you stroll around Kumoba Pond shimmering in silver-white, you’ll likely feel as if your mind has been cleansed.

Around Kumoba Pond, there’s a walking trail of Approx. 1 km (0.6 miles) that takes around 20 minutes to complete one loop.
With no steep ups and downs, it’s easy to walk, so you can enjoy a relaxed stroll around nature-filled Kumoba Pond without pushing yourself.
Not only can you admire the beautiful scenery from various angles, but you can also enjoy a pleasant walk surrounded by birdsong and refreshing air.

A popular shopping street that draws several million visitors a year and is a must for Karuizawa sightseeing.
Shops line the street, from souvenir stores selling local specialties to plenty of food options like street snacks and sweets.
There are also many interesting shops down the narrow side alleys off the main street, so take your time exploring.

Karuizawa’s only Catholic church, standing quietly along “Suisha no Michi” (Waterwheel Road), one street back from Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street.
It has appeared in literary works such as Yasunari Kawabata’s Palm-of-the-Hand Stories and Tatsuo Hori’s The Wind Has Risen, and has long been beloved by many people.
Designed in 1935 by American architect Antonin Raymond, known as the father of modern architecture in Japan, the church features a large spire and a steep triangular roof.
Another highlight is the roof design, which incorporates traditional forms from Raymond’s hometown in the Czech Republic.

A photo studio located on Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street, one of the area’s main sightseeing spots.
You can dress in aristocratic-style outfits and have retro, sepia-toned commemorative photos taken.
The owner personally selects the outfits, and around 50–60 luxurious Western-style dresses inspired by elegant ladies and opera costumes are always available, so you can choose your favorite.
There are also outfits for men, so you can have family photos taken as well.
Another great point is that you can be photographed with your pet.
Plus, on sunny days you can shoot outdoors in a very Karuizawa-like setting with sunlight filtering through the trees.

A taproom attached to a brewery where you can enjoy craft beer, located along Karuizawa Hondori, the main street stretching straight from Karuizawa Station.
The name “Quartet Brewing” reflects the idea that the four main ingredients of craft beer—malt, hops, yeast, and water—come together in harmony to make better-tasting beer.

Opened at the Kyu-Karuizawa Rotary in July 2015 as Sawamura’s second Karuizawa location after Harunire Terrace.
A popular spot that even nearby villa owners reportedly visit often, drawn by bread baked fresh for the morning opening hours.
The interior has an open, airy atrium and a calm, spacious feel.
On the first floor bakery, a wide lineup of distinctive breads is displayed, made with carefully selected ingredients such as over 30 types of flour from Japan and abroad.

A stylish soba restaurant located near the Kyu-Karuizawa Rotary, about a 15-minute walk from Karuizawa Station, in an area lined with chic variety shops and cafes.
Conveniently located near the entrance to the famous Kyu-Karu Ginza shopping street, it’s a popular place for a sightseeing break, with other locations in Karuizawa’s Harunire Terrace as well as Azabu and Aoyama in Tokyo.

Founded in 1894, this classic hotel is one of Karuizawa’s most iconic, symbolizing Japan’s summer resort culture.
The main Alps building, which blends Western architecture with Japanese design, is designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, and its stately wooden structure and stained-glass decorations convey a sense of history.
Guest rooms offer different charms across buildings, including the Alps building with its traditional atmosphere, the classically modern Atago building, and the elegant Usui building.

A stylish hotel with a villa-like feel, opened in February 2022.
Inspired by the desire for guests to feel the local “neighborhood” around the hotel and Karuizawa, the property features works by Karuizawa-based artists and refined design elements throughout.
The impressive wood-themed lobby has a fireplace at the center, warmly welcoming guests.
All 155 rooms across six types include a balcony or private garden, letting you experience Karuizawa’s grand nature even while indoors.

A hotel created in 2019 in the Karuizawa Hoshino Area, built around the concept: “More than an izakaya, less than a trip—a hotel to spend time loosely together.”
A cafe lounge is arranged around the courtyard, and its biggest feature is the 24-hour public space “TAMARIBA,” where you can spend time freely.
Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, and the stay style of stocking up on deli items and relaxing in the lounge at your own pace is especially popular.