The best ski resort only an hour away from Tokyo!
If you’re anything like me, you are constantly searching for that perfect winter escape that offers great skiing, relaxing atmosphere, and easy access. Well, let me tell you, I found it. Karuizawa is a true winter wonderland located in the woods of Nagano prefecture, and it’s surprisingly simple to get to from Tokyo.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Karuizawa's ski resorts offer something for everyone. I put together this guide based on my trip to help you plan your own amazing winter experience in Karuizawa!
Getting to Karuizawa from Tokyo
Getting to Karuizawa by Train
The best part about visiting Karuizawa is how accessible it is, even for a day trip out of Tokyo. I was amazed that you can get there in about an hour using the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train). The journey takes between 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on the train type. A one-way ticket from Tokyo Station costs around ¥5,490.
Klook Tip: Just remember to check your train times and reserve your accommodation well in advance, especially during the busy winter season. Booking your Shinkansen train ticket on Klook can save you time and hassle.
When you step off the Shinkansen at Karuizawa Station, you’ll immediately notice that the station area is conveniently located right next to the shopping plaza and the Karuizawa Ski Resort area.
Want to save on transportation? Purchase a JR Pass Tokyo Wide Area Pass on Klook, which offers unlimited rides on JR East trains and Shinkansen for three days. The pass covers the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa, the Tohoku Shinkansen, and the N’EX Narita Express to Narita Airport. It’s a great deal if you plan to visit both Tokyo and Karuizawa!
Getting to Karuizawa by Car
For those who enjoy flexibility, renting a car from Tokyo or near Karuizawa Station allows you to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. However, be cautious of road conditions in winter, as snow-covered roads can be slippery. It’s recommended to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle with snow tires.
What to Expect at Karuizawa Ski Resort
If you’re primarily coming for snow sports, the Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort is fantastic because everything is highly centralized and incredibly convenient.
But before you hit the slops, do prepare yourself because Karuizawa is substantially colder than Tokyo. I experienced temperatures ranging from -6°C to 2°C, so bundle up! If you travel during heavy snow, sometimes the trains can experience delays, but generally, the journey is smooth.
I highly recommend staying at one of the resorts like the Karuizawa Prince Hotel East, which is famously the closest of the five Prince Hotels to the actual slopes, just about a 30-second walk away.
Staying at the hotel complex is a game-changer. You can rent all the winter gear right there, meaning you don't have to haul wet ski equipment back and forth, which is a huge plus.
The Slopes
The ski slopes are right there in front of the hotel. The longest ski run is 1.2 kilometers, and there are rental services for skis, snowboards, and winter gear. You can get the 1-Day Ski Lift Pass that will give you access to all 9 ski lifts in the ski resort.
Kids can ride the ski lift for free, and there are snow parks for sledding and tubing for some family fun.
Snow Quality
The snow I encountered felt softer compared to other ski resorts in Japan, which is great because it helps cushion you when you fall. There are some wonderful easy trails available that are quite long, so you can enjoy a good run without it being over too quickly.
Ski & Snowboard Lessons
New to ski? Don't worry as you can easily book a private ski or snowboard lesson to kickstart your ski journey. The gentle slopes at Karuizawa ski resort are perfect for beginners. If budget allows, I would recommend that you book separate lessons for the adults and the kids as the kids will be picking it up much faster!
Family Fun at Karuizawa Snow Park
If you are traveling with kids or are looking for simpler snow play options, the Karuizawa Snow Park is a great spot, often quiet during the weekdays.
Although technically located near the border in Gunma Prefecture, it’s easily accessible from Karuizawa. They have areas specifically designed for snow play and additional activities like zip lines and snow sledding to ensure a memorable family day out.
Beyond the Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort, here are other ski resorts that are in the vicinity:
Ski Resort | Location | Elevation | Highlights | Opening Season | Ticket Price | Distance from Karuizawa | Driving time from Karuizawa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort | Near Mount Asama, Karuizawa Town | 1,000-1,200m | Family-friendly slopes, kids’ park, ski school | Dec - Apr | ¥5,000 (adults), ¥3,000 (children) | In Karuizawa | 10 min |
Shirakaba Royal Hill Ski Resort | Near Shirakaba Lake, northeast of Karuizawa | 1,300-1,500m | Night skiing, suitable for all levels | Dec - Mar | ¥4,000 (adults), ¥2,500 (children) | 20km | 30 min |
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort | Near Mount Myoko, northwest of Karuizawa | 900-1,800m | Long trails, ideal for thrill-seekers | Dec - May | ¥4,500 (adults), ¥3,500 (children) | 100km | 1.5 hours |
Kusatsu International Ski Resort | Near Mount Haruna, southwest of Karuizawa | 1,200-2,100m | Ski and hot spring combo, great for relaxation | Dec - Apr | ¥4,000 (adults), ¥3,000 (children) | 80km | 1 hour 20 min |
Tateyama Kurobe Ski Resort | Tateyama Mountain Range | 1,000-2,400m | High-altitude skiing, breathtaking views | Dec - May | ¥5,000 (adults), ¥3,500 (children) | 250km | 3 hours |
Note: Opening times and ticket prices may vary based on the season and resort policies. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Other Fantastic Karuizawa Winter Activities
Karuizawa isn't just a ski destination; it’s packed with other activities, especially if you need a break from the cold or want to explore the local culture.
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza: This huge outlet mall is right near the station and the hotel complex. I spent a significant amount of time here; it truly has lots of different brands, including many high-end ones. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some tax-free shopping.
Haru Terrace: This area is a key attraction, known for its unique vibe with modern outdoor dining and cozy cafes nestled among the trees. I definitely recommend trying the local Pure Milk gelato — even though it’s freezing outside, the ice cream is delicious! You can also enjoy fantastic coffee at places like Maruyama Coffee, which originated right here in Karuizawa.
Image credit: snow monkey resorts
During winter, you can also ice skate at the massive outdoor KERA-IKE Ice Rink near the Terrace. Skate rentals are very affordable, around ¥1,900.
Photo courtesy of @harunireterrace Instagram
Onsen: After a cold day, you absolutely must indulge in the Onsen (hot springs) available at many of the hotels. Centered around Hoshino Resorts, this area is perfect for those seeking tranquility and relaxation. Visit the beautiful stone and plateau churches, dine at unique cafes, or unwind at the popular Tombo-no-Yu hot springs. Sitting in the steaming hot water while the winter air is chilling outside is truly unbeatable.
Image credit: Hoshino Area
Local Specialties: Karuizawa is famous for its fruit jams. I saw aisles dedicated entirely to different jams, including unique flavors like apple butter. The Shinshu region, where Karuizawa is located, is also famous for its high-quality soba noodles and Japanese sake.
Scenic Spots around Karuizawa
If you’re looking for tranquil spots, I found that even when covered in snow, places like Kumoba Pond (sometimes called Swan Lake), and Shiraito Waterfall are beautiful and peaceful. You should also try walking along the river paths; I heard there’s a chance you might spot wild animals like the flying squirrel.
You can also hit the Old Karuizawa Ginza Street that features a lot of local shops and restaurants. They even have a SNOOPY Village store that sells everything Peanuts! During winter, the shops might have limited openings hours, so do check ahead. Otherwise, the overall atmosphere of the town is lovely.
Karuizawa Ski Itinerary
Here’s a suggested three-day Karuizawa skiing itinerary for travelers:
Day 1: Arrival in Karuizawa
- Morning: Depart from Taiwan, transfer to Tokyo, and take the Shinkansen to Karuizawa.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel or guesthouse and explore the town’s winter charm. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Skiing at Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort
- Morning: Head to Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort and choose from a variety of ski slopes.
- Afternoon: Continue skiing or sign up for a lesson if you're a beginner. Afterward, indulge in a warm meal to recharge for the next day.
Day 3: Final Ski Session & Return Home
- Morning: Hit the slopes for one last ski session or challenge yourself on new trails.
- Afternoon: Before heading back to Tokyo, take time to explore Karuizawa’s town center and pick up some local souvenirs.
- Evening: Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo, and fly home to Taiwan after a memorable winter trip.
If you're looking for a more fuss-free day trip from Tokyo, do check out some of these highly-rated tours!
Recommended Places to Stay at Karuizawa
More Japan Inspiration for You!
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
