Karuizawa Winter Festival

Feel the Christmas spirit in Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a popular destination for Tokyoites escaping the summer heat, but its winter beauty is just as compelling. The Karuizawa Winter Festival sees the town covered in glittering illuminations, creating a festive evening atmosphere.

The area outside the north exit of Karuizawa Station becomes a pedestrian paradise for the Christmas market, with a variety of stalls and a towering, 10-meter Christmas tree.

Missionaries founded Karuizawa over 100 years ago, and their influence lives on at the beautiful Karuizawa Kogen Church, a must-see in winter. The church is decorated with over 2,000 candles, flickering in tranquil harmony with the surrounding forest. The church is open to all and visitors can join in Christmas songs and prayers, write a letter to a loved one, or simply enjoy the picturesque setting.

Karuizawa also offers a great chance to enjoy winter sports. You can try ice skating and curling at Karuizawa Ice Park or take to the slopes at the Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort.

How to get there

You can reach Karuizawa from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen in less than 90 minutes.

Schedule

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