Popular Sightseeing Tours in Kumobaike Pond

There are many recommended sights around Lake Kyu-Karuizawa. A short walk will take you to 'Old Karuizawa Ginza Street,' a charming street with a European feel, offering various shops, cafes, and souvenir stores perfect for strolling and shopping. Additionally, the renowned 'St. Paul's Catholic Church' is also in this area, attracting many visitors with its unique architectural style and serene atmosphere. If you have ample time, consider renting a bicycle and exploring other distinctive architectural sites like 'Karuizawa Kogen Church' or the 'Stone Church' along forest paths, enjoying a blend of nature and culture.

Autumn is one of the most popular seasons at Lake Kyu-Karuizawa. The maple leaves along the lake turn red, and the water reflects the vibrant colors, creating a picturesque scene. It's recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the crowds are relatively smaller, allowing for a more peaceful appreciation of the autumn leaves and the tranquil reflection on the lake. You can stroll leisurely along the lakeside path, enjoying the red maple leaves from different angles. Furthermore, you can extend your itinerary to other renowned autumn leaf viewing spots in Karuizawa, such as 'Karuizawa Momiji-zaka' or the 'tree-lined paths around Lake Kyu-Karuizawa,' perfectly combining autumn leaf viewing with Karuizawa's natural scenery for a rich visual feast.

The most convenient way for a one-day trip to Lake Kyu-Karuizawa from Tokyo is by Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station. Upon arrival at Karuizawa Station, you can choose from the following transportation options to reach Lake Kyu-Karuizawa: First, you can take a local bus; there are several routes that pass near the lake. Second, renting a bicycle around the station is a very popular option in Karuizawa, offering scenic views along the way and taking approximately 15-20 minutes to reach your destination. Taxis are also a quick and convenient choice, suitable for travelers who prefer not to walk too much. Considering itinerary flexibility and personal preferences, choose the transportation method that best suits you.

It is generally convenient to visit Lake Kyu-Karuizawa with a stroller. Lake Kyu-Karuizawa is surrounded by flat and well-maintained paths, and most routes are suitable for strollers. The lakeside paths are primarily paved or made of smooth gravel, with gentle slopes, making them easy for parents to navigate. However, some smaller paths connecting to the main trail may be narrower or have slight undulations; in such cases, it's advisable to take a detour or carry your baby temporarily. Overall, Lake Kyu-Karuizawa is very family-friendly, and parents can relax and enjoy the lakeside scenery.

The most recommended walking route at Lake Kyu-Karuizawa is to circle the lake. This route is flat and clearly signposted, taking about 20-30 minutes to complete a full circle, allowing you to easily admire the lake scenery and the natural beauty that changes with the seasons. You can start from the entrance and walk clockwise or counter-clockwise along the lakeside path. If you wish to extend your trip, you can walk from Lake Kyu-Karuizawa to 'Old Karuizawa Ginza Street.' This walk takes about 15-20 minutes, with lush greenery along the way, exuding a resort atmosphere. Combining a lakeside stroll with street exploration will provide a more comprehensive experience of Karuizawa's charm.

For first-time independent travelers to Lake Kyu-Karuizawa, it's recommended to start with transportation planning. After taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Karuizawa Station, you can choose to rent a bicycle or take a bus to Lake Kyu-Karuizawa to add flexibility and enjoyment to your trip. Consider the season: spring and summer offer lush greenery, autumn boasts picturesque red leaves, and winter may bring snow. Choose your visiting time based on your preferences. For your itinerary, you can link Lake Kyu-Karuizawa with nearby attractions such as Old Karuizawa Ginza Street and St. Paul's Catholic Church to form a rich half-day or full-day excursion. Don't forget to pack comfortable walking shoes for leisurely exploration.

If you only have half a day for sightseeing, both Lake Kyu-Karuizawa and Elm Street Town have their unique appeals. Lake Kyu-Karuizawa is known for its tranquil lake scenery and lakeside paths, suitable for travelers who enjoy nature and wish to relax and stroll. It can be easily explored in about 1-2 hours. Elm Street Town, on the other hand, is a creative cluster combining specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants, filled with an artistic atmosphere, ideal for travelers who enjoy shopping, tasting local delicacies, and experiencing a charming town ambiance, typically requiring 2-3 hours. I recommend choosing based on the weather conditions and your personal preferences for the day. If you wish to enjoy natural tranquility, choose Lake Kyu-Karuizawa; if you want to experience a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, opt for Elm Street Town.

The area around Lake Kyu-Karuizawa and the wider Karuizawa region offer a rich variety of dining options to satisfy different palates. Near Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, you can find many charming cafes serving light meals and desserts, as well as shops selling local specialties. For full meals, Karuizawa has diverse restaurants offering French cuisine, pasta, soba noodles, and more. Many establishments utilize fresh local ingredients to provide unique culinary experiences. It is recommended to explore the surrounding areas on foot or by bicycle to find restaurants that suit your taste and enjoy the unique leisurely dining experience of Karuizawa.

Summer is a popular summer resort destination in Karuizawa, so there will be a relatively large number of visitors to Lake Kyu-Karuizawa, especially on weekends or during Japanese national holidays. Peak crowds may make the lakeside path seem quite lively. If you wish to avoid crowded areas, it is recommended to visit on weekdays or during the early morning or late afternoon hours. At these times, there are fewer visitors, and you can better enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Lake Kyu-Karuizawa. Planning your trip in advance and avoiding peak hours will help enhance your sightseeing experience.

When planning your trip to Lake Kyu-Karuizawa, there are abundant accommodation options around Karuizawa Station and in the Old Karuizawa area. You might consider staying at a luxury resort hotel to enjoy comprehensive facilities and services; or opt for a traditional Japanese inn to experience unique Japanese culture and hot springs. Additionally, there are many uniquely styled guesthouses or villas available for rent, suitable for families or group travelers. Choosing accommodation near Karuizawa Station offers convenient transportation; if you prefer a tranquil atmosphere, consider the Old Karuizawa area, which is within walking or cycling distance of Lake Kyu-Karuizawa.