Japan Kusatsu Onsen & Karuizawa 2-Day Tour | Shiraito Falls, Kumoba Pond, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, Little Edo Kawagoe | Half-board Hot Spring Hotel | Round-trip from Tokyo
- Depart from Tokyo by bus, with all transportation arranged. No need to drive or transfer, easily explore classic Kanto attractions.
- Tour the Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake, experience Japan's top-tier hot springs, and stroll through the hot spring town to feel the rich atmosphere of traditional bathing.
- Collect natural attractions in one go: stroll through the Shiraito Falls forest trail and walk around the Kumoba Pond to feel the fresh highland scenery.
- Wander through the Little Edo Kawagoe old streets, visit the Toki no Kane and Hikawa Shrine, and experience the nostalgic Edo atmosphere.
- Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza | Ample shopping time arranged to enjoy the outlet shopping experience.
Package Options
Product Info
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Chase the autumn leaves in Kanto, Japan! This tour departs from Tokyo by exclusive tourist bus, covering six major themes: Kusatsu Onsen, Shiraito Falls, Karuizawa, Kumoba Pond, Prince Outlet, and Little Edo Kawagoe. No need to plan transportation or find hotels yourself. Stay at Hotel Green Plaza Karuizawa with half-board, soak in the Onioshidashi Onsen to wash away travel fatigue, and enjoy a luxurious Wagyu beef and highland vegetable buffet dinner. You can enjoy the natural beauty surrounded by red leaves, have plenty of time for shopping, and wander through the Edo-style old streets at dusk. Hot springs, autumn foliage, shopping, and old streets are all satisfied at once, making it suitable for families and friends traveling together.
Kusatsu Onsen is located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, and is one of Japan's top three hot springs and the top-tier hot spring town with the largest natural spring water volume. The landmark 'Yubatake' in the center of the town gushes 4,000 liters of hot spring water per minute. The surrounding area is home to traditional 'Yumomi' (hot water kneading) performance venues, free foot baths, long-established Japanese-style inns, and hot spring street food.
Shiraito Falls is located along the 'Shiraito Highland Way,' a popular scenic drive in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. It is a highly popular tourist spot. It is named 'Shiraito Falls' (White Thread Falls) because the water falling into the basin looks like countless fine, clean white threads. With a drop of about 3 meters, it is a waterfall that extends horizontally for about 70 meters along a curved rock wall, with hundreds of underground springs pouring down like white threads from the curved rock face. Best time for autumn foliage: Usually from mid-October to early November each year, when the red leaves are at their most brilliant.
Kumoba Pond, located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the area, also known as 'Swan Lake.' This long, narrow artificial pond has clear water and is surrounded by maple and pine forests, with the changing seasonal tree shadows and blue sky reflected on the water's surface. It is lush and cool in summer, welcomes a brilliant peak of autumn foliage from mid-October to early November, and presents a quiet, silver-white world in winter. The reflection of autumn leaves and the winter snow scene are particularly enchanting. Regardless of the season, Kumoba Pond always exudes a unique charm. In autumn, the mirror-like lake surface reflects vibrant red, reddish-brown, and golden leaves, appearing exceptionally beautiful. In winter, it is adorned with silver-white and deep blue, creating a different kind of elegance. A walking path around the pond takes about 20 minutes to complete, making it a perfect place for a stroll in nature.
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, near the south exit of Karuizawa Station. It is a famous highland open-air outlet shopping center in Japan. The park is mainly composed of low-rise open buildings, dotted with large lawns, lakes, and green trees. From a distance, you can enjoy the view of Mount Asama, perfectly blending shopping with the leisurely highland resort atmosphere of Karuizawa. The park brings together about 240 stores, covering international luxury goods, Japanese brands, sports and outdoor gear, children's clothing, beauty and miscellaneous goods, and Japanese souvenirs. There is a diverse selection ranging from clothing, shoes, and bags to daily necessities and Nagano specialties. Tax-free shopping services are available for foreign tourists. In addition to shopping, the comfortable outdoor environment is also one of the park's features. Strolling among the lawns, lakesides, and trees, enjoying the natural scenery while shopping, and experiencing the unique leisurely resort atmosphere of Karuizawa makes it a popular destination that combines shopping, leisure, and natural landscapes.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is located in Miyashita-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. It is a shrine with a history of about 1,500 years and has long been affectionately called 'O-Hikawa-sama.' The main deities include Susanoo-no-Mikoto and four other gods, two of whom are a married couple, believed to bring blessings for matchmaking and marital harmony. The 'Enmusubi-dama' (marriage knot ball) is made by shrine maidens picking up white gravel from the shrine grounds and having it purified by priests; the quantity is limited each morning. In summer, there is a 'Marriage Wind Chime' corridor.
Little Edo Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street: Visit a small town full of historical treasures and travel back to the Edo and Taisho periods. Kawagoe's Kurazukuri (warehouse-style) old street is also known as Little Edo. One of the reasons for the name is that the local area preserves the culture and architecture of Japan from the Edo period. Visiting this unique warehouse district can evoke the atmosphere of old Edo.
Toki no Kane (Bell of Time): A landmark of Kawagoe. Legend has it that the bell tower was built by the Kawagoe lord 400 years ago, but it was destroyed several times. The current bell tower is the fourth generation. Although it has been rebuilt many times and upgraded to a mechanical bell, it still diligently fulfills its duty of telling the time every day.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Departure/Destination: Tokyo/Nagano
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Transportation: Different vehicle types arranged based on the number of people
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 0 lunches, 1 dinner
Transportation: Bus
Bus Company: Leistar Kanko Sangyo Co., Ltd., etc.
Accommodation: Hotel Green Plaza Karuizawa or equivalent hotel
Minimum group size: 15 people (For 15 people or fewer, the driver acts as the tour guide; for more than 15 people, a separate guide is assigned)
Tour Guide: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company: KKT Co., Ltd.
Address: 1770-23 Kashiwai-cho 1-chome, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba Prefecture
Travel Agency Registration: Chiba Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-1131
Reminders
A minimum of 15 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 14 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 2
Infants and children under 2 years old who do not occupy a seat or bed can participate for free. Each adult is limited to bringing one infant/child who does not occupy a seat or bed. If you are traveling with one, please inform us in the 'Remarks' section when booking.
Due to limited luggage space, each person is limited to one medium-sized suitcase for free. Two people may bring one large suitcase on board. If you have more than two pieces, please inform us in the 'Remarks' section and contact customer service. Thank you for your cooperation.
In the event that attractions cannot be visited due to adverse weather or traffic conditions, the duration of stay at attractions may be adjusted or some attractions may be cancelled. The arrival time for the return trip may also be significantly delayed. Please avoid scheduling activities for that evening. Thank you for your attention.
Room types are subject to hotel availability and cannot be specified. Meals cannot be customized. If there are vegetarians, please inform us in the 'Remarks' section when booking.
Vehicle type used: Assigned based on the number of participants. For small groups, a driver who also serves as an on-board assistant will provide full travel services; no additional tour guide will be assigned. You will explore attractions on your own upon arrival. Thank you for your understanding.
If you have special requests such as smoking/non-smoking rooms or allergy requirements, please note them in advance. Arrangements are subject to the hotel's discretion and cannot be guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding.
The entire hotel is non-smoking. If you need to smoke, please use the designated smoking area. If the hotel does not have a designated smoking area, smoking is prohibited both inside and outside the premises. If you smoke in a non-designated area, you will be required to pay a cleaning fee as determined by the hotel. If your actions trigger the smoke alarm, the hotel may report it to the police, and you will be held responsible for any repair costs and liabilities. Thank you for your cooperation.
Reference vehicle types: 9-14 seater: Toyota Hiace or equivalent; 18-22 seater: Minibus; 26+ seater: Large coach. The above vehicles are for reference only; actual vehicle models will be adjusted based on the number of participants on the day. For groups of 14 or fewer, the driver will also serve as the tour guide (Chinese/basic English).
FAQ
1. When is the ideal season to experience Kusatsu Onsen and its surroundings?
Kusatsu Onsen is a delightful destination year-round. Autumn (October-November) offers stunning foliage, while winter (December-March) transforms the town into a snowy wonderland, perfect for enjoying the hot springs. Spring (April-May) brings beautiful blossoms, and summer (June-September) provides a refreshing escape with pleasant highland weather, ideal for exploring the natural attractions like Shiraito Falls and Kumoba Pond.
2. What are the must-see highlights and unique experiences at Kusatsu Onsen's Yubatake area?
The Yubatake (hot water field) is the iconic centerpiece of Kusatsu Onsen, where you can witness the source of the thermal waters. Key experiences include watching the traditional 'Yumomi' (hot water stirring) performance, strolling through the charming hot spring town, and relaxing at one of the public foot baths. The area around the Yubatake offers a vibrant atmosphere with souvenir shops and eateries, embodying the essence of a traditional Japanese hot spring resort.
3. What are the primary transportation methods from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen?
From Tokyo, common ways to reach Kusatsu Onsen include taking an express bus directly from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, which offers a convenient direct route. Alternatively, you can take a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Karuizawa Station, then transfer to a local bus heading to Kusatsu Onsen. Many travelers also opt for organized bus tours departing from Tokyo, which include all transportation to Kusatsu Onsen and other nearby attractions, offering a hassle-free travel experience.
4. How can visitors travel efficiently between Karuizawa and Kusatsu Onsen by bus?
To travel from Karuizawa to Kusatsu Onsen, you can take a direct bus service. Buses typically depart from Karuizawa Station's North Exit. The journey usually takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and specific bus stops. Services are operated by companies like Seibu Kogen Bus or Kusakaru Kotsu. It's advisable to check the latest bus schedules and routes upon arrival at Karuizawa Station for the most up-to-date information.
5. What natural scenery and activities can be enjoyed at Shiraito Falls and Kumoba Pond?
At Shiraito Falls, visitors can enjoy a serene forest walk leading to the beautiful curtain-like waterfall, known for its numerous fine streams resembling white threads. Kumoba Pond, often called 'Swan Lake,' offers tranquil lakeside strolls, particularly picturesque during autumn foliage or spring greenery. These spots provide a refreshing escape into nature, allowing visitors to experience the fresh highland air and scenic beauty.
6. What historical landmarks and cultural attractions are prominent in Koedo Kawagoe?
Koedo Kawagoe, known as 'Little Edo,' preserves the atmosphere of Japan's Edo period. Key attractions include the iconic Toki no Kane (Bell Tower), which chimes four times a day. You can also wander through Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) for traditional sweets, visit the historical Hikawa Shrine known for matchmaking, and explore the beautifully preserved merchant houses (Kurazukuri) that line the old streets, offering a glimpse into bygone eras.
7. What kind of shopping opportunities are available at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza?
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is a expansive outlet mall nestled amidst picturesque surroundings. It features a wide array of domestic and international brands, offering everything from fashion apparel and accessories to lifestyle goods and outdoor equipment. Visitors can enjoy ample time exploring numerous shops, finding various items, and taking breaks at its many cafes and restaurants within the complex.
8. What type of accommodation and dining arrangements are included in a typical 2-day Kusatsu Onsen tour?
A typical 2-day tour visiting Kusatsu Onsen usually includes a stay at an onsen hotel, providing one night's accommodation. This often features traditional Japanese-style rooms or comfortable Western-style rooms, with access to the hotel's hot spring baths. Dining arrangements commonly include two meals: a traditional Japanese dinner, which may feature local specialties, and breakfast, offering a convenient and immersive cultural experience.
