Japan's Off-the-beaten-path Holiday Destinations | Karuizawa, Hikawa Shrine, and Kawagoe Koedo Day Trip (Departing from Tokyo)

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Important Notes

• Each person can bring one piece of luggage free of charge, with no size limit (please note when registering).

• Children aged 0-2 years old can ride free of charge if they do not occupy a seat; please inform us in advance when registering; children aged 3 years old and above are treated the same as adults.

• If there is insufficient space on the bus due to the lack of an order for children under 3 years old who do not occupy a seat, the child will be refused boarding and the fee will not be refunded.

• Driver-guide service (small groups of 1-13 people; bus groups of 14-45 people, the actual number of people in the group will be adjusted according to the departure date).

• Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seater: Toyota HAICE or equivalent; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22 seater and above: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only and will be adjusted according to the number of people in the group on that day.

• This trip involves a long drive, so please choose carefully if you mind.

- Attractions Introduction -

【Karuizawa】Japanese resort

Karuizawa, the filming location for the popular Japanese drama "Quartet," is known for its scenic mountain scenery and ecotourism. Its lush larch and birch trees create a pleasant natural environment, making it a renowned destination for luxury villas and high society. Legend has it that the Emperor met his lifelong partner here.

• Karuizawa Prince Outlets

This outlet mall in Karuizawa is known as Japan's most beautiful, boasting over 200 brand-name clothing stores (including Prada, Coach, DKNY, and TOD'S), over 100 restaurants, and even a golf course and ski resort. Divided into five zones, it boasts approximately 200 shops, ranging from major European and American brands to mid-tier Japanese brands. Prices are significantly lower than those in Tokyo and Osaka. You can choose to stop at the outlet mall or continue on to the next attraction: Hoshino Resorts.

• Hoshino Resorts

Cloud pool:

Kumoba Pond, located in southeastern Nagano, is known as Swan Lake and is perfect for forest bathing, making it a popular summer escape. Be captivated by the vibrant crimson maple trees lining its banks, the lake's crimson colors reflected in the lake create a picturesque scene. Kumoba Pond changes its appearance with the seasons. In summer, it wears a long green dress, radiant against the azure sky. The vibrant green leaves along its banks complement the lake's emerald waters. In autumn, Kumoba Pond drapes a vibrant crimson dress, a breathtaking spectacle. The crimson maple leaves are reflected in the emerald waters, creating a natural landscape painting.

Karuizawa Elm Street Town Harunire Terrace (lunch is optional):

Located in Nagano Prefecture, Elm Street Town is a shopping district comprised of nine buildings connected by wide wooden decks, nestled amidst a natural setting of over 100 wild spring elm trees. This commercial facility, themed around experiencing "daily life in Karuizawa," features 16 unique shops, restaurants, and cafes. It also houses branches of popular soba and bakery shops from the Kyu-Karuizawa area, as well as boutiques like Nordic sundries and homewares. Elm Street Town offers a relaxing atmosphere, with benches shaded by the trees along the riverbank, perfect for resting after a stroll. There are also well-maintained walking paths, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature while strolling. Elm Street Town hosts various seasonal events, including the "Karuizawa Umbrella Sky" event, where the town is decorated with colorful umbrellas during the rainy season, and the winter Christmas illuminations.

Hoshino Onsen:

The hot springs operated by the Hoshinoya Resort & Spa are known as "beautifying hot springs." Nestled at the foot of the mountain, you can soak in the open-air baths and enjoy the magnificent views. The expansive glass windows of the open-air indoor baths also offer unobstructed views of the outdoors. Adults pay their own fee: 1,300 yen (1,500 yen in August).

【Hikawa Shrine + Kawagoe Little Edo】

• Kawagoe

"Travel back four hundred years to the Edo period and experience the dreamlike sensation of stepping back in time. There are many "Little Kyotos" in the world, but there's only one "Little Edo" in Kawagoe. Kawagoe flourished during the Edo period, earning the nickname "Little Edo." The area boasts not only Edo-style charm but also Western-style architecture radiating the romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era and alleyways reminiscent of the Showa era. Kawagoe was also a filming location for the anime "Tsuki ga Mitsuki," attracting many anime fans on a pilgrimage.

Recommended tours:

• Hikawa Shrine

Hikawa Shrine is a popular online attraction. As the headquarters of over 200 Hikawa Shrines in Japan, it boasts a legendary 1,500-year history and has long been a sacred site for seeking love and marriage. Japanese weddings are often held here, and a constant stream of couples make wishes daily. The shrine also boasts a small tunnel of wishing ema, a must-see for online users. Hikawa Shrine's fortune-telling system is also unique. The fortune paper is hidden inside a sea bream figurine, a symbol of good fortune, and is retrieved using a fishing rod.

• Kurazo Ichiban Street

Kawagoe City flourished during the Edo Period as the castle town of the Kawagoe Domain. The city retains many historic streets and temples from the Edo period, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The black brick and tiled karaoke houses are particularly famous, and the entire city has been designated a "Preservation Area for Traditional Japanese Buildings."

• Clock of Time

A landmark of Kawagoe, the bell tower is said to have been built by the lord of Kawagoe Domain 400 years ago. However, it has been destroyed several times since then. The current bell tower is the fourth generation. Although it has been rebuilt many times and has been replaced with a mechanical bell as time progresses, it still diligently tells the time every day.

• Confectionery Yokocho

In Kashiya Yokocho in Kawagoe, there are many traditional candy shops. Not only can you feel the strong traditional style, but you can also buy the most traditional candies and snacks in Japan.