From Tokyo: Karuizawa, Hoshino Resorts Area, & Glacier Shrine Guided Day Trip

Imperial retreat and picturesque scenery

Including return transfers from 2 Tokyo locations, this guided day trip takes you on an exploration of Japan’s natural and historical gems. First up is Karuizawa, a premier resort destination popular among the crème de la crème of society. As you explore, hear about the former Emperor Akihito who met his significant other in this beautiful town.

You have some free time to admire the captivating Hoshino Resorts area and tranquil the Kumoba Pond/Swan Lake. If you are inclined towards shopping, visit the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza that offers over 200 international and Japanese brands.

Then, move on to Karuizawa Harunire Terrace, a charming outdoor shopping area nestled in lush forests, offering boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants that provide a relaxing escape in nature. The wooden terraces and riverside views create a serene atmosphere for leisurely strolls, while seasonal events make each visit special. During the rainy season, the "Karuizawa Umbrella Sky" decorates the area with vibrant umbrellas, capturing the essence of the season. In winter, you can see the Christmas illumination displays that add a magical touch. So, whether you're enjoying local cuisine, shopping for unique souvenirs, or taking in the seasonal beauty, this spot offers a memorable experience all-year-round.

Hot spring experience and Edo-period charm

The trip continues on towards Hoshino Onsen, a hot spring known for its “beauty skin” waters. Take the opportunity to rejuvenate yourself (price excluded). An open-air bath or an indoor bath with expansive glass windows lets you soak in both the water and the mountain views.

Your final destination is Kawagoe, often referred to as “Little Edo” due to the well-preserved architecture and atmosphere from the Edo period (1603 to 1868). Imagine Japan of the past as you see Showa-style alleyways and visit the sacred site of the 1,500 years old Hikawa shrine. A short distance away from the Edo-style warehouse district, you’ll find the "Toki no Kane", a 4th reconstruction of a bell tower built 400 years ago. The trip ends on a sweet note at Kashiya Yokocho or Candy Alley, lined with stores selling traditional Japanese sweets.

Itinerary

• 8am / 8:30am - Pick-up from Tokyo Station / Shinjuku Nishiguchi

• Karuizawa area

• Hoshino Resorts area (Approx. 2 hours, free time) OR Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

• Karuizawa Kogen Church (Highland Church)

• Hoshino Onsen

• Glacier Shrine + Kawagoe “Little Edo”

• 5pm - Return to Tokyo

From Tokyo: Karuizawa, Hoshino Resorts Area, & Glacier Shrine Guided Day Trip

Emerging from bustling Tokyo streets, you’re whisked away into a world of serene landscapes and luxurious retreats as this day trip crafts an escape tailored for explorers of natural beauty, devotees of wellness, and seekers of tranquility. Karuizawa, your first destination, is a haven nestled among the mountains where breathtaking scenery meets plush accommodations at Hoshino Resorts. Your journey unfolds with stops at picturesque Swan Lake, offering serene reflections against its tranquil waters, while the open-air baths of Hoshino Onsen beckon you to unwind in therapeutic mineral-rich waters amidst lush greenery and panoramic views. With Shinjuku Nishiguchi or Tokyo Station serving as convenient starting points, this tour weaves a tapestry of relaxation and discovery that offers memorable encounters to forge lasting bonds while understanding the serene yet dynamic essence of Japan.

Exploring Karuizawa's Luxurious Villa Community

Visit Karuizawa during the tour’s highlight segment where picturesque landscapes meet opulent retreats, offering an escape into a world of natural beauty and luxury. Nestled in the Japanese Alps, this highland resort town boasts sprawling forests, rolling hills, and quaint villas that have attracted artists and aristocrats for generations. Each turn reveals panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and charming streets lined with boutique shops and cafes. The air is crisp, invigorating your senses as you breathe in the fresh mountain breeze while wandering through serene gardens and exploring hidden paths. Karuizawa not only captivates with its scenic beauty but also with its rich cultural heritage, including the Karuizawa Kogen Church—the site where Western-style weddings were first introduced to Japan.

Discovering Hoshino Resorts Area's Instagrammable Spots

Experience Hoshino Resort area as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring some of Japan’s most picturesque landscapes and architectural marvels. Here, you'll find Swan Lake, a serene body of water surrounded by lush greenery where swans glide gracefully across its surface, creating perfect photo opportunities around every corner. The resort itself is designed to blend seamlessly with nature, offering visitors a chance to disconnect from the hustle of city life and reconnect with the serenity of the outdoors. Each element—from meticulously landscaped gardens to rustic wooden lodges—invites you to capture moments that tell stories of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Marveling at Karuizawa Kogen Church’s Historic Weddings

Access Karuizawa Kogen Church showcasing the tour's historical appeal where this charming Gothic-style church stands as a testament to Japan's evolving wedding traditions. Built in 1926, it was the first venue in Japan where brides wore Western-style gowns for their ceremonies, marking a significant cultural shift that has since influenced modern Japanese weddings. Its intricate arches and stained-glass windows create an ethereal backdrop against which love stories are etched into history. As you walk through its hallowed halls, imagine the joy and promise shared by countless couples who have exchanged vows here over the decades.

Relaxing in Hoshino Onsen’s Open-Air Baths

Explore Hoshino Onsen's open-air baths included in the tour package enabling you to immerse yourself in therapeutic waters while surrounded by stunning scenery. Nestled among lush forests and tranquil gardens, these outdoor bathhouses offer a serene retreat from daily life where guests can unwind amidst nature’s beauty. The mineral-rich springs are renowned for their healing properties, providing relief for both body and mind as you gaze at the rolling hills and distant mountains beyond.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Karuizawa's highland villa community luxurious retreats
• Experience Hoshino Resort area Instagrammable spots spectacular
• Explore Swan Lake serene reflections picturesque
• Relax in Hoshino Onsen open-air baths therapeutic optional
• Access Karuizawa Kogen Church historic weddings first-in-Japan unique
• Discover scenic mountain views panoramic breathtaking

Explorers for explorers of natural beauty, Explorers of wellness retreats, and seekers of serene landscapes, this guided day trip weaves a tapestry of relaxation and discovery that offers memorable encounters to forge lasting bonds while understanding the serene yet dynamic essence of Japan. Like a poem painted on the canvas of nature, every moment in Karuizawa and Hoshino Resorts Area promises an escape into tranquility where mountains whisper secrets of peace and lakes mirror moments of reflection.