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All Karuizawa Tours & Excursions in 2026

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Step into the Edo period and follow in the footsteps of shoguns and travelers on the historic Nakasendo. This guided walking tour takes you across the Usui Pass, once known as the most difficult section of the route, while immersing yourself in history and nature. Along the way, Kamishibai storytelling brings to life legends of Sakamoto-juku, depicted in ukiyo-e prints. Dressed in Edo-style travel gear (sedge hat, straw raincoat, travel pass), you’ll visit landmarks such as Kumano Shrine, the Usui Sekisho checkpoint, and the Nagai Family Residence, where Emperor Meiji once stayed. Experience the journey with all five senses: See: History and legends through Kamishibai Taste: Chaya Bento with Toge no Chikara Mochi Hear: Multilingual guide commentary Smell: Cedar forest phytoncide walk Touch: Cross the pass in Edo traveler attire At the end, receive a souvenir certifying your Usui Pass crossing. Relive samurai culture and discover one of Japan’s most fascinating walking routes.

Usui Pass Edo Era Walk

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Picchio's nature watching tour takes advantage of the abundant nature surrounding Karuizawa, immersing guests in a tranquil forest environment to enjoy nature as it is. There is the opportunity to see wildlife including Japanese squirrels, montane brown frogs, and many bird species. Our expert guides share their knowledge and passion, hoping to inspire people to love and engage with Japanese nature. *Guided in Japanese and basic English (English ability varies by guide). ■ Important Notes ・Rain: Held in rain (bring rainwear). Cancelled only in severe weather. ・Trail: Approx. 2km unpaved. No strollers or wheelchairs. ・Infants (0-3): Free, but please bring a baby carrier as they may get tired. ・Bring: Water bottle (refills available at reception) & bug spray/long clothes in summer. ・Parking: Use Hoshino Area P1 (next to Sonmin Shokudo, 5-min walk). Extra parking in peak seasons. ・Cancellation: 100% fee applies for no-shows or if you arrive too late to join.

Wild Bird Sanctuary Forest Guided Tour in Nagano

2 hoursFree Cancellation

On a branch

Discover the wild Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel during this guided nature tour. Professional nature guides who're familiar with the squirrel's lifestyle and gliding patterns will help you see them in their natural habitat. Native to Japan, learn about where they live and why, as well as their diet and behaviors while visiting the Picchio Visitor Center. Afterwards, bask in the silence and admire the sight of the squirrels at play.

Wild Japanese Flying Squirrel Watching Tour in Nagano

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Karuizawa! Karuizawa is a quaint mountain resort that’s rich in nature and a prime leisure destination. From stunning natural landscapes to fun filled man made attractions, there’s always something to see and do in the place John Lennon loved to escape to. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best things to do when you visit, so you can pick what suits you, without the stress. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Karuizawa Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Karuizawa Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Shinanoji Nature Trail is a hiking course about 10km in length, which is almost a descent from the peak teahouse. Walk about 7,5 km to the hot spots in Oze, which has many attractions. A downhill trek is relaxed while being healed by the colorful miscellaneous trees and larch forest. You can also see the two famous Karuizawa waterfalls (Shiraito Falls and Dragon Falls) along the way. This course is recommended for people who are not always confident in their physical fitness, and young and old alike, since the entire trip is almost a descent. From Oze Onsen, it is also possible to return to the peak chaya parking lot by bus or directly to Karuizawa Station.

Relax and refresh in Karuizawa Forest! Shinanoji down trekking around two people

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

It is a trekking tour with an exclusive guide to the summit of the small Asama mountain of the Asama mountain foot. Koasayama is a parasitic volcano on the eastern foot of Mt. Asama at an altitude of 1,655 m. A guide will guide you through the formation and vegetation of Mt. Asama and aim at the summit. As it is about two and a half hours by round trip, if you are new to mountain climbing, you can feel free to participate regardless of age or sex. From the top of the mountain covered by the volcano, the spectacular Mt. Asama and the wonderful prospects await.

Trekking on the Mt. Asama with a great view

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Whether you are a child or a foreign tourist, anyone can enjoy authentic soba noodle making experience at Shinshu Soba Restaurant Yamahei in Karuizawa Prince Outlets (5-minute walk from Karuizawa Shinkansen Station). An Experienced instructor will carefully guide you through the process of kneading, stretching, and cutting soba noodles. The finished soba noodles will be served with tempura and the famous walnut sauce on the spot.

Japanese Noodle Making Class

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Meet in Karuizawa as early as 10:00 a.m. and enjoy a relaxed, flexible journey to Kusatsu with a dedicated private guide until up to 5:00 p.m. Travel comfortably by private vehicle, avoiding crowded buses and trains, with a hotel-to-hotel transfer from Karuizawa to Kusatsu. During the tour, your luggage can be stored in the vehicle, allowing you to travel hands-free. You may stop at selected highlights such as Harunire Terrace, Onioshidashi Park, Shiraito Falls, and Asama Farm according to your preferences, with free stops at scenic photo spots. If you wish to visit locations not listed, please consult with us in advance. The itinerary can be adjusted within the available time and route. This tour is ideal for travelers who value flexibility, local insight, and a personalized experience while enjoying the nature and attractions of the Karuizawa–Kusatsu area. Arrival times may vary depending on the places visited.

Hands-Free Private Sightseeing Shuttle from Karuizawa to Kusatsu

1 hour 20 minutes to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

-Snow mountain hiking at the foot of Asama- Karuizawa Snowshoe Tour

2 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

See the unique and captivating snow monkeys and explore cultural highlights on this private tour. Visit top sightseeing spots in Hokushin and the Northern Nagano area. Go to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, renowned home to the special snow monkeys (admission fee not included). Then, head to Obuse Town, where you’ll visit the Hokusai Katsushika Museum and the optional addition of the Ganshoin Temple.

Snow Monkey in "Jigokudani Yaen-koen" & Obuse Town

8 hoursFree Cancellation

This private and customizable tour for Karuizawa city (in Nagano Prefecture) is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. Discover 4-5 attractions in Karuizawa City at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour full day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences. After booking, you'll receive a form with varied themes, allowing easy selection based on your interests. Whether it's culture, history, cuisine, nature, or special events, you can highlight your preferences and must-see spots, streamlining our planning process.

Karuizawa Private Customizable Full Day Tour

Price varies by group size

Experience Local Soba Making in Karuizawa

2 hours 30 minutes

Price varies by group size

Walk past Karuizawa inn from the former Nakayama Road to the Sakamoto inn. Sui Hui is a place that was once said to be the most difficult place in Zhongshan Road. At the top of the Usui Pass, you can see the view point of the Kanto plains panoramic view and the Kumano Imperial Shrine, which is famous for its power spots. After that, while going down the borge weir, we aim for Sakamoto inn while passing "Yamanaka teahouse ruins", "Sakamoto inn" with a panoramic view "Nagi". At the end of the trekking we will stop by and guide you to the hot spring "Kotonoyu". Slowly bathe in the hot spring, but if you are on your way back to Yokogawa Station, return to Karuizawa by bus.

Old Nakasendo trekking from Karuizawa-Beyond Sugahi Pass to Sakamoto Hotel-

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

The biggest feature of this tour is the high chance of seeing wild animals. The wildlife encounter rate over the past 3 years has been 99.5%.The guides at Picchio are familiar with the ecology of all the wildlife species. They will be able to guide you through the unique aspects of living creatures from an expert perspective, not only from observing the animals themselves but also from observing the surrounding natural environment and ecosystem as a whole. *This tour is guided in Japanese and basic English. English ability may vary depending on the guide.

Wildlife Night Drive in Nagano, Japan

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Private Photoshoot Experience in Karuizawa

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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