Spots List | V-Trip Japan

Hotel Cypress Karuizawa

A sophisticated resort hotel that offers a blend of modern luxury and forest tranquility. Famous for its spacious guest rooms equipped with private balconies and kitchenettes, it provides a "second home" experience. Guests can enjoy the mineral-rich hot springs and exquisite French-inspired cuisine featuring local Shinshu ingredients. It is an ideal sanctuary for those seeking a high-end, relaxing retreat within walking distance of Karuizawa's main attractions.

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Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu

A sophisticated and spacious natural hot spring facility that has been a favorite retreat since 1915. Surrounded by the beautiful forest of the Hoshino area, it features a grand indoor bath with high ceilings and large granite pools, as well as a stunning open-air bath. The water is legendary for its skin-beautifying qualities. It offers a luxurious yet authentic onsen experience, where guests can soak in the warm waters while listening to the wind in the trees and observing the changing colors of the seasons.

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Hoshinoya Karuizawa

A historic and spiritual landmark originally built in 1921 as a salon for liberal arts. Nestled in a peaceful forest, the wooden church exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is famous for its "Candle Night" events and is a beloved venue for weddings, symbolizing the town's deep connection with Western culture and philosophy. Visitors are drawn to its serene beauty and the sense of timeless peace that resonates within its classic triangular architecture and the surrounding natural splendor.

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Harunire Terrace

A stylish "town within a forest" featuring wooden decks connected by over 100 wild harunire (elm) trees. This chic outdoor mall offers a selection of boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes where visitors can relax by the murmuring Yu-gawa river. It perfectly embodies Karuizawa's "modern heritage" lifestyle, blending natural tranquility with sophisticated design. It is an ideal spot for a leisurely morning coffee or a gourmet lunch surrounded by lush greenery and fresh mountain air.

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Karuizawa Kogen Bunko

A literary museum located within the Karuizawa Taliesin park, dedicated to the writers and poets who lived in and loved Karuizawa. The museum exhibits original manuscripts, first editions, and personal belongings of famous Japanese authors like Tatsuo Hori and Saisei Muro. The grounds feature relocated historic summer villas, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated literary salons of the mid-20th century. It is a peaceful destination where culture, literature, and nature harmoniously meet, providing deep inspiration for all visitors.

Nagano
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Nagano

Kumano Kotai-jinja Shrine

A unique spiritual spot located on the border between Nagano and Gunma Prefectures, with the boundary line running directly through the center of the shrine. It is famous for its ancient "Shinano-ki" tree, estimated to be over 850 years old, which is a popular "power spot" for health and luck. Visitors can enjoy the rare experience of visiting two shrines in one and admire the stunning views from the nearby Usui Pass. It is a mystical destination where ancient mythology and natural energy coexist in a peaceful mountain setting.

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Kumoba Pond

Often called "Swan Lake," this picturesque pond is one of the most scenic spots in Karuizawa. The calm, mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding forest and the clear blue sky, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It is particularly famous for its breathtaking autumn foliage, where brilliant reds and yellows reflect stunningly on the water. A walk around the pond takes about 20 minutes, offering a tranquil retreat where you can enjoy the quiet beauty of the changing seasons and fresh mountain air.

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Nagano

Shiraito Falls

A stunning natural masterpiece where groundwater from Mt. Asama filters through the rock layers and flows like a delicate white silk curtain. Standing 3 meters high and 70 meters wide, the waterfall curves gracefully, creating a mystical atmosphere filled with negative ions. Unlike typical waterfalls fed by rivers, its flow remains constant and clear year-round. It is a premier spot for forest bathing, where the vibrant greenery of summer and the fiery maple leaves of autumn create a breathtaking contrast.

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Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street

The historical heart of Karuizawa, where its identity as an international resort began. This charming street is lined with historic bakeries, trendy cafes, and boutiques selling local specialties like high-quality jams and honey. Walking through the wooden architecture and retro storefronts feels like stepping back into a classic era of Japanese high society. It is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, offering a delightful blend of traditional hospitality and elegant Western influence.

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Karuizawa Town

Japan's premier international mountain resort, famous for its elegant atmosphere, cool summer climate, and high-end lifestyle. Known as a beloved retreat for artists, writers, and international celebrities, the town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and sophisticated culture. Visitors can enjoy exploring fashionable boutiques in Kyu-Karuizawa, relaxing in forest cafes, or visiting modern art museums. With its beautiful forests, historic churches, and world-class luxury hotels, Karuizawa provides an unmatched resort experience for discerning travelers.

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Jinmyo-ji Temple

A historic temple of the Nichiren sect known for its serene atmosphere and deep cultural heritage. It is famous for its "Goju-no-to" (five-story pagoda) and the beautiful seasonal flowers that decorate the temple grounds, particularly the stunning hydrangeas in early summer. The temple also features unique stone carvings and a peaceful garden designed for contemplation. It is a spiritual destination where visitors can experience the profound tranquility of Japanese Buddhism and the quiet beauty of Nagano’s traditional sacred spaces.

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Shinwa-no-oka Rose Garden

A stunning hilltop garden overlooking the Ina valley, featuring over 2,000 roses of approximately 270 varieties. The garden is beautifully designed to bloom in harmony with the surrounding alpine scenery. Visitors can stroll through fragrant paths of colorful blossoms while enjoying panoramic views of the Southern Alps. It is a peaceful sanctuary for flower lovers and families, offering a romantic and refreshing atmosphere that captures the delicate and vibrant side of Nagano’s high-altitude nature.

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Ina City

A vibrant city nestled between the Central and Southern Alps, offering grand landscapes and rich agricultural heritage. It is known as the home of "Takato Soba" and various local delicacies. The city provides numerous outdoor activities, from trekking in high-altitude meadows to cycling through picturesque rural valleys. With its combination of historic sites, farm-to-table dining, and majestic mountain views, Ina offers a peaceful yet active escape into the authentic heart of Nagano’s natural beauty.

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Takato Joshi Park

One of Japan’s premier cherry blossom spots, famous for its unique "Kohiganzakura" variety, which features smaller, deep pink petals. Over 1,500 trees create a stunning "cherry blossom cloud" effect across the historic castle ruins. The reflection of the flowers in the pond and the backdrop of the snow-capped Central Alps make it a world-class scenic destination. It is a place where history and seasonal beauty merge, offering a magical and unforgettable spring experience for visitors.

Nagano
Sightseeing
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Nagano

Shimoguri-no-sato

A breathtaking village perched on a steep slope at an altitude of 800 to 1,100 meters, often called the "Tyrol of Japan." The dramatic landscape features traditional houses and farms clinging to a 40-degree incline, offering a spectacular view of the Southern Alps. It is a place where traditional agricultural life continues in harmony with the challenging terrain. The view from the designated "Ten-no-Sato" observation point is world-class, providing a powerful sense of wonder at human resilience and the beauty of high-altitude living.

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Achi Village

Famous as the place with the "Most Beautiful Starry Sky in Japan," this village offers an unforgettable night experience at an altitude of 1,400 meters. Visitors can take a night gondola to watch the Milky Way and countless stars in the pure, unpolluted mountain air. In spring, the village is covered in stunning peach blossoms, turning the landscape into a colorful paradise. It is a premier destination for romance and healing, where nature’s celestial beauty creates memories that last a lifetime.

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Iida City

A historic city in Southern Nagano known as the "Little Kyoto of Shinshu," featuring elegant streets and a rich tradition of puppet theater. The city is the gateway to the Central and Southern Alps and is famous for its high-quality apples and traditional "Mizuhiki" paper cord crafts. Visitors can enjoy exploring old samurai districts, visiting local sake breweries, and experiencing the warm hospitality of a mountain city that beautifully preserves its cultural heritage alongside its natural splendor.

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Toyama-go

A mystical hidden valley in the Southern Alps, known as one of Japan's most remote and authentic traditional areas. It is famous for the "Shimotsuki Matsuri," a unique spirit-cleansing festival that inspired Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away." The area is a sanctuary of ancient folk traditions, high-altitude villages, and serene mountain landscapes. It offers a rare opportunity to experience a "lost Japan" where the deep connection between people, gods, and nature is still alive.

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Tenryu-kyo Gorge

A breathtaking gorge designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, where the Tenryu River carves through massive granite cliffs. Visitors can enjoy the dramatic landscape from the "Tenryu-kyo Line" boat tours or walk across the "Tsutsuji-hashi" suspension bridge for a thrilling aerial view. The valley is particularly famous for its vibrant cherry blossoms in spring and fiery red maples in autumn, offering a masterpiece of nature’s seasonal artistry in Southern Nagano.

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Kitaone Kogen Highlands

A beautiful highland plateau located at an altitude of 1,200 meters, offering a direct and powerful view of the majestic Hakuba Sanzan mountains. Accessible by chairlift, it features walking trails, a refreshing footbath with a view, and various nature-themed activities. In summer, it is a peaceful retreat filled with alpine flowers and cool breezes, while in autumn, the colorful foliage transforms the landscape. It is an ideal spot for families and those who want to experience the grandeur of the Alps without a strenuous climb.

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Happo Pond

A stunning alpine pond located at an altitude of 2,060 meters, reached by a scenic hike from the top of the Hakuba Happo-one lift. Famous for its crystal-clear water that reflects the majestic "Hakuba Sanzan" peaks like a mirror, it is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the Japanese Alps. The hiking trail is well-maintained and surrounded by rare alpine flowers in summer. It offers a surreal and peaceful atmosphere, making it a dream destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.

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Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort

One of Japan’s most iconic and largest ski resorts, famous for its long downhill runs and challenging terrain. It was a main venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics and offers a massive 1,100-meter vertical drop. The resort provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Its high altitude ensures excellent snow quality, while the variety of slopes caters to everyone from families to professional athletes, making it a must-visit destination for serious winter sports enthusiasts.

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Hime River Headwaters Nature Park

A peaceful nature park where the crystal-clear waters of the Hime River originate from pure underground springs. It is famous for its lush greenery and the rare "Fukujuso" (Adonis ramosa) flowers that bloom in early spring. The easy walking trails lead through wetlands and forests, offering a serene atmosphere where you can hear only the sound of flowing water and birdsong. It is a designated National Natural Monument, preserving the pristine and delicate ecosystem of Hakuba’s mountain waters.

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Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden

One of Japan's largest alpine botanical gardens, located at an altitude of 1,515 meters. Accessible by gondola, it features over 300 species of rare alpine plants, including the mysterious "Himalayan Blue Poppy." Visitors can enjoy easy walking trails with stunning views of the Northern Alps. In summer, the mountain is covered in vibrant blossoms, while in autumn, the golden foliage creates a breathtaking landscape. It is a must-visit for nature lovers and families seeking the delicate beauty of high-altitude flora.

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