Karuizawa would be ideal for beginners to go cycling as Karuizawa has many easy paths. Beautiful larch forests would make you feel so relax. I would highly recommend going cycling if you visit Karuizawa between May to June, and mid Sep to early Nov as Karuizawa would be a comfortable climate during these periods. There are some bicycle rental shops around the north exit of the Karuizawa station. Most of them open between 8:00AM to 9:00AM. It costs approx. 1,000yen per day.
- Let’s start from Karuizawa Station
- Go to Former Mikasa Hotel. You can see Karuizawa New Art museum at the right side on the way. It takes 30min from the station to the hotel. If you are the first time to visit the hotel, I would recommend go around on site.
- After visiting the hotel, go to Coffee Kageki for a short break which is a Western‐style building. The café opens at 10:00AM is very popular among local people. Also if you are a coffee lover, you must try it.
- After the break, go to Kumoba pond. It takes 10min from the café.
- After visiting the pond, go to Hotel Kashima no Mori. It takes 7min from the pond. You can enter into the hotel even if you are not a guest. If you have enough time to explore on the premise, you might want to chill out at the hotel. If you visit there in late Oct to early Nov, you could see wonderful views of autumn color leaves.
- After visiting the hotel, go to St.Paul’s Catholic Church Karuizawa. It takes 5min from the hotel.
- I guess you are getting hungry ! Then go to “Restaurant Kazurabe” with a homey atmosphere at a reasonable price. If you want to try Casual French food in Karuizawa, I would recommend this restaurant. *Close every Tuesdays.
- After having lunch, go and cross Nite bridge.
- Pass through the street which is called “Sasayaki no Komichi”
- Go back to Karuizawa Station. It takes 12min from the bridge to the station. This is the goal ! I hope you enjoy the route. Have a great trip !