Offbeat Japanese Vacation Destinations | Karuizawa, Hikawa Shrine & Koedo Kawagoe Day Tour | Depart from Tokyo

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-Important Notes-

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

• Children aged 0-2 years old can ride for free without occupying a seat; please inform us in advance when registering; children aged 3 years old and above ride the same as adults.

• If there is not enough space on the bus because a child under 3 years old who does not occupy a seat has not been ordered, the child will be refused boarding and the fee will not be refunded.

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

• Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seater: Toyota HAICE or equivalent; 18-22 seater: mini bus; 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 the day.

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

- Attractions -

【Karuizawa】Japanese resort

Karuizawa is the filming location of the popular Japanese TV series "Quartet". Surrounded by beautiful mountains, it is known as the best place for eco-tourism. Larch and birch trees grow luxuriantly here, and the natural environment is pleasant. It is the most famous luxury villa area and upper-class settlement in Japan. Legend has it that the emperor met his life partner here.

• Karuizawa Prince Outlets

This outlet in Karuizawa is known as the most beautiful outlet in Japan. It has more than 200 brand clothing stores (including Prada, Coach, DKNY, TOD'S, etc.) and more than 100 restaurants, and even includes a golf course and ski resort. It is divided into five areas, with a total of more than 200 shops, ranging from European and American big brands to Japanese mid-line brands. The prices are much cheaper than those in Tokyo and Osaka. ※You can choose to get off and stay at the outlet, or you can take the bus to the next attraction: Hoshino Resorts

• Hoshino Resorts

Cloud pool:

Kumoba Pond is a lake located in the southeastern region of Nagano. This lake, known as Swan Lake, is the best place for forest bathing and a summer resort. Attracted by the red maple trees on both sides of the Kumoba Pond, the red maple trees of Kumoba Pond are reflected in the lake, which is as picturesque as a poem. Kumoba Pond likes to change clothes with the seasons. In summer, Kumoba Pond wears a green long skirt, which looks charming against the blue sky. The tender green leaves by the pool complement the clear water of Kumoba Pond. In autumn, Kumoba Pond drags another red skirt, which is extremely beautiful. The red maple leaves are reflected in the emerald water, like a natural landscape painting.

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

Located in Nagano Prefecture, Elm Street Town is a shopping district with nine buildings connected by wide wooden decks, set in a natural environment with more than 100 wild spring elms. This commercial facility is themed around "experiencing the daily life of Karuizawa" and features 16 unique shops, including stores, restaurants, and cafes. There are also branches of popular soba noodle shops and bakeries in the old Karuizawa area, as well as boutique shops such as Nordic quality grocery stores and home furnishings. The entire Elm Street Town is a space full of healing atmosphere, with benches under the shade of trees by the river, so you can sit down and rest at any time when you are tired of walking. There is also a well-maintained trail where you can enjoy the beautiful nature while walking. Elm Street Town holds various events in different seasons. For example, "Karuizawa Umbrella Sky", where you can experience the rainy season, decorates the entire neighborhood with colorful umbrellas, and there are also exciting events such as the Christmas illumination show in winter.

Hoshino Hot Spring:

The hot springs operated by the Hoshino Group are known as "beautifying hot springs". The hot springs are located at the foot of the mountain. You can immerse yourself in the open-air bath and enjoy the magnificent scenery. The open glass windows of the indoor bath also allow you to see the outdoor scenery at a glance. Cost: Adults 1,300 yen (1,500 yen in August)

【Hikawa Shrine + Kawagoe Little Edo】

• Kawagoe

"Travel" back to the Edo period 400 years ago and experience the dreamlike feeling of time going backwards. There are many small Kyotos in the world, but there is only one small Edo in Kawagoe. Kawagoe was very prosperous in the Edo period and was known as "Little Edo". It is not only full of Edo style, but also has Western-style buildings with a romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era and alleys in the Showa style. Kawagoe is also one of the filming locations of the anime "Tsuki ga Mitsuki". It has attracted many anime fans to come here for a "pilgrimage".

Recommended Tours:

• Hikawa Shrine

Hikawa Shrine is a famous "Internet celebrity attraction". It is the "head shrine" of more than 200 Hikawa Shrines in Japan. It is said to have a history of 1,500 years. Since ancient times, it has been a holy place for seeking marriage and perfect love. People often hold Japanese weddings here, and there are endless men and women who come here to make wishes every day. There is also a small tunnel made up of wishing ema in the shrine, which is also one of the must-visit check-in points for netizens. The "lottery" at Hikawa Shrine is also very unique. The lotteries are hidden in the sea bream doll, which symbolizes auspiciousness, and need to be fished out with a "fishing rod".

• Kurazo Ichiban Street

Kawagoe City was a prosperous city during the Edo period as the castle town of the Kawagoe Domain. The city has preserved many historic streets and temples from the Edo period, and is full of nostalgic feelings. The karaoke houses made of black bricks and tiles are particularly famous, and the entire city has been designated as a "Japanese Traditional Buildings Preservation Area."

• Clock of Time

The landmark of Kawagoe, the bell tower is said to have been built by the lord of Kawagoe four hundred years ago, but it has been destroyed several times since then. The current bell tower is the fourth generation bell tower. Although it has been rebuilt many times and has been changed to a mechanical bell as the times progress, it still fulfills the responsibility of telling time every day.

• Kashiya Yokocho

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