Karuizawa, with its villas and resort hotels, is a popular summer retreat rich in nature. This column introduces Athletic Activity Popular Spots in Karuizawa that make the most of its natural beauty. Many of these spots are enjoyable for all ages, making them ideal for family trips during Golden Week or Summer vacation.
Please check directly with each spot for the latest business hours, fees, and temporary closures.
Table of Contents
Karuizawa Taliesin is a complex facility around Lake Shiozawa, featuring museums, restaurants, and play areas. Activities include boating, family golf, go-karts, and a playground. The vast 100,000㎡ grounds also house many historical buildings, offering enjoyment for both adults and children. There are also cafes and BBQ restaurants for relaxation after playing.
Karuizawa Taliesin
Address: 217 Nagakura, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
Access: 9 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 37 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
At Rising Field Karuizawa, you can enjoy day BBQs and athletic activities in the forest. The highlight facility, “Owl Adventure,” is a 5-level sky athletic course. You can challenge two courses and experience activities like wooden suspension bridges and ziplines.With safety harnesses provided, even small children can enjoy the challenges. There have even been past challengers as young as 2 years old. You can challenge the courses not only in Summer but also in the snowy Winter season. Playing in the clear air and nature has excellent relaxation effects.
Rising Field Karuizawa
Address: 2129 Yamanokuyurin, Nagakura, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 30 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
Zipline Adventure Karuizawa is an activity where you can enjoy an aerial walk on a course with a total length of 615m. There are six unique courses, with the longest one being 148m, which is very thrilling and popular. The experience time is about 90 to 120 minutes. You can enjoy the exhilarating feeling of running through nature. Accompanied by a professional guide, you can also enjoy hiking along the course. It operates from the end of April to the end of September every year at the Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort.
Zipline Adventure Karuizawa
Address: Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
Access: 2 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 40 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
Sengataki Serene Path is a hiking course along a stream that connects Sengataki Waterfall and the Sengataki parking lot. The round trip is about 2.5km, with a height difference of about 80m. It is a course that takes about 60 minutes for adults to complete a round trip. The trail is surrounded by trees, and you can hear the refreshing sounds of the rustling trees and flowing water. It is recommended to visit in sneakers or other sturdy footwear.
Sengataki Serene Path
Address: Nagakura, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
Access: 20 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 20 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Koasamayama is a mountain located to the East of Mount Asama, where you can enjoy casual trekking. Although it has an elevation of 1655m, you can reach the summit in about 60 minutes from the trailhead. The majestic view of Mount Asama from the summit will surely be a memorable part of your trip. The scenery changes with the Seasons, from fresh greenery in Spring to colorful leaves in Autumn. Professional guides offer trekking tours, which are recommended for beginners and families. After your trek, relax in a nearby hot spring.
Koasamayama
Address: Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
Access: 25 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 20 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Karuizawa is known for its full-fledged activities such as Golf and Paragliding. Here, we introduce recommended activity spots in the Karuizawa area.
Karuizawa Toy Kingdom is a theme park with indoor facilities and attractions that even 0-year-old children can enjoy. The park covers an area larger than one Tokyo Dome and is divided into three areas: “Toy Rooms,” “Attractions,” and “Nature/Athletics.” The “Nature/Athletics” area includes approximately 120 Athletic attractions such as treehouses and suspension bridges.
Karuizawa Toy Kingdom
Address: 2277 Omae Hosohara, Tsumagoi Village, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Access: 60 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station; 20 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
Taiheiyo Club Karuizawa Resort is a Golf course featuring a total of 36 holes, divided into the “Asama Course” and the “Shirakaba Course.” Located at an altitude of 1300 meters, it offers a clear air and a rich natural environment for Golfing. You can move around the fairway using a two-person cart. The clubhouse lobby and restaurant are filled with a luxurious atmosphere. Additionally, there is a large bath where you can relax and wash off the sweat after playing Golf. There is also a BBQ terrace, perfect for having a party with your friends after a round of Golf.
Taiheiyo Club Karuizawa Resort
Address: 2032-279 Kita-Karuizawa, Naganohara Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Access: 30 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 20 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
Karuizawa Kogen Golf Club is located at an altitude of 1200 meters, offering resort Golf in the great outdoors with a refreshing breeze. This well-crafted Par 72 course takes advantage of the natural terrain, providing enjoyable play for both beginners and advanced golfers. The Clubhouse features a natural hot spring with free-flowing water, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s play.
Karuizawa Kogen Golf Club
Address: 2032-5807 Kita-Karuizawa, Naganohara Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Access: 45 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 5 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
Asama Field Network offers nature tours in Karuizawa with the theme “Connecting People and Nature.” Popular activities include cycling tours where you ride mountain bikes across meadows and building treehouses— activities that are difficult to experience in urban areas. One of the attractions is the private tours that allow families and friends to enjoy the activities together. They offer programs tailored to the seasons, so you can enjoy them not only in summer but throughout the year.
Asama Field Network
Address: 140 Hachiman, Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: 30 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 50 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
Asama Ranch Teahouse is a spot where you can interact with animals amidst rich nature. Rabbits, goats, and sheep are always there to greet you. You can have a fun time feeding them and touching them. In the Summer, the area expands to offer horse riding experiences. Additionally, don’t miss out on the crafting experiences, such as candle making and sausage making, which make for memorable activities with family and friends. For lunch, the roast beef rice bowl and Asama steak come highly recommended. Be sure to also try the farm’s special soft serve ice cream and milk served in a mug.
Asama Ranch Teahouse
Address: 1990-800 Kita-Karuizawa, Naganohara Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Access: 30 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 10 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
If you want to enjoy outdoor activities in winter, head to Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort. The resort has six courses and seven lifts/gondolas, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. There is also a kids’ park where children can enjoy sledding and tubing. The resort provides a free heated rest area, making it perfect for family ski trips. You can rent a complete set of ski gear and gloves, so you don’t need to bring your equipment if you’re traveling from afar.
Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort
Address: Shirane National Forest 158, Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Access: 60 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 40 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
NOA Base Kawarayu Onsen Station Campsite is directly connected to JR Kawarayu Onsen Station, allowing you to enjoy nature and play easily. The campsite is well-equipped with facilities such as BBQ area with a roof, a full set of gas grills and tools. Rental bicycles, SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard), canoe, and kayak tours are also available at the lake. After playing, you can wash off the sweat at Kawarayu Onsen “Sasayu,” which is a natural hot spring. After a bath, enjoy craft beer made on-site at the attached cafe.
NOA Base Kawarayu Onsen Station Campsite
Address: 223-5 Kawarayu, Naganohara Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Access: Directly connected to Kawarayu Onsen Station / 60 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 40 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
Kusatsu Forest Stage is an adventure activity where you can challenge 47 attractions in the nature of Kusatsu. The attractions include tire walking, slackline, and zipslider. The course length is 640m, and the maximum height is 10m. There are two courses, “Fairy Stage” for children and “Master Stage” for adults. As enjoying the activities of the facilities involves exercising your body, participate in comfortable clothing such as sneakers and T-shirts.
Kusatsu Forest Stage
Address: 618 Kusatsu, Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Access: 60 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 40 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
Yamba Bungee offers the thrilling experience where you jump from a bridge railing 45m high towards the river. The 494m long bridge is a symbolic structure of Yamba Dam. The size of the bridge enhances the thrill of the bungee jump. For safety, participants must be at least 15 years old and weigh between 40-105kg. Choose between the standard bungee jump or the “water touch” course where you can touch the water. GoPro rentals and data services are available to capture your memorable experience.
Yamba Bungee
Address: 378-1 Kawarayu, Naganohara Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Access: 60 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 40 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
Yamba Nyagateen-go is an amphibious vehicle activity on the dam lake of Yamba Dam, which was completed in March 2020. You can tour around the dam area both on land and on the lake. The tour duration is about 75 minutes, with about 30 minutes of water cruising. Passengers sit in seats just like on a regular bus, making it a popular tour for all ages. Five tours operate daily, but reservations are recommended during busy periods such as Summer vacation.
Yamba Nyagateen-go
Address: 904-3 Yokokabe, Naganohara Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Contact: 0279-82-5596 (Dts Creation Regional Revitalization Division)
Access: 50 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 40 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
Agatsuma Gorge Railbike Agattan is an activity where you can ride a special bicycle on the railway tracks. The course utilizes part of the old JR Agatsuma Line, with a one-way distance of about 2.4km. While pedaling the railbike, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of “Tarusawa Tunnel,” known as the shortest railway tunnel in Japan, and the nationally designated scenic spot “Agatsuma Gorge.” In Autumn, the colorful foliage adds to the popularity. The railbike can accommodate up to four people with an auxiliary seat, making it enjoyable for families.
Agatsuma Gorge Railbike Agattan
Address: 868-1 Matsutani, Higashiagatsuma Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Access: 60 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 40 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
Myogi Sky Park is a paragliding area and school where you can enjoy a sky walk with views of Karuizawa. The park offers paragliding experience tours that even beginners can easily enjoy. The tandem course, where you fly with an instructor, is also open to children. For those who want to seriously take up paragliding, there are courses for obtaining a license. When participating, wear comfortable clothing such as trainers and jeans.
Myogi Sky Park
Address: 781-1 Sugahara, Myogi Town, Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture
Access: 40 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station / 80 minutes by car from Asama Kuzanbo
Location Info (Google Maps): Google Maps
Website: Official Website
Karuizawa is a region with majestic nature and refreshing air. The athletic activity and popular spots that make use of this nature are abundant, and people of all ages can enjoy experiencing. Many spots are surrounded by nature, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal scenery. Why not move your body while feeling the refreshing breeze in the Karuizawa area?
If you are considering a place to stay when visiting Karuizawa, “Asama Kuzanbo” is recommended. It is a private villa resort in North Karuizawa, where you can enjoy your stay in a private space. Please check the following links for more details.
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Note: Please check each spot’s official website for the latest information on operating hours, fees, and temporary closures.