5 popular villa areas in Karuizawa

What you need to know before moving: the charms and characteristics of each area

It's only about an hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo.
Karuizawa, surrounded by nature, cool in the summer, and a place where you can enjoy a rich experience throughout the four seasons, is gaining more and more attention every year as a destination for relocation and vacation homes.
In this article, we will introduce five of the most popular villa areas in Karuizawa , their characteristics and atmosphere, and who they are recommended for .

・Kyu-Karuizawa area

This historic luxury villa area is a symbol of Karuizawa. Land prices are said to be the most expensive in the town. As Japan's first resort area, many famous people have built their villas here. It has long been loved by politicians, business leaders, and celebrities, and is known for its tranquil townscape and abundant nature. You can stroll through popular tourist spots from the old Karuizawa Ginza to the old Mikasa Hotel. This environment combines convenience and tranquility, making it recommended for those who want to experience the traditional atmosphere of Karuizawa.

<Recommended spots>
・Shiraito Falls
・Kumoba Pond
・Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street

Minamigaoka and Minamihara areas

Located next to Karuizawa Golf Club, this area has become increasingly popular among vacation homes in recent years. It is characterized by well-maintained, orderly streets. It is close to Karuizawa Station and has easy access to the national highway, making it a popular place to settle down. It is also home to Rizanbo, a temple said to have been frequented by John Lennon, making it one of the most prestigious vacation homes in the area.

<Recommended spots>

・Shiozawa Street (also known as Gourmet Street)

・Nakakaruizawa area

Nakakaruizawa is gaining attention as a relocation destination due to its convenient location. Town facilities such as hospitals and town halls are nearby, and nurseries, children's centers, and elementary schools are also located nearby, making it a safe place for education and child-rearing. The large supermarket chain Tsuruya is also based in this area. In recent years, the area has been attracting attention as a place where you can enjoy a high-quality lifestyle that is unique to Karuizawa, with stylish cafes and shops such as Harunire Terrace scattered around Hoshino Resorts.

<Recommended spots>

・Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu

・Harunire Terrace

・Karuizawa Highlands Association

・Minami Karuizawa area

Surrounded by lakes and vast nature, this area is home to many museums and literary centers. It is popular with those seeking a secluded, private villa. There are also leisure spots such as golf courses and cycling trails.

<Recommended spots>

・Karuizawa Taliesin

・Karuizawa Market

・Erz Toy Museum

・Karuizawa Botanical Garden

・Oiwake area

The Oiwake area, about a 15-minute drive from Karuizawa, is an area where you can feel the atmosphere of a former post town. The area is rich in nature and its appeal lies in the fact that you can feel the changing seasons up close. Another feature is that land prices are relatively reasonable and it is easy to secure a large plot of land. It is perfect for those who want to live a leisurely life in a quiet environment or who want to use it as a base for their studio or hobbies.

<Recommended spots>
・Mount Asama
・Akataki

Although Karuizawa is generally referred to as one area, the cityscape and atmosphere vary from area to area.

From the historic atmosphere of Kyu-Karuizawa to Oiwake, where life harmonizes with nature, each place has its own charm.

Why not try to find the perfect area for you while imagining your ideal lifestyle and how you would like to spend your time?