 |
 |
 Guidebook |
| Karuizawa's Best |
 |
| Arts and crafts ■SPECIAL PRODUCTS |
 The cherry woodwork of Karuizawa had its beginnings in 1908 when it was produced as furniture for the missionaries who made karuizawa their summer home. Although it derives from the Nikkotype of wood carving, karuizawabori developed its own individual style and is recognized by Nagano Prefecture as a traditional craft. Other products of karuizawa include jams made with local fruits, highland vegetables such as cabbage and lettuce, Nozawana-cickles, and buckwheat. |
| Culture ■MUSEUMS & CULTURAL SITES |
 Besides
the old Mikasa Hotel, which is an Important National Cultural Assert,
there are also numerous museums displaying art works, local history and
lore, and private collections.The nature surrounding these facilities offers an ever-changing scenery according to the time of the year. Please visit us on your favorite season. |
| Reminiscence of the old ■LEGENDS |
 Karuizawa
is a town full of legends. One of these famous tales is "A Kappa
in Kamagafuchi". Kappa, a Japanese imaginary mischievous river-creature,
is know to play tricks on human begins. A kind and friendly Kappa lived
under a bridge called kamagafuchi-bashi. Whenever dishes were lacking
for a banquet, people asked the kappa for dishes, and the Kappa generously
lent plenty of them. But one day, a person broke a dish and returned it
without apologizing. From then on, the Kappa never lent dishes again. |
| Blowing in the wind ■HIKING COURSES |
 Hiking
down the mountain from Mine-no-chaya to Mikasa, the Shinanoji Nature Walk
brings the hiker to the upper reaches of Yu-Kawa River, Shiraito Falls,
Ryugaeshi Falls and Kose area. Its 10km long course ends at Mikasa, the
site of the 19th century Mikasa Hotel which is now an Important Cultural
Asset. Many are the lovely sights along this beautiful trail, which takes
four hours to complete. A shorter walk, called Usui Pass Yuranhodo requires
only one and a half hours to finish. This easy hike takes you to a platform,
where you can enjoy a panoramic vies of Mt.Asama, Mt. Myougi and karuizawa
town. |
| Revitalizing Green ■BATHING IN THE WOODS |
 The
highlands of karuizawa covered with forests of Larches and White Birches,
emit generous amounts of oxygen and other life-giving elements (such as
"phytoncide"). Just by walking through the villa area, along
the mountain hiking trails or in a grove beside a pond, one can revitalize
oneself both in body and spirit. So, let us enjoy Karuizawa's forests
through a body and soul refreshing promenade. |
| Reviving emotion ■WALKING POETRY |
 Karuizawa
is studded with stone monuments engraved with poems both from ancients
and recent times.Walking around these sculptures, many a person can not help but to wander in artistic and romantic thoughts. It has always been one of Karuizawa's original traditions to stroll along the works of the writers and poets who have loved karuizawa and have been inspired to write during their stay here. |
| Pedaling
around ■CYCLING |
 Pure,
fresh air and gentle sunlight are but a very few of the delights that
you can enjoy while riding a bicycle around karuizawa. It is one of the
main pleasures for visitors to cycle leisurely around the town. The roads
are well marked, and many have cycling lanes. So, why not enjoying a cycle
through the woods to immerse yourself in the forest fresh air? |
| Playing with nature ■BIRD WATCHING |
 Along
with the mountain ranges of fuji and Nikko, Karuizawa is also known as
a rich habitat for wild birds, of which about 130 types make karuizawa
their home. The dense forests and green meadow of karuizawwa have been
designated a wild life preserve. In the natural forest located to the
east of Hoshino Onsen, there is a wild bird protection area, which provides
an excellent opportunity to observe wild birds as well as to enjoy wild
plants and flowers. |
| Nature at its best ■FLORA |
 With
some1500 species of plants the highlands of karuizawa are filled with
fresh, ozon-rich air, and also with delightful wild flowers and luxuriant
greenery. Most of karuizawa exuberant flora can be conveniently enjoyed
at the Botanical Garden (Shokubuts-en),where numerous rare varieties such
as the Asamafuro, can also be found. There collections are invaluable
for own detailed explanations. Many people are interested in these "live
teaching materials", which offer a way to be in touch with Karuizawa's
nature. |
| Karuizawa ■SPORTS |
 The invigorating
environment of Karuizawa is perfectly suited for outdoor sports. From
spring to autumn, tennis, golf and cycling are popular activities. In
sinter, skating, curling and snowboarding become the favorite activities
for both locals and visitors. The last two were official events of the
1998 Nagano Olympic Games and they grow in popularity with every passing
year. |
| Background ■HISTORY |
 From
early times to the present Karuizawa has accommodated travelers and seasonal
visitors. In the past, it was a pleasant, prosperous post town on the
Nakasendo road, the interior highway that connected Kyoto and Tokyo.In 1886, a Canadian-born British missionary Alexander Croft Shaw first came to karuizawa to escape the summer heat. Charmed by its rich nature of Europe-like climate and rich forest, he built a summer house, which was the first one in Karukzawa. Since then, many foreigners and affluent Japanese have come and built their cottage, and karuizawa has developed into an international resort. In memory of Shaw, the town people have placed a bust of him in front of the Nihon-Seikokai chapel at Nite Bridge. |
|
|
|
|