Complete Guide to Karuizawa Lake Garden | Best Seasons, Admission Fees, Access, and How to Enjoy
Karuizawa Lake Garden is a vast garden spanning approximately 10,000 tsubo (about 3.3 hectares) located in Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture. With an English garden concept, it is a popular destination where visitors can enjoy diverse plants including roses, clematis, and perennials amid beautiful scenery centered around a lake. Every year, many tourists visit this spot.
This article provides detailed explanations of everything you need to know before visiting, including the charm of Karuizawa Lake Garden, best seasons, admission fees, access methods, highlights within the garden, and restaurant information.
About Karuizawa Lake Garden
Basic Information
Karuizawa Lake Garden is a relatively new garden facility that opened in 2009. Making use of Karuizawa’s rich natural environment, it recreates the beauty of English-style gardens in the cool climate at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters.
Location: Leaknewtaun, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
Operating Season: Late April to early November (closed in winter)
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (final admission 4:30 PM)
Site Area: Approximately 10,000 tsubo (approximately 3.3 hectares)
English Garden Concept
Karuizawa Lake Garden incorporates traditional English garden styles while realizing a unique garden design suited to Karuizawa’s climate and geographical characteristics. Eight themed gardens are arranged surrounding a central lake, displaying different appearances with each season.
The natural planting style characteristic of English gardens, the combination of perennials and roses, and the harmony of colorful flowers, combined with Karuizawa’s cool air, provide visitors with a healing space.
Operating Season and Hours
2024 Season Operating Information
Karuizawa Lake Garden is a seasonally operated facility and closes during winter due to snowfall.
- Operating Season: Typically late April to early November
- Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (final admission 4:30 PM)
- Closed Days: Normally open throughout the season (may temporarily close due to weather)
Operating dates vary slightly from year to year, so it is recommended to check the official website for the latest information before visiting. Particularly at the beginning of spring or the end of autumn, opening dates may shift depending on weather conditions.
Operating Status by Season
Spring (late April to May): Daffodils, tulips, and early-blooming roses in full bloom
Early Summer (June to early July): Peak season for roses and clematis
Summer (mid-July to August): Perennials add color to the cool garden
Autumn (September to early November): Autumn roses and fall foliage contrast
Admission Fees and Discount Information
Standard Admission Fees
Karuizawa Lake Garden has different admission prices depending on the season.
High Season (June to July, September to October):
- Adults: 1,500 yen
- Elementary and junior high school students: 500 yen
- Preschoolers: Free
Regular Season (May, August, November):
- Adults: 1,000 yen
- Elementary and junior high school students: 500 yen
- Preschoolers: Free
Early Bird Discount (admission between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM):
- Adults: 1,000 yen (high season only)
Discounted Annual Pass
For frequent visitors, an annual pass offers great value.
- Adult Annual Pass: 3,500 yen
- Benefits: Unlimited entry during the season, discounts at shops and cafes
If you plan to visit more than three times per season, purchasing an annual pass is worth considering.
Group Discounts and Disability Discounts
- Group Discount: 10% off for groups of 15 or more
- Disability Discount: Half price for the visitor and one companion (disability certificate required)
Access
Driving
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Karuizawa Lake Garden.
From Tokyo:
- Via Kan-Etsu Expressway and Joshin-Etsu Expressway, approximately 15 minutes from Usui Karuizawa IC (approximately 10 km)
- Via Chuo Expressway and Nagano Expressway, approximately 30 minutes from Saku IC (approximately 25 km)
From Nagano:
- Via Joshin-Etsu Expressway, approximately 15 minutes from Usui Karuizawa IC
Navigation Settings:
Address: Leaknewtaun, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
For phone number searches, please check the official website.
Parking Information
- Capacity: Approximately 300 vehicles
- Parking Fee: Free
- Note: Parking can be congested on weekends and holidays during high season; arrival right after opening is recommended
Train and Bus Access
From JR Karuizawa Station:
- Approximately 15 minutes by taxi (estimated fare: approximately 3,000 yen)
- Approximately 30 minutes by rental bicycle (distance approximately 7 km, some uphill sections)
Bus: There are no regular bus routes from Karuizawa Station to the Lake Garden, so taxi or rental car use is practical.
Notes on Rental Bicycle Use
There are numerous rental bicycle shops around Karuizawa Station, but there are some uphill sections on the way to the Lake Garden. Electric-assisted bicycles are recommended. The garden has a bicycle parking lot available for secure bicycle storage.
Best Viewing Seasons and Recommended Periods
Rose Peak Season (June to July, mid-September to early October)
The main attraction of Karuizawa Lake Garden is its more than 400 varieties and 3,000 rose plants.
Spring Roses (June to early July):
Due to Karuizawa’s cool climate, rose blooming is delayed by about one month compared to lowland areas. Mid-June to early July is peak season, with vividly colored roses blooming all at once. Flowers during this period have rich colors and strong fragrance.
Autumn Roses (mid-September to early October):
Autumn roses have fewer blooms than spring, but due to lower temperatures, flowers last longer, allowing for leisurely appreciation. The combination with fall foliage is beautiful, offering a calm atmosphere.
Clematis Peak Season (late May to July)
Approximately 200 varieties of clematis are planted and come into bloom at the same time as roses. Particularly in the “Clematis Garden,” diverse varieties of clematis are arranged three-dimensionally, offering impressive views.
Perennial Peak Season (July to September)
After roses reach their peak in summer, perennials take center stage. Delphiniums, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and salvias bloom successively, coloring the garden with cool tones.
Fall Foliage Peak Season (mid-October to early November)
In autumn, Karuizawa Lake Garden offers a collaboration of second-bloom roses and fall foliage. The sight of maple and dodan azalea fall colors reflecting in the lake surface is extraordinary.
Monthly Recommendation Ratings
- Late April to May: ★★★☆☆ (daffodils, tulips, early spring flowers)
- June to early July: ★★★★★ (peak season for roses and clematis)
- Mid-July to August: ★★★☆☆ (perennials, cool climate)
- September to early October: ★★★★☆ (autumn roses, pleasant weather)
- Mid-October to early November: ★★★★☆ (fall foliage and autumn roses)
Garden Highlights and 8 Garden Areas
Karuizawa Lake Garden consists of eight themed garden areas.
1. Rose Garden
The garden’s largest rose garden, centered on English roses with diverse varieties. Climbing roses on arches and pergolas, border garden-style plantings, and other approaches to enjoying roses are presented.
Highlights: David Austin English rose collection, fragrance rose corner
2. Labyrinth Rose Garden
A rose garden arranged like a maze, allowing appreciation of roses from various angles while strolling. A gazebo in the center serves as a popular rest spot.
3. Woodland
A forest area featuring shade garden plants planted under trees. Hostas, ferns, and wild alpine plants are arranged naturally.
4. Clematis Garden
Approximately 200 clematis varieties are displayed three-dimensionally on obelisks and trellises. Varying bloom periods among varieties allow long-term enjoyment.
5. Natural Garden
A naturalistic garden centered on perennials. Fully appreciate the charm of multi-year plants that change appearance with the seasons.
6. Fragrance Rose Path
An area collecting fragrant roses where you can enjoy roses through both sight and smell.
7. Lakeside Path
A promenade along the lake shore where you can enjoy waterside plants and the garden’s reflection in the lake. Popular as a photo spot.
8. Border Garden
A reproduction of the traditional English garden style “border garden.” The skillful planting design with plants arranged in stages from tall to short is remarkable.
Restaurant and Café Information
Garden Café “Nature Man”
A café restaurant within the garden where you can dine and rest while viewing the garden.
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last order 4:00 PM)
Seating: Approximately 40 indoor seats, approximately 20 terrace seats
Sample Menu:
- Shinshu salmon salad plate: 1,650 yen
- Karuizawa vegetable curry: 1,450 yen
- Rose hip tea: 650 yen
- Seasonal cake set: 950 yen
Menus center on local Karuizawa ingredients, with lunch plates abundantly featuring Shinshu vegetables being particularly popular.
Terrace Seating Recommendations
On fine days, terrace seats overlooking the garden are especially recommended. Dining while feeling the fragrance of roses is an exceptional experience. However, terrace seating becomes crowded on high-season weekends, so early arrival is advisable.
Shop and Souvenir Information
Garden Shop
The in-garden shop sells products related to roses and gardening.
Main Products Sold:
- Rose seedlings (varieties grown in the garden also sold)
- Gardening supplies and materials
- Rose goods (rose water, rose tea, soap, etc.)
- Original postcards and photo books
- Karuizawa specialty products
Popular Souvenirs:
- Original rose tea (800 yen and up)
- Rose-scented hand cream (1,200 yen)
- Postcards with in-garden photos (150 yen)
- Rose seedlings (1,500 yen to 3,500 yen depending on variety)
Annual pass holders receive a 5% discount on shop purchases.
Recommended Photo Spots
Lake and Roses Collaboration
The landscape of the lake and garden reflected on the water’s surface photographed from Lakeside Path is a signature photo spot of Karuizawa Lake Garden. Morning light is particularly beautiful, ideal for reflection photography.
Rose Arch
Multiple arches within the Rose Garden reach their photo-perfect condition when climbing roses are in full bloom from late June to early July. Photography works well either framing through the arch or shooting the garden beyond the arch.
Clematis Obelisks
The three-dimensional plantings in the Clematis Garden allow photography from various angles. Photographing against blue sky or using backlighting also captures beautiful images.
Best Photography Times
- Early Morning (8:00 AM to 9:00 AM): Fewer people, flowers are wet with morning dew and beautiful
- Morning (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM): Light conditions are good, colors photograph vibrantly
- Evening (3:00 PM to closing): Soft light creates romantic-atmosphere photos
Clothing and Belongings
Clothing Tips
Karuizawa is located at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, making temperatures 5 to 10 degrees lower than lowland areas, requiring season-appropriate clothing.
Spring and Autumn (April to May, September to November):
- Long-sleeved shirt plus cardigan or jacket
- Light outer layer for chilly mornings and evenings
Summer (June to August):
- Long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt (long sleeves recommended for sun protection)
- Thin layer to put on (can feel cool in morning, evening, or shaded areas)
Footwear:
The garden has paved paths, but some areas have gravel. Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes are recommended. Avoid high heels or sandals.
Packing Checklist
- Essential: Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Recommended: Camera, insect repellent (summer), rain gear (umbrella)
- Helpful: Picnic blanket (for relaxing on grassy areas), binoculars (bird watching)
Pets
Karuizawa Lake Garden allows pets to enter with visitors.
Pet Accompanying Rules:
- Leash required (length 1.5 meters or less)
- Owners must dispose of waste
- Consideration for other visitors
- Indoor café/restaurant entry prohibited (terrace seating permitted)
The ability to enjoy garden strolling with pets makes this a popular spot for pet-accompanying tourists.
Nearby Attractions
Attractions worth visiting alongside Karuizawa Lake Garden are introduced below.
Old Karuizawa Ginza (approximately 20 minutes by car)
Karuizawa’s representative tourist area offering shopping and dining. The long-established jam shop “Sawaya” and Karuizawa’s famous soft-serve ice cream are popular.
Shiraito Falls (approximately 25 minutes by car)
Beautiful falls measuring 3 meters high and 70 meters wide, representing Karuizawa’s natural scenery. A healing spot filled with negative ions.
Kumoba Pond (approximately 15 minutes by car)
Also called “Swan Lake,” this small pond is especially beautiful during fall foliage season. A walking trail circumnavigates the pond.
Harunire Terrace (approximately 10 minutes by car)
A shopping and dining area operated by Hoshi no Resorts, gathering stylish restaurants and shops.
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (approximately 20 minutes by car)
A large outlet mall gathering approximately 200 shops where brand items can be purchased at reasonable prices.
Annual Event Information
Rose & Clematis Fair (June)
An event held during peak season for roses and clematis, featuring gardening consultation sessions and gardening lectures.
Summer Garden Festa (August)
An event for enjoying summer perennials, offering plant care lectures and potting arrangement experiences.
Autumn Rose Fair (September to October)
An event coinciding with autumn rose blooms, with rose management lecture sessions and other programming.
※Event content and dates may change year to year; please check the official website for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you enjoy it on rainy days?
Entry is possible on rainy days, and rain-wet flowers display a different beauty than on clear days. However, since the garden is mostly outdoors, rain gear is essential. You can also enjoy time in the café or shop while sheltering from rain. Temporary closures may occur during heavy rain or severe weather.
Can wheelchairs and strollers enter?
Major pathways within the garden are paved, allowing wheelchair and stroller entry. However, some gravel and sloped sections exist, so companion assistance is recommended. A free wheelchair rental service is available (limited quantity, no reservations).
How much time should be allocated?
For leisurely strolling, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours is the guideline. Including café meals and breaks, 2.5 to 3 hours allows sufficient enjoyment. Photo-focused visits should allow additional time.
When is best to visit to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings (especially right after opening 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM) are least crowded. Weekend or holiday visits are best early (opening time) or later (after 3:00 PM). Peak rose season (late June to early July) weekends are particularly crowded.
Is same-day re-entry possible?
Same-day re-entry is possible. Have your hand stamped or show your ticket at exit for re-entry. You can take lunch at surrounding restaurants and return.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Karuizawa Lake Garden Experience
Karuizawa Lake Garden is a full-fledged English garden where you can enjoy seasonal beauty throughout the year. The peak period for roses and clematis from June to early July is the most vibrant time of year and draws many visitors.
Keep these points in mind during your visit for a more fulfilling experience:
- Check Opening Status Beforehand: Since it is seasonally operated, confirm opening dates on the official website before visiting
- Early Morning Visit Recommended: Avoid crowds and enjoy beautiful light for photography
- Pay Attention to Clothing: Bring a layer since Karuizawa is cool
- Allow Ample Time: Allocate 2-3 hours for a leisurely experience
- Combine with Nearby Attractions: Plan visits coordinated with other Karuizawa sightseeing spots
Time spent leisurely strolling through carefully maintained gardens in Karuizawa’s natural-rich environment offers a precious experience to escape daily hustle and bustle. Why not spend a relaxed time enveloped in the fragrance of roses?
