Kera Pond Skating Rink Complete Guide｜Enjoying Natural Ice and Autumn Leaves on the Ice in Karuizawa Forest, Nagano Prefecture
The “Kera Pond Skating Rink” located in the Karuizawa Hoshino area of Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture, is a natural outdoor skating rink created when the forest pond freezes. Adjacent to the Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest, from autumn foliage season through early spring, you can enjoy ice walks with changing seasonal characteristics. This article thoroughly introduces the charm of Kera Pond Skating Rink, from business hours and fees to access methods and season-limited events.
What is Kera Pond Skating Rink? A Special Ice Space Appearing in the Forest
A One-of-a-Kind Skating Rink Created by Nature
Kera Pond Skating Rink is truly a skating rink created by nature’s blessings, formed when water from a stream flowing out of Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest freezes. With the concept of “feeling the forest while skating,” many wild animals inhabit the surrounding area, allowing you to glide on the ice while listening to the voices of wild birds.
This rink created by Karuizawa’s winter climate and natural environment offers an experience distinct from urban skating rinks. The greatest appeal is being able to enjoy skating while feeling Karuizawa’s forest with all five senses—from fallen leaves visible within the ice to the majestic figure of Mt. Asama peeking through the trees.
A Central Attraction in the Karuizawa Hoshino Area
Kera Pond Skating Rink is one of the central attractions in the resort area “Karuizawa Hoshino Area,” where accommodations, hot springs, and shopping facilities spread out. Adjacent to Pikkio Wild Bird Forest, you can create all-day enjoyment plans by combining it with Hotel Breston Court and Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu within the area.
Located north of Naka-Karuizawa Station, this area with particularly rich nature is beloved by many tourists as a place condensing Karuizawa’s beauty as it changes throughout the four seasons.
Operating Periods and Hours｜Japan’s Earliest Autumn Foliage Season Opening
2024-2025 Season Operating Schedule
Kera Pond Skating Rink is known as a facility where you can enjoy skating earlier than anywhere else in Japan during autumn foliage season. The 2024-2025 season is scheduled to operate from October 17, 2024 (Friday) through March 2, 2025 (Sunday).
Operating Period Details:
- Autumn Season (Autumn Foliage Period): October 17 – November 30
- Skating in the artificial ice area
- Ice experience surrounded by autumn foliage
- Winter Season (Natural Ice Period): Early December – Early March
- Natural ice area opening (subject to weather conditions)
- Spacious ice walks after complete freezing
Operating Hours by Season
Operating hours vary by season. Particularly during autumn foliage season, operating hours are extended to coincide with special evening lighting events at dusk.
Regular Operating Hours:
- 10:00 – 17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
Autumn Foliage Season Extended Hours:
- October 17 – November 16: 10:00 – 18:00 (Last entry 17:30)
- “Kouyou Akari Rink” (Autumn Foliage Lighting) held at dusk
Winter Operating Hours:
- December – March: 10:00 – 17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
- May extend to 18:00 on “Stardust Ice Rink” event days
Operating hours may change due to weather, temperature, and freezing conditions, so we recommend checking the official website for the latest information before visiting.
Fee System and Usage Methods
Admission and Rental Fees
Kera Pond Skating Rink fees are structured separately for admission and skate rental.
Admission Fees:
- Adults (Junior High and above): ¥1,500
- Children (Ages 4 – Elementary School): ¥1,000
- Age 3 and under: Free
Skate Rental Fees:
- All sizes: ¥500
- Size range: 15cm – 30cm
Other Rental Equipment:
- Helmets: Free (for children)
- Sleds: ¥500 (for small children)
Cost-Saving Options and Discount Information
Special benefits for hotel guests staying within the Karuizawa Hoshino area and advantageous plans for frequent users may be available. Additionally, special pricing may be set on event days, so check the official website for the latest information.
Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Major credit cards
- Electronic money (partial support)
Access Methods｜How to Get There by Car, Train, and Bus
Access by Train and Bus
Nearest Stations:
- JR Hokuriku Shinkansen / Shinano Railway “Karuizawa Station” or “Naka-Karuizawa Station”
From Karuizawa Station:
- Free shuttle bus (Winter service)
- Travel time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Operation: 9:00 – 21:00 (30-minute to 1-hour intervals)
- Taxi
- Travel time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Fare: Approximately ¥2,500
From Naka-Karuizawa Station:
- Taxi
- Travel time: Approximately 5 minutes
- Fare: Approximately ¥1,000
- On foot
- Travel time: Approximately 20 minutes
- You can walk while enjoying the nature-rich path
Car Access and Parking Information
Travel Time from Major Cities:
- From Tokyo: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (via Kan-Etsu and Joshin-Etsu Expressways)
- From Nagoya: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes (via Chuo and Joshin-Etsu Expressways)
- From Nagano: Approximately 1 hour (via Joshin-Etsu Expressway)
Nearest Interchange:
- Approximately 20 minutes from Usui-Karuizawa IC on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway
Parking Information:
- Karuizawa Hoshino Area Parking (Free)
- Capacity: Approximately 150 vehicles
- Available 24 hours
- Approximately 3 minutes walk to the skating rink
Winter road surfaces may freeze, so studless tires and winter equipment are recommended.
Differences Between Artificial and Natural Ice Areas
Autumn Artificial Area｜Special Experience During Autumn Foliage Season
From mid-October opening through the end of November, you can enjoy skating in the “artificial ice area” created by artificial ice-making. The greatest attraction of this period is being able to skate while Karuizawa’s autumn foliage reaches its peak.
Artificial Area Characteristics:
- Area: Approximately 600㎡
- Ice thickness: Approximately 3cm (stable artificial ice)
- Surrounding autumn foliage trees
- Relatively uncrowded, allowing comfortable skating
- Safe and enjoyable for beginners and children
Skating on ice surrounded by autumn foliage in the coloring forest is a unique experience found nowhere else. The gradient of red, yellow, and orange created by Japanese maple, oak, and larch makes for a luxurious moment only Karuizawa can offer.
Winter Natural Ice Area｜A Genuine Rink Created by Nature
When temperatures drop from early December and Kera Pond freezes completely, the “natural ice area” opens. The opening timing of the natural ice area varies with weather conditions, but it is typically enjoyable from mid-December through late February.
Natural Ice Area Characteristics:
- Area: Approximately 1,300㎡ (about twice the artificial area)
- Ice thickness: 15cm or more (natural freezing)
- High transparency, beautiful ice
- Fallen leaves and air bubbles visible in the ice—nature’s artwork
- Spacious space to skate freely
Natural ice has a unique texture and beauty different from artificial ice. The ice created from clear water flowing from Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest has high transparency, and you can enjoy nature’s art created by fallen leaves, twigs, and air bubbles trapped within the ice.
Natural Ice Area Opening Conditions:
- Consecutive days with below-freezing temperatures
- Ice thickness reaching 15cm or more
- Safety confirmed
Opening dates and freezing conditions are updated regularly on the official website and SNS, so please check before visiting.
Season-Limited Events｜Magical Worlds Spreading Across the Ice
Autumn “Kouyou Akari Rink”｜Competition Between Autumn Foliage and Light
The “Kouyou Akari Rink,” held from October 17 through November 16, is a special event lighting up Kera Pond Skating Rink at dusk.
Highlights of Kouyou Akari Rink:
- Art of autumn foliage and light reflected on the ice
- Magical dusk atmosphere
- Forest showing a different face than daytime
- Beautiful, Instagram-worthy scenery
Held from approximately 16:30 to 18:00 (varies by sunset time), operating hours extend during this time. Colored trees illuminated by lights with their reflection dancing across the ice create artwork-like beauty.
Winter “Stardust Ice Rink”｜Experience of Skating Under Stars
During winter evenings, Kera Pond Skating Rink transforms into “Stardust Ice Rink.” Star-like objects and mirror balls surround the rink, and as light flickers on the ice, you can enjoy the fantastical experience of skating under the stars.
Stardust Ice Rink Features:
- Sparkling star-shaped decorative objects
- Light effects created by mirror balls
- Countless lights reflected on the ice
- Romantic atmosphere (recommended for couples)
- Special winter-limited experience
Event dates and times vary by year, so check the official website for the latest information. Event days may be more crowded than usual, so visiting during earlier time slots is recommended.
Enjoyment After Skating｜Facilities and Activities in the Area
Ikaru Café｜Warm Moments After Ice Walks
Right next to Kera Pond Skating Rink, “Ikaru Café” offers hot drinks and sweets to warm your body chilled from skating, available for takeout.
Ikaru Café Recommended Menu:
- Hot chocolate
- Hot apple cider using Karuizawa apples
- Roasted marshmallow cocoa
- Sweets using Shinshu-region fruit
- Warming soup varieties
You can relax on benches and terrace seating by the rink while enjoying views of Mt. Asama. Operating hours match the skating rink, with takeout menus as the focus.
Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu｜Healing Fatigue with Natural Hot Springs
After skating and exercising, relaxing at “Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu,” located within the Karuizawa Hoshino area, is recommended. About a 5-minute walk away, you can enjoy hot spring water from the source.
Tombo no Yu Features:
- Weakly alkaline hot springs with high skin-beautifying effects
- Indoor and open-air baths
- Quiet environment in the forest
- Towel and amenity rental/sales available
- Operating hours: 10:00 – 23:00 (Last entry 22:00)
Pikkio｜Wild Bird Forest Tours and Nature Experiences
“Pikkio,” adjacent to Kera Pond Skating Rink, offers various nature experience programs centered on Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest.
Pikkio Activities:
- Wild Bird Forest nature watching
- Winter-limited snowshoe tours
- Flying squirrel watching (night)
- Wild animal trace searching
Combining with skating allows you to enjoy Karuizawa’s nature from multiple perspectives. Some programs require advance reservations, so check the official website.
Shopping and Dining Within the Area
Several attractive facilities are scattered throughout the Karuizawa Hoshino area.
Mura-min Shokudou:
- Set meals and curry using local ingredients
- Casual atmosphere
- Lunch and dinner service
Harunire Terrace:
- 16 unique shops and restaurants in 9 buildings
- Karuizawa souvenir shopping
- Cafés and bakeries
- Miscellaneous and apparel shops
Karuizawa Highland Church and Stone Church:
- Historic beautiful churches
- Viewable during non-ceremony times
- Snow scenery beautiful in winter
Information for Beginners and Families with Children
Safe Even for First-Time Skaters
Kera Pond Skating Rink offers an environment where beginners and those with limited skating experience can enjoy safely.
Beginner Support:
- Free rental of skating aids (penguin-type)
- Handrails installed on rink sides
- Simple advice from staff
- Visiting during less-crowded morning hours recommended
- Thick socks and gloves recommended to cushion falls
Recommendations for Families with Children
The facility is also welcoming to families with small children.
Child-Friendly Equipment and Services:
- Free child helmet rental
- Sled rental (¥500)
- Diaper changing space (in area facilities)
- Nursing room (within Harunire Terrace)
- Baby carriage storage service
- Skate shoe sizes from 15cm
Tips for Enjoying with Children:
- Fallen leaf finding game on the ice
- Slow skating while listening to bird calls
- Sled play areas during winter
- Break time at Ikaru Café
Clothing and Packing Advice
Recommended Clothing
As Kera Pond Skating Rink is an outdoor facility, appropriate clothing suited to the season and temperature is important.
Basic Attire:
- Easy-to-move pants (jeans or ski wear)
- Highly insulated jackets or coats
- Gloves (essential—prevents injuries from falls)
- Hats or ear muffs (ear warmth)
- Thick socks (insulation inside skate shoes)
- Scarves or neck warmers
Clothing to Avoid:
- Skirts or dresses (fall danger)
- Thin clothing (hypothermia risk)
- Easily-wettable materials (100% cotton)
- Overly long scarves (entanglement danger)
Convenient Items to Bring
Essential Items:
- Gloves (no rentals available)
- Extra socks (in case of wetness)
- Small coin purse (locker fees)
Handy Items:
- Hand warmers (hand and foot insulation)
- Lip balm (dryness prevention)
- Sunglasses (snow blindness prevention in sunny weather)
- Waterproof spray (clothing protection)
- Camera or smartphone (scenery photos)
- Change of clothes (in case of wetness)
- Towel (sweat wiping)
Locker Information:
- Paid lockers available (¥100–¥300)
- Valuables small lockers provided
- Large luggage lockers available
Nearby Accommodations｜Stay Plans Combined with Skating
Hotels in Karuizawa Hoshino Area
Hoshinoya Karuizawa:
- Luxury resort
- All-room villa-type accommodations
- Hot spring included
- About 5 minutes walk to Kera Pond Skating Rink
- Guest benefits available
Hotel Breston Court:
- Forest auberge-style hotel
- Famous for fine cuisine
- About 3 minutes walk to Kera Pond Skating Rink
- Winter-limited plans available
Recommended Accommodations Near the Area
Naka-Karuizawa Area:
- Karuizawa Marriott Hotel
- Naka-Karuizawa hot spring inns
- Pensions and guesthouses
Karuizawa Station Area:
- Kyū-Karuizawa area hotels
- Convenient station-adjacent hotels
- Resort condominiums
Packages combining accommodations and skating rink access may be offered, so confirm when booking.
Precautions and Safety Measures When Visiting
Rules for Safe Enjoyment
Rink Rules:
- No backward skating (one-way areas exist)
- No excessive speed
- Caution regarding contact with other guests
- No eating/drinking on rink
- Caution when photographing
- Keep close watch on small children
Weather-Related Operating Changes
Kera Pond Skating Rink greatly depends on natural conditions, so operating status may change with weather and temperature.
Conditions Affecting Operations:
- Warm days (ice condition deterioration)
- Heavy snow or strong winds (safety assurance)
- Rain (ice quality decline)
- Natural ice area freezing conditions
How to Check:
- Official website latest information
- Official SNS (Twitter/Instagram)
- Phone inquiries (0267-45-6555)
Checking for the latest information on the morning of your visit is recommended.
COVID-19 Countermeasures
The facility implements the following infection prevention measures:
- Temperature checks at entry
- Hand sanitizer dispensers
- Staff mask-wearing
- Regular ventilation (outdoor facility)
- Rental equipment disinfection
- Entry restrictions during crowding
Guests are also requested to cooperate with basic countermeasures such as mask-wearing and hand disinfection.
Best Photography Spots and Timing
Instagram-Worthy Photography Points
Recommended Photography Spots:
- Rink-side Viewing Deck
- Photos with Mt. Asama in background
- Wide-angle composition
- Morning frontal light recommended
- Rink Surrounded by Autumn Foliage
- Bright, colorful autumn season photos
- Best timing: late October – early November
- Soft light on cloudy days is beautiful
- Magical Lighting Atmosphere
- Dusk magic hour
- Light and shadow contrast
- Tripod use enables more beautiful photos
- Natural Ice Transparency
- Fallen leaves and air bubbles in ice
- Close-ups capturing nature’s art
- Natural light on sunny days optimal
Photography Cautions
- Caution regarding safety of others when photographing on rink
- Consider other guests appearing in photos
- Avoid tripod use during crowded times
- Drone photography prohibited
- Follow staff instructions
History of Kera Pond Skating Rink and Environmental Conservation Activities
A Rink Aiming for Coexistence with Nature
Kera Pond Skating Rink aims to preserve Karuizawa’s rich natural environment while providing visitors with a special experience. Located adjacent to “Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest,” consideration for wildlife inhabiting the area is an important element.
Environmental Considerations:
- Natural ice utilization in natural ice area
- Operations not disturbing wildlife ecosystems
- Environmentally conscious lighting equipment
- Trash carry-out encouraged
- Natural material decorations
Ideals of Karuizawa Hoshino Area
The entire Karuizawa Hoshino Area operates under the principle of “passing Karuizawa’s nature and culture to future generations.” Kera Pond Skating Rink, as part of this effort, provides unforgettable experiences while treasuring harmony with nature.
Latest News and Event Information
2024-2025 Season New Projects
Each season, Kera Pond Skating Rink features new events and projects. Highlights of the 2024-2025 season are introduced here.
This Season’s Special Projects:
- Enhanced Kouyou Akari Rink performances
- New menu additions (Ikaru Café)
- Special operating days
- Collaboration events
Latest event information and news are updated regularly on the official website and SNS. Checking before visiting allows for a richer experience.
SNS Information Sharing
Official SNS Accounts:
- Instagram: @hoshinoresorts_official
- Twitter: @HoshinoResorts
- Facebook: Hoshi no Resorts Official Page
Searching hashtags “#ケラ池スケートリンク” “#軽井沢星野エリア” reveals photos and experiences from other visitors.
Summary｜Creating Special Memories at Kera Pond Skating Rink
Kera Pond Skating Rink is a special skating rink where you can enjoy different seasonal characteristics in Karuizawa’s rich natural forest. From Japan’s earliest autumn foliage season opening through winter with natural ice spreading, you can experience ice walks while sensing Karuizawa’s forest with all five senses.
By checking operating hours, fees, and access information beforehand and preparing appropriate clothing and belongings, you can enjoy more comfortably. After skating, you can relish the entire Karuizawa Hoshino area through hot drinks at Ikaru Café, hot springs at Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu, and shopping at Harunire Terrace.
Why not create special memories with family, friends, or loved ones at this one-of-a-kind skating rink created by nature? Karuizawa’s beautiful nature and the magical world spreading across the ice will surely become an unforgettable experience.
Before visiting, always check the official website for the latest operating information and event information, and enjoy your time safely and pleasantly.
