Complete Guide to Karuizawa Prince Street | Access, Nearby Spots, and Autumn Foliage Information Thoroughly Explained
Karuizawa Prince Street, located in Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture, is an important road connecting Minami-Karuizawa and Shin-Karuizawa and serves as a central access route for Karuizawa tourism. This article thoroughly explains basic information about Prince Street, nearby spots, and seasonal attractions—detailed information you’ll want to know before visiting.
What is Karuizawa Prince Street?
Karuizawa Prince Street is a major road located in Oaza Nagakura, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture, and is a spacious road extending from the south side of Karuizawa Station. As a core road of the Prince Grand Resort Karuizawa, it is used by many tourists and local residents as an access route to Karuizawa Shopping Plaza and golf courses.
Road Characteristics
The greatest characteristic of Prince Street is its open road design. Wide sidewalks are well-maintained, and the roadway also provides sufficient width, allowing both pedestrians and vehicles to pass comfortably. Beautiful trees are planted on both sides of the road, offering scenic views of nature throughout the four seasons.
Located at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, this street is known as a place where you can experience the cool climate and fresh air unique to Karuizawa. The surrounding area is ringed by golf courses, creating a space that harmonizes the openness of a resort area with the natural environment.
Access Information and Geographic Relationship
Access from Karuizawa Station
Access to Karuizawa Prince Street begins at the south exit of JR Karuizawa Station. The distance from the station to Prince Street is approximately 25-30 minutes on foot, and the typical route goes through Karuizawa Shopping Plaza.
Main access methods:
- On foot: Approximately 25-30 minutes from Karuizawa Station South Exit
- Taxi: Approximately 5-10 minutes from Karuizawa Station
- Rental bicycle: Using a rental bicycle from around the station takes approximately 10-15 minutes
- Bus service: Karuizawa town circulation buses are available
Access by Car
When visiting by car, you can access the area in approximately 15-20 minutes from the Usui-Karuizawa IC on the Joshin’etsu Expressway. Multiple parking areas are equipped around Prince Street, and Karuizawa Shopping Plaza in particular has a large parking lot (capacity of approximately 3,500 vehicles).
Address: 〒389-0102 Karuizawa, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture
Major Nearby Spots and Facilities
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
The most important nearby facility on Prince Street is Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, which spreads out on the south side of Karuizawa Station. As one of Japan’s largest resort-style shopping malls, it features approximately 240 stores divided into 10 areas across its vast grounds.
Major areas:
- Garden Mall: The central area located directly in front of the station south exit
- Center Mall: An area concentrated with brand shops
- Tree Mall: A shopping area surrounded by nature
- East and New East: Eastern shopping zones
- West and New West: Western shopping zones
- Food Court and Karuizawa Ajino-machi: Dining facilities are well-equipped
- Souvenir Court: Souvenir specialty area
Business hours vary by season, but generally operate from 10:00 to 19:00 (extended until 20:00 in summer). We recommend confirming detailed information on the official website (TEL: 0267-42-5211).
Prince Grand Resort Karuizawa
Various facilities of Prince Grand Resort Karuizawa are scattered around Prince Street.
Major facilities:
- Karuizawa Prince Hotel: A large resort hotel consisting of multiple hotel buildings
- Karuizawa Prince Golf Club: A full-fledged golf course with multiple courses
- Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort: A ski resort open during winter
- Karuizawa Prince Bowl: A bowling facility
These facilities are arranged around Prince Street, forming a major resort area.
Nearby Restaurants and Cafes
Numerous sophisticated cafes and restaurants characteristic of Karuizawa can be found around Prince Street. The food court in Karuizawa Shopping Plaza and Karuizawa Ajino-machi offer a wide range of options from cuisine using local ingredients to internationally diverse menus.
Particularly popular areas are the restaurant zones within the shopping plaza, where diverse dining establishments line up, offering Shinshu soba, Italian cuisine using Karuizawa vegetables, and authentic French dining.
Hot Spring Facilities
Multiple hot spring facilities are located within a 10-15 minute drive from Prince Street. Access to famous Karuizawa area hot springs such as Hoshino Onsen Tonbo no Yu and Shiootsubo Onsen is also convenient. A popular plan is to enjoy sightseeing and shopping followed by soaking in hot springs to relax.
Seasonal Attractions and Highlights
Spring (April-June)
Prince Street in spring is a season of beautiful fresh greenery. Due to the high elevation, cherry blossoms bloom about one month later than in Tokyo. From late April to early May, you can enjoy spring that is characteristic of Karuizawa. Temperatures range from approximately 10-20 degrees Celsius, with comfortable weather continuing.
Summer (July-September)
Karuizawa’s summer is when the resort town shows its true colors as a summer retreat. Prince Street is also cool and comfortable, bustling with tourists escaping the intense heat of Tokyo. Average temperatures are around 20-25 degrees Celsius with low humidity, creating a very comfortable environment.
In summer, Karuizawa Shopping Plaza’s business hours are also extended, allowing shopping from evening through nighttime. The street trees along Prince Street become luxuriantly green, providing shade, making strolls very pleasant.
Autumn (October-November)
Autumn Prince Street captivates many tourists as a famous autumn foliage destination. Trees lining both sides of the road display autumn colors, beautifully adorning Prince Street. Maples, rowan trees, larch trees and more turn red and yellow, creating a painting-like landscape.
The peak season is typically from mid-October through early November, when particularly many tourists visit. Walking along the wide sidewalk while enjoying the autumn foliage is ideal for leisurely strolls. Combined with autumn foliage from surrounding golf courses, you can fully appreciate the open autumn scenery.
Winter (December-March)
Prince Street in winter features beautiful snow scenery and is enveloped in a quiet, serene atmosphere. The Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort opens, bustling with people enjoying winter sports.
Temperatures often drop below freezing, and cold-weather preparations are essential. While attention is necessary for driving on snowy roads, safe access is possible by equipping winter tires. Year-end and New Year’s sales are held at Karuizawa Shopping Plaza, attracting many shoppers.
Check Current Conditions via Live Camera
Multiple live cameras are installed on Prince Street, allowing you to check current conditions in real time. This convenient service is helpful for confirming weather and road conditions before visiting.
Main Live Camera Installation Locations
Live Camera Provided by GSResort Corporation
- Filming location: 〒389-0102 Karuizawa, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture, 1057-7
- Operated by ISK Real Estate Co., Ltd. and GSResort Corporation
- Prince Street road conditions and weather can be confirmed 24 hours a day
Karuizawa Town Official Live Camera
- Provided on Karuizawa Town’s official website
- Current conditions around Prince Street can be confirmed
These live cameras are particularly useful for confirming winter snow accumulation and congestion during autumn foliage season. We recommend checking them in advance when planning your visit.
Accommodation Information
Various accommodation options are available around Prince Street.
Hotels and Resort Facilities
Karuizawa Prince Hotel is the large resort hotel closest to Prince Street. You can choose from multiple hotel types including East, West, and cottage-style accommodations, with options suited to different budgets and purposes. Access to golf courses, ski resorts, and shopping plazas is excellent.
Condominiums and Apartments
Condominiums such as Coccolore Karuizawa Prince Street are also located along Prince Street. This is a 2-story residential building with 55 units that opened in April 2010, suitable for extended stays and second home use. Located 30 minutes on foot from Karuizawa Station, you can enjoy resort living in a quiet environment.
Other Accommodation Options
Small pensions, inns, and rental cottages are also scattered throughout the area, with options available to suit different budgets and stay styles. During summer and autumn foliage season, reservations are in high demand, so early booking is recommended.
Weather Forecast and Clothing Advice
Karuizawa is located at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, making temperatures 5-10 degrees Celsius lower than in lowland areas. Be sure to check the weather forecast before visiting and prepare appropriate clothing.
Seasonal Clothing Recommendations
Spring (April-June)
- Early morning and evening temperatures drop, so jackets or cardigans are necessary
- Daytime temperatures warm up, making layered clothing convenient
Summer (July-September)
- Daytime temperatures allow short sleeves, but long sleeves are needed mornings and evenings
- Bring a light jacket for air conditioning
- UV rays are strong, so hats and sunglasses are also recommended
Autumn (October-November)
- Sweaters and fleece are necessary for warmth
- November can become as cold as winter, so prepare outerwear
Winter (December-March)
- Complete winter gear is essential including down jackets, gloves, and scarves
- Wear non-slip shoes suitable for snowy roads
Tips for Enjoying Prince Street
Efficient Sightseeing Plans
- Morning: After arriving at Karuizawa Station, shop at Karuizawa Shopping Plaza
- Lunch: Enjoy Karuizawa gourmet at restaurants within the plaza
- Afternoon: Take a stroll down Prince Street and enjoy seasonal scenery
- Evening: Relax at nearby hot spring facilities
- Night: Stay at Prince Hotel or nearby accommodation
Utilizing Rental Bicycles
Multiple rental bicycle shops are available around Karuizawa Station. Using a bicycle allows you to efficiently visit major Karuizawa attractions including the former Karuizawa Ginza, Kumoba Pond, and Shiraito Falls from Prince Street. Electric-assist bicycles are also available, making uphill sections easier to navigate.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Weekday visits: Weekends and holidays are crowded, so weekdays are recommended if possible
- Early morning visits: Shortly after the shopping plaza opens, it is relatively uncrowded
- Off-season visits: June and late November have fewer tourists and are more comfortable
Surrounding Roads and Transportation Networks
In addition to Prince Street, multiple major roads exist throughout Karuizawa Town.
Major Roads
- Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street: The main street representative of Karuizawa
- Nakasendo: A historic highway
- National Route 18: A major national highway passing through Karuizawa
- Prefectural Road 133: A prefectural road running north-south through Karuizawa Town
By combining these roads with Prince Street, you can efficiently move throughout the Karuizawa area.
Map Services and Methods to Confirm Detailed Information
The following map services are convenient for confirming detailed location information and nearby facilities for Prince Street.
Recommended Map Services
- Mapion Telephone Directory: Detailed information about Prince Street and nearby facility searches available
- Yahoo! Maps: Real-time traffic information and nearby spot searches
- Google Maps: Preview the road conditions using Street View before visiting
By utilizing these services, you can make detailed plans before visiting. The Street View feature in particular is ideal for a preliminary inspection when visiting for the first time.
Event Information Around Prince Street
Various events are held throughout the year in Karuizawa.
Major Events
- Karuizawa Half Marathon (Spring): Prince Street is part of the course
- Karuizawa Winter Festival (Winter): Illumination events
- Karuizawa Autumn Foliage Festival (Autumn): Special autumn foliage season events
- Karuizawa Shopping Plaza Sales (Multiple times yearly): Large-scale bargain sales
Crowding is expected during events, so advance reservations for accommodations and parking are recommended.
Summary: How to Maximize Your Enjoyment of Karuizawa Prince Street
Karuizawa Prince Street is a charming area offering diverse ways to enjoy itself—shopping, gourmet dining, nature appreciation, and resort stays. Located in Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture, it is easily accessible from Karuizawa Station, and the area is equipped with comprehensive facilities.
Before visiting, check the weather forecast and live camera to see current local conditions, and prepare appropriate clothing for the season. Centered around Karuizawa Shopping Plaza, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Prince Street and experience the resort lifestyle characteristic of Karuizawa.
Prince Street has seasonal attractions year-round—fresh greenery in spring, summer retreat from heat, autumn foliage in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter. This is a road full of new discoveries no matter how many times you visit. For detailed information and current business hours, we recommend checking each facility’s official website and the Karuizawa Town official homepage.
Starting from Prince Street, fully experience the charms of Karuizawa.
