Naka-Karuizawa

2 of 2 in Karuizawa

Naka-Karuizawa (中軽井沢), located just four kilometers west of Kyu-Karuizawa, offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by forests and mountains. This peaceful town moves at a slower pace than its bustling neighbor, making it ideal for travelers in search of calm and quiet. At its heart lies the elegant Hoshino Resort, a modern, nature-inspired escape featuring stylish accommodations, refined dining, chic boutiques, and the renowned Tomi no Yu hot spring — perfect for a relaxing soak amidst serene surroundings. The resort blends seamlessly with the wooded landscape, creating a luxurious yet grounded atmosphere.

Beyond the resort, Naka-Karuizawa enchants with its parks, forest trails, and cultural highlights. Visitors can explore the Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary, a quiet forest reserve with scenic walking paths and excellent birdwatching, or admire the minimalist design of the Hiroshi Senju Museum, created by architect Ryue Nishizawa. The town is also well-suited for cycling or peaceful walks along tree-lined streets and the Yukawa River. With its calming ambiance and balance of nature and culture, Naka-Karuizawa invites visitors to experience a gentler side of the region.

Getting there

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Naka-Karuizawa Station is the main transport hub in the area. It's connected to Karuizawa Station by train (5 minutes, 230 yen), town loop buses (15 minutes, 200 yen), and Seibu buses (15 minutes, 290 yen) serving places like Hoshino Resort and Onioshidashi Park.

To reach the Sezon Museum, it's a 10-minute walk from the Sengataki Onsen Iriguchi bus stop. For the Hiroshi Senju Museum, take the town loop bus (5 minutes, 120 yen) to Toriihara-danchimae and walk 10 minutes. The same bus also stops at Shiozawa Lake twice a day. You can also rent a bicycle near Naka-Karuizawa Station for about 1,000 yen per day to explore the area.