Karuizawa: 8 Autumn Foliage Spots and Seasonal Light-up Events

Enjoy the Autumn Leaves in Karuizawa

The chilly autumn season is a captivating time in Japan, with the leaves turning shades of yellow and bright red. In Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, there are numerous beautiful spots to enjoy the autumn foliage, including Shiraito Falls and Kumoba Pond.

In this article, we will introduce the best spots for autumn foliage in Karuizawa, where the peak foliage season is from mid-October to early November. P

Autumn Foliage in Karuizawa

1. Shiraito Falls
2. Kumoba Pond
3. Karuizawa Taliesin
4. Usui Pass Observation Platform
5. Komoro Castle Ruins - Kaikoen Park
6. Mikasa Street
7. Karuizawa Kogen Church
8. Karuizawa Lake Garden

1. Shiraito Falls: Autumn Foliage and a Magical Atmosphere

Photo by Pixta

Shiraito Falls is a spot where you can enjoy the autumn foliage while watching the mist of the waterfall cascading from a height of 3 meters. Surrounded by nature abundant in negative ions, you can relish the unique views of autumn. The collaboration of the waterfall and the colorful leaves will take your breath away.

Shiraito Falls is about 150 meters from the nearest bus stop, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely stroll while listening to the sounds of nature. After soaking in the autumn foliage, it's highly recommended to try the top-selling "Grilled Iwana (sweetfish)" at the souvenir shop near the bus stop.

The scenery at Shiraito Falls changes dramatically in summer and winter, so be sure to visit in other seasons as well.

Shiraito Falls

Address	Kose, Nagakura, Karuizawa, Kitasaku, Nagano
Business Hours	24 hours
Closed	None
Phone Number	0267-42-5538
Admission	Free
Parking	Free (shoulder area approximately 20 meters long)
Website / Social Media	Official Website
Best Viewing Time for Autumn Foliage	Mid-October
Light-up Information	N/A

2. Kumoba Pond: Autumn Colors and Reflections on the Water

Photo by Pixta
Known affectionately as the "Swan Lake," Kumoba Pond is a popular spot for enjoying the reflections of autumn foliage on the water.

The vibrant red maple, the delicate azalea, and the yellow larch surrounding the pond create a stunning autumn scene that will surely capture your attention.

It's recommended to take a leisurely stroll along the walking path, which takes about 20 minutes to complete, allowing you to fully enjoy the autumn colors.

Kumoba Pond offers a different charm compared to the fresh greenery of spring or the snowy landscapes of winter, so be sure to experience the beauty of each season here.

Kumoba Pond

Address	Karuizawa, Kitasaku, Nagano
Business Hours	24 hours
Closed	None
Phone Number	0267-42-5538
Admission	Free
Parking	None
Website / Social Media	Official Website, Social Media
Best Viewing Time for Autumn Foliage	Mid-October to Early November
Light-up Information	N/A

3. Karuizawa Taliesin: A Great Place to Spend a Day in Nature

Photo by Pixta
Karuizawa Taliesin is a comprehensive resort facility nestled in nature, offering experiences in literature, art, and leisure. Inside the facility, you will find historical buildings such as the Peyne Museum and the Karuizawa Kogen Library.

Karuizawa Taliesin is a precious place where you can enjoy both autumn foliage and cultural heritage at the same time. It is also popular among families, featuring activities suitable for children, such as go-karting, mini archery, and a cycle mall.

After taking a leisurely stroll to enjoy the autumn leaves, it’s recommended to take a break at one of the restaurants or cafes and enjoy the changing scenery as the sun sets. You can also take a boat ride on Saltzawa Lake located in the central area of the property to fully enjoy the autumn foliage from the water.

Karuizawa Taliesin

Address	217 Nagakura, Karuizawa, Kitasaku, Nagano
Business Hours	9:00 to 17:00
Closed	Irregular holidays
Phone Number	0267-46-6161
Admission	Adults: 900 yen Children (Elementary and Junior High School students): 400 yen Infants (0 to 5 years old): Free *Separate fees apply for the museum. (Please check the official website for details)
Parking	Regular cars: 500 yen; Large buses: 2,000 yen (Total capacity: 180 vehicles)
Website / Social Media	Official Website, Social Media
Best Viewing Time for Autumn Foliage	Mid-October to Mid-November
Light-up Information	N/A

4. Usui Pass Observation Platform: Brilliant Sunset and Autumn Leaves

Photo by Pixta
Usui Pass Observation Platform is a popular autumn foliage spot located on the border of Nagano and Gunma Prefectures.

From the viewpoint, you can overlook beautiful mountains such as Mount Asama and the Northern and Southern Alps, with a panorama of vibrant autumn leaves spread out below.

It was once referred to as "Sunset Point" by summer visitors from overseas, and the sight of the sunset perfectly matched with the autumn foliage creates a mystical landscape.

Near the entrance of the viewpoint, along the old Nakayama Road, there are shops where you can enjoy the local specialty, Chikara Mochi (a type of rice cake), so be sure to stop by.

Usui Pass Observation Platform

Address	Touge-machi, Karuizawa, Kitasaku, Nagano
Business Hours	24 hours
Closed	None
Phone Number	0267-42-5538
Admission	Free
Parking	Free (5 vehicles)
Website / Social Media	Official Website
Best Viewing Time for Autumn Foliage	Mid-October
Light-up Information	N/A

5. Komoro Castle Ruins - Kaikoen Park: Autumn Colors and Moss

Photo by Pixta
Komoro Castle Ruins - Kaikoen Park was originally the site of Komoro Castle, but in 1926, it was transformed into a modern park designed by the gardening authority, Seiroku Honda.

From October 19 to November 17, 2024, the Komoro Kaikoen Park Autumn Foliage Festival will be held. The trees, including maples, ginkgoes, and zelkova, adorned in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, create a stunning contrast against the green moss that has covered the stone walls for over 400 years.

Additionally, there is a nighttime light-up of the autumn leaves, allowing visitors to enjoy a different perspective from the daytime views.

Kaikoen also features stone monuments dedicated to famous writers such as Toson Shimazaki and Bokusui Wakayama, adding to its allure. With a children's playground and a zoo (partially closed), it is an ideal destination for families as well.

Komoro Castle Ruins - Kaikoen Park

Address	311 Chō, Komoro City, Nagano
Business Hours	9:00 to 17:00 (Park) 9:30 to 16:30 (Zoo and Playground)
Closed	Every Wednesday from December to mid-March (open without breaks until November 30) New Year’s holidays (December 29 to January 3)
Phone Number	0267-22-0296
Admission	Adults: 300 yen; Children (Junior High School and below): 100 yen (for park access and zoo)
Parking	Regular cars: 500 yen; Large vehicles: 1,500 yen
Website / Social Media	Official Website
Best Viewing Time for Autumn Foliage	Early November to Mid-November
Light-up Information	In 2024, from October 19 to November 17, from sunset until 21:00

6. Mikasa Street: Tree-Lined Pathway with Autumn Foliage

Photo by Pixta
Mikasa Street is a picturesque tree-lined pathway that stretches approximately 2 kilometers from the old Karuizawa Rotary to the former Mikasa Hotel (currently closed, with plans to reopen around summer 2025). Tall larch trees line the avenue, creating a stunning yellow foliage tunnel.

When the fallen leaves accumulate on the road, the scene resembles a yellow carpet, making it a sight not to be missed. It has been selected as one of the New 100 Scenic Streets in Japan, offering a wonderful opportunity for both driving and cycling while enjoying the natural beauty.

Mikasa Street

Address	Karuizawa, Kitasaku, Nagano
Business Hours	24 hours
Closed	None
Phone Number	0267-42-5538
Admission	Free
Parking	None
Website / Social Media	Official Website
Best Viewing Time for Autumn Foliage	Mid-October to Early November
Light-up Information	N/A

7. Karuizawa Kogen Church: A Scene Straight Out of a Movie

Photo by Pixta
Surrounded by a serene forest, Karuizawa Kogen Church is a representative church of Karuizawa, where Christian culture has flourished for many years.

The church has its origins in the "Art and Liberal Education Seminar" held in 1921, where cultural figures such as Hakuchu Kitahara and Toson Shimazaki gathered to discuss the pursuit of a truly rich heart.

Visitors can enjoy the sunlight filtering through the trees and breathe in the fresh air while admiring the native species, such as maples and katsura trees. In late autumn, the heart-shaped leaves of the katsura tree release a sweet fragrance, signaling the end of the season.

As for the illumination schedule in 2024, it is currently undecided as of October 2024. Please check the official website for the latest updates.

Karuizawa Kogen Church

Address	Hoshino, Karuizawa, Nagano
Business Hours	10:00 to 17:00 (Viewing hours) *There may be times when entry is not permitted due to ceremonies being held.
Closed	None
Phone Number	0267-45-3333
Admission	Free
Parking	Free (160 spaces)
Website / Social Media	Official Website, Social Media
Best Viewing Time for Autumn Foliage	Mid-October to Early November
Light-up Information	Undecided (please check the official website for updates)

8. Karuizawa Lake Garden: Autumn Foliage and Roses

Photo by Pixta
Karuizawa Lake Garden features eight distinct gardens surrounded by trees and a lake, creating a beautiful natural landscape. The autumn season for 2024 runs from September 1 to November 4.

During the autumn foliage season, the gardens are adorned with vibrant maples and other trees, while the roses that bloom in the fall add to the garden's charm.

The fallen leaves on the wooden paths create a sense of art, and the view from the bridge spanning the lake offers a picturesque setting. Be sure to capture the beauty of both the autumn leaves and the roses in your photographs.

Karuizawa Lake Garden

Address	Lake New Town, Karuizawa, Kitasaku, Nagano
Business Hours	9:00 to 17:00
Closed	Closed outside the period from April 19 to November 4, 2024
Phone Number	0267-48-1608
Admission	Adults: 1,200 yen; Children (Junior High School and below): 800 yen; Free for ages 0-3 (during the autumn season)
Parking	Free (250 spaces)
Website / Social Media	Official Website, Social Media
Best Viewing Time for Autumn Foliage	Mid-October to Early November
Light-up Information	None

Enjoy the Autumn Foliage in Karuizawa

To enjoy the vibrant colors of the leaves, it's recommended to check the condition of the foliage on official websites and social media before your visit. We hope this article serves as a helpful guide for experiencing the stunning autumn scenery in Karuizawa.

Main image by Pixta