[Karuizawa, Kusatsu, and Manza] Winter Highland Resort Trip from Tokyo - Enjoy Hot Springs, Nature, and Fine Cuisine

Take a winter trip to the fascinating Shinshu

A relaxing and inspiring highland resort experience in Karuizawa, Kusatsu, and Manza

Just over an hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo, the highland resort area, centered around Karuizawa, is a place where clear air, beautiful nature, and sophisticated townscapes blend together. In winter, the entire area is covered in snow, captivating visitors with its mystical scenery. This time, we'll introduce a winter trip around Karuizawa, Kusatsu, and Manza. We'll tell you all about popular tourist spots, local gourmet food, and the charms of the Manza Prince Hotel, the perfect place to end your trip.

Karuizawa - A highland resort where nature and sophistication coexist

Karuizawa, known as a summer resort, transforms completely in winter, transforming into a tranquil resort covered in snow. With streets surrounded by silvery white trees, laid-back cafes, and historic churches, you'll find picturesque scenery wherever you walk.

Particularly famous are the Stone Church Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Hall and Karuizawa Kogen Church. The Stone Church is characterized by its unique architectural design with organic curves, and the fantastic space created by the interweaving of light and stone captivates visitors. Meanwhile, Karuizawa Kogen Church is a wooden chapel nestled in the middle of nature, exuding a sacred atmosphere enveloped in tranquility and warmth. In winter, the church is lit up, and the fantastic sight of it enveloped in snow and light makes it a popular photo spot for many couples and tourists.

For shopping enthusiasts, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is popular. With everything from outlet brands to Shinshu specialties, even just window shopping can be fun. In winter, Karuizawa also offers a snow park and ice skating rink, making it a great place for families. The unique charm of Karuizawa is that you can enjoy both nature and the city in a sophisticated atmosphere.

Shiraito Falls and Kumoba Pond: Scenic Spots in Karuizawa Showcasing the Colors of the Four Seasons

Shiraito Falls and Kumoba Pond are popular spots that represent the natural beauty of Karuizawa. Shiraito Falls is a delicate curtain-like waterfall that is 3 meters high and 70 meters wide, and the sight of countless threads of water gently flowing down the rock face is truly a work of art woven by nature. In winter, icicles are formed, creating a fantastical world of ice that you can enjoy.

Meanwhile, Kumoba Pond is a quiet pond also known as Swan Lake, and the scenery of snow-covered trees reflected on the water's surface is breathtakingly beautiful. There are walking paths, so you can enjoy nature while taking a leisurely stroll even in winter. With your camera in hand, there are plenty of photo spots that will make you want to take pictures without even realizing it.

Kusatsu Onsen - A famous hot spring village that is one of Japan's three most famous hot springs

Located about an hour's drive from Karuizawa, Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring resort that has been loved since ancient times as one of Japan's three most famous hot springs. Located at an altitude of 1,200 meters, in winter you can enjoy a fantastical atmosphere where the snowy scenery and steam from the hot springs blend together.

The symbol of Kusatsu is the Yubatake. The sight of the gushing hot water flowing down the wooden troughs is breathtaking, and at night it is lit up, enveloping the whole area in a mystical steam and light. The surrounding area is lined with foot baths, souvenir shops, and Netsu-no-yu, where you can enjoy a hot spring massage show, so you can fully enjoy the hot spring atmosphere just by strolling around.

The waters of Kusatsu Onsen are highly acidic and are known for their skin-beautifying and antibacterial properties. After bathing, your skin will be smooth and you will feel a long-lasting warmth from the inside out. This hot spring will help you forget the cold of winter and is truly the ultimate in healing.

Furthermore, the area around the hot spring town is dotted with tourist spots such as Sainokawara Park and Kusatsu Tropical Zone, making it a place that can be enjoyed by families and couples alike. Walking through the snow-covered hot spring town and spending a luxurious time surrounded by the steam of the hot springs will refresh your mind and body.

Manza Prince Hotel - A luxurious winter at a sky resort at an altitude of 1,800 meters

To conclude your trip, head to the symbolic Manza Onsen area, the Manza Prince Hotel. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters, this hotel is a highland resort where you can enjoy views that make you feel like you're above the clouds.

Make a reservation here!

Known as "the hot spring closest to the stars," Manza Onsen is located at such an altitude that you can almost reach the night sky, allowing you to experience a blissful moment of soaking in the hot water while gazing at the starry sky. The hotel's pride and joy, the open-air bath, is a milky white sulfur spring that is excellent for skin-beautifying and heat-retaining. From the open-air bath with a spectacular view, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains and snowy landscapes that change with the seasons, allowing you to enjoy an extraordinary healing experience. You can also enjoy a private hot spring bath where you can relax, making it ideal for families or couples.

Tsumagoi Village, where Manza Prince Hotel is located, is known as one of Japan's leading producers of highland cabbage. Cabbages grown in this region, where the temperature difference between day and night is large, are characterized by their juicy texture and intense sweetness. Particularly famous among these is the Tsumagoi brand cabbage, "Reiho (commonly known as 419)." Grown in the unique highland climate, this cabbage stands out for its soft leaves and refined sweetness, earning it the nickname "the legendary cabbage." The hotel restaurant offers a special menu featuring generous portions of the rare Reiho cabbage, which is rarely found on the market. Enjoy the bounty of the Tsumagoi Plateau, which can only be tasted here, along with dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

Also, just a short walk from the hotel is the popular scenic spot "Tsumagoi Hill (Larch Hill)." With the majestic Mount Asama in the background, the landscape of the larch forest forming a beautiful curve is like something out of a painting. It shows different faces with each season, with lush greenery in summer, golden foliage in autumn, and pure white snowscapes in winter, so you can enjoy a captivating view no matter what season you visit. It is also a popular photo spot, so you're sure to capture the perfect photo to remember your trip.

Tsumagoi Hill (Larch Hill) Photo courtesy of Tsumagoi Village Tourism Association

The hotel also has a "snow field" on its grounds that the whole family can enjoy. From snow escalators to snow tubing, sledding, and snowman-making, there's plenty to keep everyone smiling, from children to adults. You can also enjoy professional skiing and snowboarding, and the slopes are directly connected for easy access.

The hotel is equipped with a variety of facilities, including restaurants and shops, allowing you to relax and unwind away from the everyday. At night, the sky is filled with twinkling stars, creating a fantastical sight worthy of being called a "paradise in the sky."

From Karuizawa to Manza, a luxurious winter trip that will warm your body and soul

After fully experiencing the charms of Shinshu, strolling through the sophisticated town of Karuizawa, the famous hot springs of Kusatsu Onsen, the natural beauty of Shiraito Falls and Kumoba Pond, and the taste of highland cabbage, end your trip with a relaxing and moving finale at Manza Prince Hotel.

Beautiful snow-covered scenery, hot springs that will warm your soul, and unforgettable experiences await you. Why not spend this winter experiencing something special that can only be experienced in the Shinshu, Karuizawa-Manza area?

Make a reservation here!