Karuizawa (軽井沢) at about 1000m above sea level is a famous resort town in eastern Nagano Prefecture. Elegant summer houses of the wealthy are scattered through the nearby forests, while the central part of the town is laid out with restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. It is a very popular getaway place for the people of Tokyo to escape the summer heat, and it has easy access by the bullet train, taking just an hour from Tokyo Station. Karuizawa became more famous from the late 19th century as a retreat for Christian missionaries, and there are still several Christian related chapels and items there. Karuizawa offers numerous beautiful natural sights, fresh air, and lots of mountain scenery.
Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝), (25 min by bus from Karuizawa Stn, one way ¥720). One of the highlights of Karuizawa is this beautiful waterfall named after its appearance of several white threads of water slowly pouring down over a wide semi-circle. In wintertime it can freeze over, giving a completely different, glacial appearance. Accessed by a tranquil 5-minute walk from the bus stop. Remembering the return bus times is strongly recommended. Not to be confused with another waterfall of the same name near Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka.
Kumoba Pond (雲場池 (''Kumobaike'')). This pond is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Karuizawa, especially from spring when the new green leaves come out as well as in autumn around mid-October to see the beautiful fall colors. Walking completely around the pond measures about 1050m and takes 20 minutes or so, and gives a number of nice vantage points.
Karuizawa Ginza Street (軽井沢銀座商店会 (''Kyū-Karuizawa Ginza Shotenkai'')), (Walk 1 km north from Karuizawa Stn.). Hours vary. Stroll up and down the lively old main street which is packed with interesting fancy shops. It is several upscale branches of stores from Tokyo's Ginza that open here in the summer. Many shops cater to the wealthy, but there is a bakery named France Bakery. John Lennon loved the place, and he once bought some bread there.

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