Set out on a captivating journey outside of Tokyo with the Tokyo: Karuizawa, Hoshino Resorts Area, Glacier Shrine Day Tour.
This 11-hour adventure takes travelers on a cultural and natural exploration, offering a respite from the bustling city.
Enjoy the serene beauty of Karuizawa, known as the imperial resort of Japan.
Led by knowledgeable tour guides fluent in English, Japanese, and Chinese, you will visit notable attractions such as the Hoshino Resorts Area, famous for its social media popularity.
Discover the picturesque Kumoba Pond, relax in open-air hot springs, and stroll through a 400-year-old street, experiencing the enchanting flow of time.
The tour concludes with a visit to the historic Glacier Shrine and the charming town of Kawagoe, transporting travelers back to the Edo period.
Quick Takeaways
- The tour includes visits to Karuizawa, the imperial resort of Japan, and Hoshino Resorts area, a popular destination on social media platforms.
- Kumoba Pond, also known as Swan Lake, offers charming scenery that changes with the seasons and is perfect for forest bathing.
- The tour allows for relaxation in open-air hot springs amidst serene beauty at Hoshino Onsen.
- The tour also includes a visit to Kawagoe, referred to as Little Edo, with its Western-style architecture and Showa-style alleyways.
Tour Details and Highlights
- This full-day tour offers a comprehensive experience of the Karuizawa and Hoshino Resorts areas, as well as a visit to the Glacier Shrine and Kawagoe Little Edo.
- The tour provides a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving travelers peace of mind.
- Live tour guides are available in English, Japanese, and Chinese, ensuring that visitors can fully understand and appreciate the tour.
- Highlights of the tour include a visit to Karuizawa, a renowned Japanese resort with picturesque scenery, as well as the Hoshino Resorts area, a highly popular destination on social media.
- Plus, you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of Kumoba Pond and relax in open-air hot springs.
- Finally, the tour takes travelers back in time to the Edo period in Kawagoe, where they can explore Western-style architecture and Showa-style alleyways.
- This tour offers a diverse range of experiences and highlights for travelers to enjoy.
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Tour Description and Itinerary
The tour begins at either JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit or SMBC Bank Shinjuku Nishiguchi. It has a duration of 11 hours and offers live tour guides in English, Japanese, and Chinese.
The tour takes you to various destinations, starting with Karuizawa, a renowned Japanese resort known for its picturesque scenery. Next, you’ll visit the Hoshino Resorts Area, a popular destination on social media platforms, where you can explore or visit Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza.
The tour also includes a stop at Kumoba Pond, a tranquil haven perfect for forest bathing with vibrant red maples in autumn. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to relax in open-air hot springs amidst serene beauty.
The itinerary also includes a visit to a 400-year-old street, where you can enjoy the enchanting experience of time flow.
The tour ends with a return to Tokyo, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Karuizawa: Renowned Japanese Resort Destination
Karuizawa is a premier Japanese resort destination that offers breathtaking scenery and a serene atmosphere. It’s known for being a luxury getaway that attracts visitors from around the world. With its natural beauty and tranquil surroundings, Karuizawa provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The town is famous for its picturesque landscapes, including the stunning Kumoba Pond, also known as Swan Lake, which changes its scenery with the seasons. In addition, Karuizawa is home to the Hoshino Resorts area, a highly popular destination on social media platforms. Visitors can relax in open-air hot springs while seeing the serene beauty of the surroundings.
Whether it’s exploring the 400-year-old street or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance, Karuizawa offers a truly enchanting experience for all who visit.
Hoshino Resorts Area: A Popular Social Media Destination
Hoshino Resorts Area has become a sought-after destination on social media platforms due to its captivating beauty and exquisite amenities. This stunning resort area has gained significant social media influence, attracting travelers from around the world who are eager to capture its Instagrammable spots.
With its picturesque landscapes, charming architecture, and luxurious accommodations, Hoshino Resorts Area provides the perfect backdrop for stunning photos and unforgettable experiences. From the vibrant colors of Kumoba Pond to the serene beauty of the open-air hot springs, every corner of this resort area is designed to be visually appealing and share-worthy.
Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Hoshino Resorts Area offers a stack of opportunities for travelers to create envy-inducing posts on their social media accounts.
Kumoba Pond: Tranquil Haven for Forest Bathing
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Kumoba Pond offers a tranquil haven for forest bathing amidst its vibrant scenery. This hidden gem is the perfect place to take in the therapeutic benefits of nature. Here are three reasons why Kumoba Pond is an essential stop for wellness travelers seeking to connect with natural landscapes:
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Forest therapy benefits: Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, is a practice that involves immersing oneself in the healing atmosphere of the forest. It has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system.
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Importance of natural landscapes in wellness tourism: Natural landscapes play a vital role in wellness tourism, providing a serene and rejuvenating environment for relaxation and self-care. Kumoba Pond’s lush greenery, tranquil waters, and seasonal changes offer a picturesque backdrop for visitors to unwind and revitalize.
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Vibrant scenery: Kumoba Pond is renowned for its vibrant scenery, especially during autumn when the red maples create a breathtaking display of colors. The serene atmosphere and stunning views make it an ideal spot for forest bathing and reconnecting with nature’s beauty.
Visiting Kumoba Pond provides an opportunity to experience the restorative benefits of forest therapy and witness the importance of natural landscapes in wellness tourism.
Hoshino Onsen: Renowned Hot Spring With Beauty Skin Waters
Located at the foot of the mountains, Hoshino Onsen offers visitors a renowned hot spring experience with its beauty skin waters. The onsen is managed by the Hoshino Group and is known for its therapeutic benefits. Soaking in the hot spring waters can help improve blood circulation, relieve muscle aches, and rejuvenate the skin. The onsen features both open-air baths with magnificent views and indoor baths with expansive glass windows that allow guests to savor the surrounding scenery. The best time to visit Hoshino Onsen is during the autumn season when the vibrant red maples add to the enchanting atmosphere. The cost for the onsen is self-pay, with adult prices ranging from 1,300 yen to 1,500 yen.
| Hoshino Onsen | |
|---|---|
| Benefits of hot spring bathing | – Improves blood circulation |
- Relieves muscle aches
- Rejuvenates the skin |
| Best time to visit | Autumn season with vibrant red maples |
Glacier Shrine and Kawagoe: Travel Back in Time to the Edo Period
The tour takes visitors on a journey back in time to the Edo period, offering a glimpse of the historic Glacier Shrine and the charming streets of Kawagoe.
- Explore Edo period architecture in Kawagoe, known as Little Edo, with its Western-style buildings and Showa-style alleyways.
- Visit the Hikawa Shrine, a sacred site that has been in existence for over 1,500 years.
- Experience the unique atmosphere of Kurazukuri no Machinami, a storehouse-style street that has been preserved from the Edo period.
Along With Kawagoe, the tour also includes a visit to Karuizawa, where you can discover traditional Japanese wedding venues. Karuizawa Kogen Church, with its woody fragrance, is a historic venue for Western-style weddings.
Enjoy the enchanting experience of the Edo period and the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture on this unforgettable day tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does the Onsen Cost and What Are the Available Payment Options?
The onsen cost at Hoshino Onsen ranges from 1,300 yen to 1,500 yen for adults. Payment for the onsen is self-pay. As for payment options, please check with the Hoshino Group for more details.
Can Children Participate in the Tour? Is There a Separate Fee for Them?
Children can participate in the tour, but there may be a separate fee for them. It is best to check the tour details and contact the provider for specific information on pricing and age restrictions.
Is Transportation Provided From Tokyo to Karuizawa and Back?
Yes, transportation is provided from Tokyo to Karuizawa and back. The tour includes air-conditioned transportation and pick-up and drop-off from designated areas. Travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way.
Are There Any Restrictions or Rules to Follow When Visiting the Hoshino Onsen?
When visiting Hoshino Onsen, guests are expected to follow the rules and regulations set by the management. The cost for the onsen is self-pay, and there are separate fees for children. Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available during the tour.
Are There Vegetarian or Vegan Meal Options Available During the Tour?
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan meal options available during the tour. Travelers can enjoy delicious plant-based dishes that cater to their dietary preferences and restrictions.
The Sum Up
To sum it up, the Tokyo: Karuizawa, Hoshino Resorts Area, Glacier Shrine Day Tour offers travelers a remarkable opportunity to escape the city and enjoy the natural beauty and rich culture of Karuizawa.
With knowledgeable guides, picturesque attractions such as Kumoba Pond and Hoshino Onsen, and a visit to the historic Glacier Shrine and Kawagoe, this 11-hour tour promises to be a memorable and rejuvenating experience for those seeking a unique adventure outside of Tokyo.
