Tokyo Weekender August 2016

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[ PROMOTION ]
THINGS TO DO IN KARUIZAWA
AN HOUR AWAY FROM TOKYO BY SHINKANSEN, KARUIZAWA HAS LONG
BEEN A FAVORITE SPOT FOR TOKYO’S UPPER CLASS FAMILIES TO BUILD THEIR
VACATION VILLAS. AFTER THIS QUICK INTRODUCTION TO SOME OF THE AREA’S
ACTIVITIES, WE THINK YOU ALSO MIGHT FIND YOURSELF TEMPTED TO MAKE
KARUIZAWA YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME.
FINE DINING
Between elegant versions of traditional
Japanese favorites, European
cuisine, and high-end gourmet
options that can easily rival what
you might find back in Tokyo,
gastronomes in Karuizawa will find
themselves spoiled for choice. Looking
to entertain at home? Sasazawa
Construction can arrange catering.
GOLF
For golf lovers, it simply wouldn’t
be a vacation without some time on
the links. One of the most impressive
courses in the area is Karuizawa 72
Golf, a massive golfer’s paradise that
is made up of four separate 18-hole
courses. Each one offers a different
challenge for all abilities. If you’re
one of Sasazawa Construction’s
clients, the company can place your
reservation ahead of your arrival.
SHOPPING
Just because you’re getting away from the
hustle and bustle of city life doesn’t mean
that you have to miss out on the shop till
you drop experience. The Karuizawa Prince
Shopping Plaza is a massive complex with
everything from high-end luxury brands to
toy stores, plus a few cafés and restaurants
where you can refresh yourself between
shopping sessions. If old-fashioned shopping
streets are more your style, “downtown”
Karuizawa offers more than its fair
share of retail nostalgia.
NATURE WALKS
Blessed with a climate that remains
considerably cooler than Tokyo’s
summer swelter, Karuizawa is an
ideal location for light hikes from
spring to autumn. Some of the
easiest trails take you past the back
yards of vacation homes, but if
you’re looking for more adventurous
trails, many are just a short
drive away.
SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
Depending on the weather, ski season in Karuizawa
can begin as early as October, and the region is
known for dry powder that’s a pleasure for skiiers
and snowboarders alike. The Prince Snow Resort
is just a short walk from the Shinkansen station,
while Karuizawa Snow Park and Asama 2000 Park,
both located farther out of town, offer plenty of
snowy fun on the slopes as well as an avalanche of
après ski activities.
26 | | AUGUST 2016 | | TOKYO WEEKENDER