Karuizawa Rail Fan Family Trip - 8 Days

Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

Atmospheric narrow lanes, old churches, shrines, and tree-lined paths in the historic district.

Karuizawa Station

Home base hub. A few minutes walk from the Airbnb, perfect for daily Shinkansen adventures.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort

Walking distance skiing with views of Mt. Asama and Shinkansen trains passing below. Beginner/intermediate terrain.

Naka-Karuizawa

River paths and classy terrace area. Great for a relaxed stroll.

Cat Street

Family favorite. A chill alternative to the Harajuku crowds with boutiques and cafes.

Shibuya Crossing

Railway Museum (Omiya)

The obvious pilgrimage for rail fans. Huge collection of rolling stock and interactive exhibits.

Takeshita Street

Harajuku's famous pedestrian shopping street. Colorful and chaotic.

Meiji Jingu

Peaceful forested shrine in the heart of Harajuku. A forest bathing moment in the city.

Omotesando

Tree-lined avenue with high-end architecture and shops.

Ameyoko Shopping Street

A bit disappointing as a market, but good railfanning with trains running overhead.

Ginza

Ueno Park

Family favorite. Great for a relaxed stroll, museums, and people watching.

Iizuna Kogen Ski Area

Quiet ski resort with hardly anyone around. Beautiful train ride back to Nagano.

Togakushi Shrine Cedar Avenue

"Absolutely magical" with fresh snow. Ancient cedar trees lining the path to the shrine.

Zenko-ji Temple

Nagano's iconic temple. Explored the area around it and central Nagano.

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort

Excellent skiing. The village is cool, though the vibe was a little too "Aussie".

Nozawa Onsen Village

Traditional onsen village with free public baths scattered throughout.

Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort

Good skiing. The walk from the ski resort to town center was amazing.

Sainokawara Park

The rotenburo here was one of the best moments of the entire trip. A must.

Yubatake

Kusatsu's iconic steaming hot spring field right in the center of town. Striking sight.

Haneda Airport Observation Deck

"Valhalla for aviation buffs." Perfect final stop for the trip.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Park

新宿御苑 It's one of the big parks in Tokyo. It's especially popular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. More info: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/en/ IG spot: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4NkUZdyYiH/?img_index=5 #sakura #nature

Abandoned Station of Keisei

Megane-bashi

Coordinates: 36.357771666666665, 138.69895666666667

Kagami Pond

鏡池

Kanda Myojin Shrine

https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/ev270/index.html (3.26 - 4.10)

Snow Monkey Park

地獄谷野猿公苑 As a rare place where you can see monkeys bathing in onsens, it is beloved by people from all over the world. More info: https://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CnMYGZGyjmd/ #nature

Platinum Fish Cafe (Train View)

Coordinates: 35.6973,139.7699

Yanaka Ginza

Ryukaeno Falls

竜返しの滝

Onioshidashi Volcanic Park

鬼押出し園(上信越高原国立公園) You can see a wide range of lava rocks created by the eruption of Mount Asama in 1783. More info: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/onioshidashi/ #nature

Yorozuya Onsen

#onsen

Chatsubomigoke

チャツボミゴケ公園

Osenno Falls

嫗仙の滝. Absolument le matin !