About Karuizawa:
Thanks to advanced snow-making facilities, Karuizawa is one of the first ski resorts to open in Japan every year (early November).
However, that’s about all when it comes to drawcards. A large shopping complex is located at the bottom of the resort, so it’s more of a day trip kind of destination if you’re in Tokyo and are getting antsy before the season starts and the real powder snow starts falling.
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Snow Resort Stats
Mountain
- ElevationTop 1,994 metres
- Elevation Bottom 1,646 metres
- Vertical Drop 348 metres
- Max Pitch 32 degrees
- Skiable Terrain 38ha
- Longest Run 2km
- Beginner 40%
- Intermediate 40%
- Advanced 20%
- Total Number of Trails 9
Lifts
- Total 4
- Total Highest Lifted Point 1,994 metres
- Gondolas & Trams 0
- Quad Chairs 1
Triple Chairs 0 - Double Chairs 3
Snow Making
- Snow Making n/a
- Total Number of Guns n/a
- Annual Average
- Snowfall 6-7m
Terrain Parks
- Total 1 – mini park
- Total Terrain Park Area Size unknown
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Karuizawa: Insider Ski & Snowboard Tips
Very much for beginners, Karuizawa doesn’t offer anything by way of off-piste riding and relies heavily on snowmaking – which is not typically something you would associate with Japan.
Karuizawa: Access
Perhaps the most enticing aspect of Karuizawa is its accessibility. You can reach the small resort via a 1-hour shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo.
Karuizawa: Accommodation
Another Prince Hotels resort, so the main accommodation provider would have to be them although there is more of a town surrounding the resort than you typically find at other Prince Hotels establishments, meaning more accommodation options exist. Nonetheless, it is unlikely you’d be staying here for any length of time as it’s much more a day-trip type excursion.
Karuizawa: Restaurant & Après
Enjoy Shinshu Soba, hot pots and other Japanese cuisine, near the Ski Center or visit ‘Restaurant Azalea’ for a variety of menu items including Japanese, western and Chinese cuisine.
Karuizawa: Non-skiing Activities
Shopping at the base of the resort, along with snow-play activities such as tubing etc.
