History of Karuizawa:

In 1886, a British missionary visited Karuizawa and was mesmerized when he saw the beautiful sceneries, which reminded him of his home country, Scotland. Two years later, he built a summer residence in this location.

Throughout its history of more than a hundred years, Karuizawa has been visited by many celebrities, including members of the imperial family and prominent figures in politics and the business world, and has gradually grown into a prominent Japanese summer resort.

Although it is only 70 minutes away from Tokyo by the Nagano Shinkansen, Karuizawa welcomes visitors with a succession of stunning natural vistas throughout the year. A multitude of art museums, cultural facilities andchurches are distributed throughout the area, and the majority of its main sightseeing spots can be visited on foot or by bicycle. Moreover, the Karuizawa PrinceShopping Plaza (outlet shopping mall) is attracting attention lately with its more than 180 shops and restaurants.