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Activity Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo: Karuizawa, Kawagoe & Hoshino Resort Shrine Day Tour

3.0 (one review) 9–10 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Tokyo: Karuizawa, Kawagoe & Hoshino Resort Shrine Day Tour

About this activity

Escape the bustle of Tokyo and discover the timeless beauty of **Karuizawa** and the historic charm of **Kawagoe** on this full-day guided tour.

Begin your journey in the scenic mountain resort of **Karuizawa**, where you'll have free time to shop at the popular **Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza** or relax amid the area's peaceful natural surroundings. Continue to the tranquil **Kumoba Pond**, renowned for its mirror-like reflections and vibrant seasonal scenery.

Next, visit the serene **Karuizawa Kogen Church**, nestled among towering trees, before stopping at the charming **Hoshino Onsen** area, where you can choose to enjoy a traditional Japanese hot spring experience (admission not included) or explore the picturesque resort village at your leisure.

In the afternoon, travel to **Kawagoe**, affectionately known as "Little Edo," where history comes alive. Visit the historic **Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine**, stroll through the beautifully preserved **Ichibangai Old Warehouse District

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Historical Tours New Product Short term availability

At a glance

Duration
9–10 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 20 people
People per booking
1–8
Guide
Japanese, English, Chinese
Operated by
TREVOPEDIA

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Vehicle fuel costs, tolls, and highway tolls

Not included

  • Not included: Admission to hot spring experience (Hoshino Onsen) (Around 5$)
  • Not included: Other personal expenses

Itinerary

  1. Karuizawa prince shopping plaza

    3 h 20 min

    Enjoy free time at **Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza**, one of Japan's largest resort outlet malls set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Asama. Browse hundreds of international and Japanese brands, discover local specialty shops, relax in open green spaces, and enjoy a wide selection of restaurants and cafés.

  2. Stop 2

    one hour

    Visit the tranquil **Kumoba Pond**, one of Karuizawa's most picturesque natural attractions. Surrounded by lush forests, the pond reflects vibrant seasonal colors, from fresh greenery in spring to brilliant autumn foliage, creating a peaceful setting ideal for leisurely walks and photography.

  3. Stop 3

    1 h 10 min

    Explore the beautiful **Karuizawa Kogen Church**, a peaceful woodland chapel surrounded by towering trees. Known for its elegant wooden architecture and serene atmosphere, the church has long been a favorite destination for visitors seeking quiet reflection and scenic beauty.

  4. Stop 4

    one hour Admission not included

    Visit the renowned **Hoshino Onsen** area, famous for its relaxing hot spring culture and beautiful forest surroundings. Travelers may choose to enjoy the soothing natural hot springs (admission not included) or spend time exploring the charming Hoshino Resort area at their own pace.

  5. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

    one hour

    Discover **Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine**, a historic Shinto shrine famous for blessings of love, marriage, and good fortune. Admire its traditional architecture, colorful seasonal decorations, and charming ema prayer plaques while experiencing one of Kawagoe's most beloved cultural landmarks.

  6. Stop 6

    30 min

    Step back in time at Kurazukuri no Machinami (Kurazukuri Street), a historic district celebrated for its well-preserved Edo-period warehouses and merchant houses. Known for the distinctive clay-walled “kurazukuri” construction, these traditional black-plaster buildings with lattice windows line narrow streets, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of Japan’s feudal era. Many of the kurazukuri structures have been transformed into charming shops, cafes, museums, and galleries, making the district a perfect place to explore, shop, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Kawagoe.

  7. Toki no Kane

    20 min

    Discover the historic charm of Toki no Kane (Bell of Time), an iconic bell tower that symbolizes Kawagoe’s traditional townscape. Built in 1624, this Edo-period landmark once served as the town’s timekeeping device, ringing four times daily—at 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM—to mark the passage of time and signal the opening and closing of the town gates. Today, Toki no Kane stands as a beloved historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into Kawagoe’s rich cultural heritage and timeless charm

  8. Kashiya Yokocho

    20 min

    Stroll through the nostalgic Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley), a historic street renowned for its traditional Japanese sweets. Dating back to the Edo period, the alley is lined with charming wooden shops offering a wide variety of handmade confections, from colorful candies to rice crackers and other delightful treats. Kashiya Yokocho’s preserved architecture and sweet aromas create a whimsical atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of Kawagoe’s history and culture.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Meet up at 1-chōme-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure.

    Departure at 8:30 Am

  • Meet up at 1-chōme-6-6 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan. Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure.

    Departure at 8:00 Am

End point

  • Meet up at 1-chōme-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure.

    Departure at 8:30 Am

  • Meet up at 1-chōme-6-6 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan. Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure.

    Departure at 8:00 Am

Using your ticket

We will send confirmation message along with tour and driver details one day before travel.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • Total Tour duration includes transportation.

  • Free for children aged 0-2 as long as they will not occupy separate seats

Options

  • Shinjuku Station pick-up 8:30

    Starting point:

    Matsuoka Central Building, 1-chōme-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan

  • Tokyo Station pick-up 8:00

    Starting point:

    1-chōme-6-6 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan

Traveller ratings

3.0 out of 5 · one review
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Tokyo: Karuizawa, Kawagoe & Hoshino Resort Shrine Day Tour

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