Summer Retreat - Karuizawa

When it comes to must-visit attractions in Karuizawa, the top recommendation is definitely the Yachiho Lake, also known as the Swan Lake. The lake's surface is so clean that the surrounding landscape is clearly reflected on it, creating an incredibly beautiful scene. The editor personally recommends visiting during the autumn foliage season, when the red maple leaves next to the lake form a stunning view. However, the lush greenery in summer is also very healing. If you visit in winter, be careful walking in the snow-covered areas. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is located to the south of Karuizawa Station, divided into east and west sections, with more than 200 stores including luxury brands, clothing, groceries, home decor, sports brands, outdoor gear, and more. There's also a food court with a really wide selection, and sometimes there are incredible discounts, making it a great place to shop! It's recommended to go to the service center first to get discount coupons and a map, so you can plan which brands you want to visit and not get lost. The attractions recommended earlier are closer to Karuizawa Station, while Elm Street Town is near Naka-Karuizawa Station and requires a bus ride to reach. Although it's a bit farther away, I think it's well worth a visit. The shops are built in a charming log cabin style, which is super cute and makes for beautiful photos. The stores are very distinctive, with famous coffee shop Maruyama Coffee and SAWAMURA bakery having branches here. The Stone Church is a unique stone-built church in the world, with a special design made of irregularly arranged stones. It looks different from the typical church image in our minds, and the use of stones in its design is quite interesting. It symbolizes the hope that a loving couple will smooth out their differences and live a fulfilling life together after marriage. The Stone Church is open for visitors, but photography is not allowed inside. The interior design of the church is very special, and the view from the skylight is beautiful, exuding an elegant and astonishing beauty. It's no wonder that many people in Japan wish to get married here.