Karuizawa and Hakuba Winter Adventure

1. Day 1: Karuizawa Outlet Mall
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Karuizawa Station

   Start your trip by visiting the Karuizawa Outlet Mall, where you can enjoy shopping for top brands at discounted prices. In the morning, explore the mall and grab a delicious lunch at one of the restaurants.

   • Shopping at Karuizawa Outlet Mall: Estimated cost: Varies, Estimated time: 3-4 hours
2. Day 2: Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Chapel
   15 minutes (2.1 miles) from Karuizawa Outlet Mall

   Experience the peaceful beauty of the Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Chapel in the morning. This picturesque chapel was built in the early 20th century and is surrounded by serene forests. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll in the nearby Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza shopping street.

   • Visit Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Chapel: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
   • Explore Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza: Estimated cost: Varies, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
3. Day 3: Onioshidashi Park
   1 hour 20 minutes (50 miles) from Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Chapel

   Embark on an adventure to Onioshidashi Park in the morning. This unique park features volcanic rock formations and breathtaking views. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza for some retail therapy.

   • Explore Onioshidashi Park: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Visit Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza: Estimated cost: Varies, Estimated time: 3-4 hours
4. Day 4: Hakuba Ski Resort
   2 hours 30 minutes (90 miles) from Onioshidashi Park

   Hit the slopes at Hakuba Ski Resort in the morning. Enjoy a full day of skiing or snowboarding on the picturesque mountains of Hakuba. Afterward, relax and rejuvenate in one of the local hot springs.

   • Skiing or Snowboarding at Hakuba Ski Resort: Estimated cost: Varies, Estimated time: Full day
   • Visit a Local Hot Spring: Estimated cost: Varies, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
5. Day 5: Snow Monkey Park
   1 hour 30 minutes (45 miles) from Hakuba Ski Resort

   Experience a unique encounter with Japanese macaques at the Snow Monkey Park in the morning. Observe these adorable creatures as they relax in the natural hot springs. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Zenkoji Temple in Nagano.

   • Visit Snow Monkey Park: Estimated cost: Varies, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Explore Zenkoji Temple: Estimated cost: Free (donations accepted), Estimated time: 1-2 hours
6. Day 6: Tsugaike Nature Park
   1 hour 15 minutes (30 miles) from Snow Monkey Park

   Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tsugaike Nature Park in the morning. Enjoy hiking trails, picturesque landscapes, and serene lakes. In the afternoon, visit Hakuba Art Museum for a cultural experience.

   • Explore Tsugaike Nature Park: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Visit Hakuba Art Museum: Estimated cost: Varies, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
7. Day 7: Hakuba Olympic Village
   30 minutes (10 miles) from Tsugaike Nature Park

   Discover the legacy of the 1998 Winter Olympics at the Hakuba Olympic Village in the morning. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and see the Olympic facilities. In the afternoon, explore Echoland Street for dining and shopping.

   • Visit Hakuba Olympic Village: Estimated cost: Varies, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
   • Explore Echoland Street: Estimated cost: Varies, Estimated time: 2-3 hours

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park near Nagano to see more snow monkeys. Additionally, day trips to Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful castles, and the stunning Lake Kawaguchi near Mt. Fuji are highly recommended. To maximize your fun, make sure to try local winter activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, or trying traditional hot pot dishes.