Kyu-karuisawa Things to Do

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This town has plenty of hiking trails to do in the summertime. The greenery is astounding, and the temperature is cool enough to keep the hike pleasant. I walked the trail from Mine no Cya to the Shirainotake waterfalls. It continues further down to more waterfalls, but as I was pressed for time, I only managed to squeeze one in. The hike I did took approximately 50 minutes. The path is well marked and it is a very pleasant walk. The waterfalls are pretty, though, nothing to write home about. It is usually crowded there too, as it seems most Japanese like to just go see the waterfalls as opposed to walk there.
To get to this hike, you can take a bus from the Karuizawa train station, and it leaves from the 2nd stand. Just ask the bus driver if the bus goes to Mine no Cya. Get off there (it's about 35 minutes) and the trail is right across the road. If you stop your hike at the waterfalls you can take the same bus back down to town.
There are plenty more hikes, and the tourist/information office at the train station is very helpful. You should go there before you set out to do anything. Though their English is scarce, they are very efficient and determined to help you out.