Karuizawa cycling tour: Forest bathing on flat routes

Ride at your own pace through Karuizawa's quietest corners

A guided cycling tour of Karuizawa starting from the station, taking in Kumobaike Pond, the wooded villa area, Old Karuizawa's narrow backstreets, and landmarks including St. Paul's Catholic Church and the Karuizawa Association Tennis Court. The entire route is flat, the guide speaks English, Chinese or Japanese, and bicycle rental, guide fee and travel insurance are included. Tandem bikes are available for pairs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cycling tour of Karuizawa sights

• Rent bicycle at Karuizawa Station
• Cycle to Kumobaike Pond
• Stroll around Kumobaike Pond
• Cycle through wooded villa area
• Tour Old Karuizawa backstreets
• Visit St. Paul's Catholic Church
• See Shaw Memorial Chapel
• Visit Karuizawa Villa No. 1
• Visit Karuizawa Association Tennis Court
• Rest at Karuizawa town park

The experience

You rent a bicycle in front of Karuizawa Station and head out on a flat route that loops through the town's most recognizable stops. Kumobaike Pond (called Swan Lake because swans arrive in winter) opens the ride. The water reflects fresh green in early summer and fiery leaves in autumn. From there you move into the wooded villa area and the narrow backstreets of Old Karuizawa, where the guide points out St. Paul's Catholic Church, a 1955 landmark with a steep triangle roof designed by American architect Antony Raymond, and the Shaw Memorial Chapel, founded in 1895 by Canadian missionary Alexander Croft Shaw. The Karuizawa Association Tennis Court, famous as the place where the Emperor and Empress met, sits nearby. Its clubhouse was designed by architect Vories.

Because the terrain is flat throughout, the pace stays leisurely and the ride suits all ages and fitness levels. The guide navigates the backstreets and explains the history at each stop, so you move through the town without needing to plan the route yourself. If you're traveling as a couple or parent with a child, tandem bikes are available: a two-seater option unique to Karuizawa tours. The whole outing takes around 2 hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Bicycle rental from Karuizawa Station.
• guide fee.
• travel insurance.
• tandem bikes available for pairs.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in Japanese15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Guide in English15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Chinese and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by 軽井沢スタイルドツアー

Is this one for you?The flat route means you control the pace without worrying about hills or steep climbs, so families with younger children and riders of any fitness level can complete the full loop comfortably.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Chinese, Chinese and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do I get started if I arrive by train?

Bicycle rental happens in front of Karuizawa Station, so you pick up your bike right there and begin the tour from the station area.

What is Kumobaike Pond and why is it called Swan Lake?

Kumobaike Pond is Karuizawa's most scenic spot. Swans fly in during winter, which is why locals call it Swan Lake. The water changes with the seasons: fresh green reflections in early summer, fiery autumn leaves, and a pure white snow scene in winter.

What happens if I want to ride with my partner instead of separately?

Tandem bicycles, two-seater bikes, are available for couples or any pair traveling together, so you can cycle as one unit through the tour.