Early Winter in Karuizawa: An Exploration of Tranquility and Beauty

The early winter in Karuizawa has a kind of indifferent beauty. There was a slight chill in the air, and the hills in the distance were covered with a thin layer of snow, as if announcing the arrival of winter to visitors. This journey allowed me to fully experience the diverse charm of this summer resort, from natural scenery to architectural art, from food to culture. The first stop of the journey is the famous Kumoba Pond, this quiet little pond is known as the "Swan Lake" of Karuizawa. Although the maple leaves around are almost falling, there are still scattered red and golden leaves dotted on the dead branches. As the wind blows, the leaves gently fall and are reflected on the calm lake surface, like a natural impressionist painting. The water in the pond is clear, reflecting the shadows of the surrounding trees and the blue sky and white clouds. The ducks are swimming leisurely in the water. The whole scene makes people slow down and immerse themselves in it. After leaving Kumoba Pond, I took the classic Karuizawa train. The carriage has a retro feel and travels slowly through the forests and fields. The scenery outside the window unfolds like a poem. The hilltops in the distance are slightly white, reminding us of the existence of winter. However, this short journey is filled with a romantic atmosphere. Next, I came to the Karuizawa Senju Hiroshi Museum designed by Ryue Nishizawa. The art museum is cleverly integrated into the natural environment. The building features pure white exterior walls and smooth curves, as if it is blending into the surrounding forest. The exhibition hall displays Hiroshi Senju's works, among which the most representative "Waterfall Series" is shocking with its bold brushstrokes and deep blue. Walking in the art gallery, amidst the interweaving of light and shadow, you can not only appreciate art but also feel the perfect combination of architecture and nature. At noon, I headed to Elm Street Town, a commercial district with a European feel. There are various specialty shops and cafes on both sides of the winding alleys. Here I tasted the local specialty hot apple pie. The crispy crust and sweet apple filling made me want to eat one bite after another, and I couldn’t stop at all! In the afternoon, we visited the Stone Church and Karuizawa St. Paul's Church in Hoshino Village. The Stone Church was built in memory of the architect Kenzo Uchimura. Its design is very Zen-like, with stone and glass interwoven together. The sunlight shines into the church through the glass, making you feel like you are in a spiritual space. St. Paul's Church is famous for its simple wooden structure, and its red exterior walls look particularly dazzling under the blue sky of early winter. There is a peaceful and sacred atmosphere inside and outside the church, which makes people want to stay for a moment and calm their hearts. In the evening, I strolled to Karuizawa Ginza-dori. This street combines tradition and modernity, with both old Japanese shops and European-style buildings. I chose Kawakami-an, a popular local restaurant, as my dinner location and enjoyed a bowl of warm Japanese soba noodles. The noodles are delicate and chewy, and paired with the rich sauce, they are particularly stomach-warming. The tempura on the side is crispy and delicious, and every bite is full of happiness! Karuizawa has a different charm at night. I stayed at Hoshino Village, a resort that combines hot springs, nature and high-end facilities. After dinner, I took a dip in the warm outdoor hot springs. Heat rises in the slightly cool night sky, the whispers of the Karuizawa forest are in my ears, and occasionally the gurgling of a stream in the distance can be heard. At this moment, the whole person seems to be integrated with nature, and the body and mind are completely relaxed. The next morning, I went to the villagers' canteen to have breakfast. The ingredients here are all freshly supplied by local farmers. Simple rice, miso soup and seasonal vegetables can make you feel full of happiness. After eating, take a walk in the surrounding forest and breathe in the fresh air to put a perfect end to this trip. Although Karuizawa is no longer covered with red leaves in early winter, it still displays its charm in a quiet and restrained way. Whether it is the natural landscape, architectural design, or the local food and culture, they are all unforgettable. Next time I come, I will definitely choose late autumn to see how brilliant this land looks when the maple leaves are in full bloom! 🍁