Exhibiting at the event comes as interest in Karuizawa’s unique ‘Four Seasons of the Year’ experience continues to grow
Bangkok, January 17, 2025 – Karuizawa is stepping into the international travel destination spotlight at JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025, exhibiting from February 7 to 9, 2025 at CentralWorld Bangkok. The picturesque resort town looks to attract more Thai travellers who seek natural and cultural experiences that are available through all ‘Four Seasons of the Year’ in Karuizawa.
Although Japan is well established as a popular outbound destination for Thais, according to Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO ), Japan is experiencing a post-pandemic resurgence with the number of guest from Thailand recording 995,558 arrivals in 2023[1]. There are, however, many hidden gems still waiting to be uncovered around Japan, and Karuizawa remains relatively unknown in Thailand after attracting just 8,725 Thai visitors[2], last year, according to 2023 data from Nagano prefecture.
This might not last for much longer. Located only 70 minutes by Shinkansen ‘bullet train’ from Tokyo, Karuizawa is one of Japan’s most renowned highland resorts tucked into an elevated plain (1,000 meters above sea level) at the foot of Mount Asama. It is a fascinating oasis for those who cherish natural mountain landscapes, changing seasons, plus a vibrant food and shopping scene to round out the offering.
Karuizawa’s popularity dates back to the late nineteenth century as a summer retreat for missionaries and diplomats based in Tokyo. It soon attracted the upper echelons of Japanese society – including members of the Imperial Family – becoming the highland resort town of choice to escape Tokyo’s blistering heat. It’s excellent ski slopes and long golfing season, which runs into December, have also proved popular with Japan’s elite.
The town’s rich cultural heritage also attracts writers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians year-round with its captivating art galleries and museums, plus an abundance of attractions that inspire creativity. It’s also home to the Karuizawa Tourist Hall, with its classic wooden exterior, and the nearby Alexander Croft Shaw Memorial Chapel which dates back to 1888, both open year-round.
Top Tips for experiencing all Four Seasons of the Year in Karuizawa include:
- Each year the Cherry Blossoms begin to bloom in April and heralds the start of Spring, offering amazing photo and selfie opportunities.
- At Shiraito Falls visitors can enjoy fresh green foliage in Spring, cool misty breeze in Summer, and dazzling colorful leaves in Autumn.
- Each December Karuizawa is transformed into a Winter Wonderland as soft snow for skiers and snowboarders blankets the town. There are also ice skating and curling rinks, plus a dedicated sightseeing lift for non-skiers to take in the panoramic views.
- Bathers can luxuriate in the open-air hot springs at Sengataki-onsen and Hoshino-onsen year-round but it’s really wonderful in Winter.
- Mount Asama offers different experiences year-round since the foliage of the region is ever-changing. Hikers can summit the active volcano, with an assent of 2,568 meters, throughout all four seasons.
- Sports enthusiasts can find an activity for every season year-round: Horseback riding, golf, cycling, tennis, swimming or rollerblading in Spring, Summer and Autumn to name just a few, or take a curling lesson at the Karuizawa Ice Park in Winter.
- Thai Travellers seeking spirituality must visit one of Karuizawa’a power spots where it is believed the energy of the earth travels close to the surface. Get your wishes granted by visit Kumanokoutai Jinja – Local legend has it that visitors will be granted a wish during Summer until Autumn with a visit to a sacred 850-year old tree – Kumanokoutai Jinja – near the Old Usui Pass. It is said that those who run around the tree clockwise are granted a wish at no cost.
- Kyu-Karuizawa[3] Ginza Street is open year-round and lined with bakeries, coffee shops, and eateries. It has been a home of culinary delight since the late nineteenth century, especially its Soba, as well as home brewed sake and beer using local spring water.
Kazuto Sato, Chief from Karuizawa Tourism and Economic Affairs Division said, “Karuizawa is exhibiting at JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025 because we see the opportunity for engagement and the potential to attract more Thais with a new destination in Japan that offers all-year round experiences in an unspoiled natural environment.”
All are invited to find out more at the Karuizawa Administration Booth E8 at the JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025 from February 7 to 9, 2025 at CentralWorld Bangkok to learn more about this emerging year-round travel destination.
For more information on Karuizawa, please visit https://karuizawa-kankokyokai.jp/th/.
