Exploring the charming town of Karuizawa with a self-guided tour is a convenient and flexible way to experience its natural beauty. Travelers can depart from Tokyo Station on the bullet train, taking in the scenic landscape along the way. With a round-trip ticket included, they’ll have the freedom to wander at their own pace and uncover Karuizawa’s hidden gems. And as a delightful souvenir, they’ll receive a jar of Sawaya’s renowned strawberry jam to savor the taste of their adventure. But the real question is, what enchanting discoveries await?
Key Points

- Self-guided tour of Karuizawa, Japan with round-trip bullet train tickets from Tokyo Station.
- Travelers board the Shinkansen independently and return to the same meeting point in Tokyo.
- Includes a souvenir Sawayas strawberry jam.
- Flexible in time spent exploring Karuizawa, without a tour guide.
- Accessible for wheelchair, stroller, and service animals with a private tour experience.
Tour Overview
The self-guided tour in Karuizawa, Japan, includes a round-trip bullet train ticket from Tokyo Station.
Travelers will receive a souvenir – Sawayas strawberry jam – to take home.
The departure and arrival times for the Shinkansen (bullet train) will be confirmed 10 days prior via email.
The activity ends back at the meeting point in Tokyo.
This self-guided experience allows participants to explore Karuizawa independently without a tour guide.
Travelers board the Shinkansen train on their own, giving them the flexibility to spend as much or as little time as they’d like in the charming mountain town.
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Meeting Information

The meeting point for this self-guided tour is Tokyo Station, located at 1 Chome-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan.
Travelers should arrive at the meeting point by 7:00 am. This is a self-guided tour, so there’s no tour guide provided.
Travelers will board the Shinkansen (bullet train) independently. The departure and arrival times for the Shinkansen will be confirmed 10 days prior to the tour via email.
At the end of the tour, travelers will return to the same meeting point at Tokyo Station.
Inclusions and Exclusions

This self-guided tour in Karuizawa includes the round bullet train ticket from Tokyo Station as well as a souvenir of Sawayas strawberry jam.
The tour excludes:
- Personal expenses
- Food and beverages
- Tour guide
Travelers are responsible for their own meals and any additional activities or expenses during the self-guided exploration.
With the round-trip bullet train ticket and a delightful souvenir, this tour provides a hassle-free way to experience Karuizawa independently at your own pace.
Accessibility and Participation
Wheelchair users and those with strollers can easily join this self-guided tour, as it is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Service animals are also allowed, making it an inclusive experience. The tour is near public transportation, making it convenient for travelers. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
| Accessibility | Participation |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair accessible | Most travelers can participate |
| Stroller accessible | Infants must sit on laps |
| Service animals allowed | – |
This self-guided tour caters to a wide range of travelers, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience.
Booking Information
Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this self-guided tour.
The booking process is straightforward and efficient:
- Provide the hotel name, address, phone number, check-in and check-out dates upon confirmation.
- This is a private tour, so only your group will participate.
- The tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are available for cancellations.
The price starts from $84.11 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.
This self-guided tour in Karuizawa with a round bullet train ticket from Tokyo Station offers a convenient and enjoyable experience.
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Departure and Arrival Times
Although the departure and arrival times for the Shinkansen (bullet train) are confirmed 10 days prior to the tour via email, travelers board the train independently at the meeting point.
Travelers will receive the exact departure and arrival times for their round-trip journey on the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa and back. This information is provided in advance to allow travelers to plan their day accordingly.
The tour doesn’t include a tour guide, so travelers are responsible for managing their own transportation on the Shinkansen and arrival back at the meeting point in Tokyo.
Exploring Karuizawa

Once travelers arrive in Karuizawa via the Shinkansen, they’re free to explore the charming town at their own pace.
Karuizawa offers:
- Iconic Shiraito Falls, a stunning natural wonder with cascading waterfalls
- The historic Karuizawa Ginza, a charming shopping district lined with boutiques and cafes
- Miles of scenic hiking trails through the lush forests and mountains
Visitors can stroll through the quaint streets, sample local cuisine, and enjoy the town’s tranquil atmosphere.
The self-guided nature of the tour allows travelers to customize their experience and discover Karuizawa at their leisure.
Enjoying the Souvenir
One of the highlights of the self-guided Karuizawa tour is the included souvenir – a jar of Sawayas strawberry jam.
This locally-made preserve is a delightful taste of Karuizawa’s natural bounty. Travelers can savor the sweet, tangy flavor on toast, scones, or even straight from the jar.
The jam makes for a convenient and portable memento, capturing the essence of the region’s renowned strawberry farms.
Whether enjoyed during the trip or saved for later, the Sawayas strawberry jam is a tasty reminder of the memorable self-guided adventure in Karuizawa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Specific Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no specific dress code for the self-guided tour. Travelers can wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear. The focus is on exploring Karuizawa independently, so attire is up to each participant’s preference.
What Is the Average Duration of the Self-Guided Tour?
The self-guided tour doesn’t have a specified duration, as travelers are free to explore Karuizawa at their own pace. Most guests spend between 4-6 hours exploring the town before returning to Tokyo on the bullet train.
Are There Any Safety Precautions or Guidelines to Be Aware Of?
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps. Travelers should follow standard safety guidelines when using public transportation and exploring the area independently.
Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs During the Tour?
Yes, travelers can purchase additional souvenirs during the self-guided tour in Karuizawa. The tour includes one souvenir item, but travelers are free to buy extra souvenirs at their own expense throughout the day.
Is There a Way to Extend My Stay in Karuizawa?
Extending one’s stay in Karuizawa isn’t directly included in the tour package. However, travelers can easily extend their time there by purchasing additional Shinkansen tickets or making their own lodging arrangements separately from the tour.
The Sum Up
Discover the charm of Karuizawa on this self-guided tour with a bullet train ticket from Tokyo. Explore the town at your own pace, and take home a delightful souvenir of Sawayas strawberry jam. With accessibility features and a hassle-free experience, this tour offers flexibility and value, starting from just $84.11 per person.
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