Sightseeing  & Activities

Spring in the highlands captivates with the beauty of each season. While snow still lingers on Mount Asama, colorful flowers begin to bloom in competition with the arrival of spring. Primroses adorn the lake in the spring mist, and pale pink cherry blossoms bloom all at once, followed by a profusion of magnificent, large rhododendron flowers.

A 10-minute drive from our facility is one of Japan's largest rhododendron gardens, boasting an area equivalent to 10 Tokyo Domes. From spring to summer, hundreds of thousands of rhododendrons cover the plateau in a vibrant scarlet carpet. Spring is also the time when animals become active. If you listen carefully, you can hear the joyous chirping of wild birds and the humming of insects, and you can tell that they too have been waiting for the arrival of spring.

Spending a summer without air conditioning on the Asama Plateau, 1,100 meters above sea level, reminds us of the true meaning of the term "summer resort." There, we can enjoy a refreshing breeze that we cannot experience in hotels or resort condominiums. Time passes at a leisurely pace.

When you feel the soft sunlight shining through the trees in the morning and the breeze blowing through the trees, you will be reminded that humans are a part of nature. The most important and relaxing time of your stay at Shurin is from sunset until night. Gathering around a red-hot charcoal fire with family and friends makes for the ultimate luxurious highland dinner. Why not try catching some rainbow trout at Lake Baragi or the nearby fishing pond and adding some grilled salt to your menu?

If you're planning a drive during the autumn foliage season using Villa Shurin as your base, the Asama-Shirane Volcano route is a must. The 60km road runs from Karuizawa through the foot of Mount Asama, to Manza Onsen and Mount Shirane, and passes right in the heart of Joshinetsu National Park. The autumn leaves of the rowan trees shining brightly among the white birch forest are a sight to behold. If you leave Prince Land and head north, passing through Manza and Shirane, you can also enjoy Kusatsu Onsen before returning to your cottage.

If you're strolling around Karuizawa in autumn, we recommend Kumoba Pond and Lake Shiozawa. In autumn, the season of art, it's also a good idea to visit art museums unique to the highlands. Karuizawa town has many museums, including the Sezon Museum of Art, Tasaki Museum of Art, Peynet Museum, Wakita Museum of Art, Levain Museum, and Senju Museum of Art.

Skiing and snowboarding are the kings of winter sports. The closest ski resorts to Villa Shurin are Palcol Ski Resort and Shikazawa Snow Area, both within a 30-minute drive. Manza Ski Resort, famous for its powder snow, and Kusatsu Ski Resort, with its diverse range of courses, are also within easy reach. Snow Park, which is great for families, and the stylish Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort are also within easy reach. With cross-country skiing and snowshoeing available, Asama Highlands in winter is truly a winter sports world!