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Places of interest #9 in Karuizawa, Nagano

Karuizawa Lake Garden

4.1 · 842 reviews
A quiet and carefully manicured natural retreat
Karuizawa Lake Garden, 342-59 Hotchi, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0113, Japan
Interesting facts
1

The garden is divided into eight specific zones, including the Rose Path, the Lake Garden, and the Leaf Garden, each curated with distinct plant palettes.

2

The water features were specifically engineered to provide reflections of the surrounding trees and the manor house architecture.

3

The garden hosts an annual Rose Week festival during the height of the summer blooming season.

4

The design team prioritized native plant species alongside imported English roses to ensure ecological suitability for the Nagano climate.

5

The 'Manor House' serves as a focal point, constructed to mimic the architectural style found in the English Cotswolds.

Overview

Karuizawa Lake Garden is a sprawling 10-hectare landscape park centered around a large man-made lake designed to mimic the aesthetic of a classic English garden. The park features an extensive collection of English roses, with the peak bloom occurring in late June and early July. A series of eight distinct garden zones are linked by winding paths and footbridges surrounding the water. The site includes a replica manor house that functions as a gallery and cafe space. Water lilies bloom across the lake surface from July through August. The garden's layout is specifically engineered to reflect the changing seasons against the backdrop of Karuizawa's mountainous terrain.

Photo spot

The bridge overlooking the lake with the manor house reflected in the water.

Insider tips

Visit during the early morning hours to avoid the mid-day heat and large tour groups.

Wear comfortable, flat-soled walking shoes as the gravel and stone paths are extensive.

Use the provided garden map upon entry, as the interconnected paths can be disorienting.

What to avoid

Avoid visiting during rainy days when the unpaved paths become muddy and the floral displays are less accessible.

Good to know

Open seasonally from mid-April to late November; typically closed during the winter months.

Etiquette

Refrain from touching the flowers or stepping off designated paths; smoking is prohibited throughout the grounds.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Late June to early July for the peak rose bloom; mornings provide the clearest light for photography.
Address
Karuizawa Lake Garden, 342-59 Hotchi, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0113, Japan
36.298, 138.622
Get directions
Details
Botanical highlightsEnglish roses and water lilies
Garden zones8 distinct themed areas

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late June to early July for the peak rose bloom; mornings provide the clearest light for photography..

The bridge overlooking the lake with the manor house reflected in the water.

Close by you'll find Karuizawa Kazakoshi Park, Memorial Monument to the Asama Sanso Incident Victims "Cornerstone of Public Safety", Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa.