Access Guide: How to Get to Kitakaruizawa & Tsumagoi

A complete guide to reaching THE FOREST SAUNA in Tsumagoi Village, Kitakaruizawa area. About 2.5 hours by car from Tokyo, or accessible by train + taxi. Road conditions vary by season, so winter visitors should prepare in advance.

By Car (Recommended)

From Tokyo, take the Kan-Etsu Expressway to the Joshinetsu Expressway.

Route: Nerima IC → Kan-Etsu Expressway → Fujioka JCT → Joshinetsu Expressway → Usui-Karuizawa IC → Route 146 (Asama-Shirane Volcano Route) → THE FOREST SAUNA

Travel time: About 2-2.5 hours (without traffic) Toll: About ¥4,000 (ETC, varies by time)

After exiting Usui-Karuizawa IC, head north on Route 146 through Karuizawa town and Naka-Karuizawa to the Kitakaruizawa area. About 60 minutes from the IC to the villa. The road is a well-maintained two-lane mountain road.

Seasonal Road Conditions

Spring (Mar-May): Some snow may remain in March. Regular tires usually fine from mid-March, but check conditions before departure. April onward is clear.

Summer (Jun-Aug): Roads are stable. Obon and Golden Week bring congestion around Karuizawa, especially at the Usui-Karuizawa IC exit and Kyu-Karuizawa area. Early morning departure recommended.

Autumn (Sep-Nov): Regular tires fine through October. From November, studless tires recommended for possible snow and ice. Fall foliage season (mid-late October) brings traffic to Karuizawa.

Winter (Dec-Feb): Studless tires mandatory. 4WD recommended. Watch for black ice when temps drop below 3°C. Some road sections may close in heavy snow. Always check NEXCO and Gunma prefecture road info before departure. If you are not experienced with snow driving, consider visiting from mid-March.

By Train + Taxi

Nearest station: JR Agatsuma Line "Manza-Kazawaguchi Station."

Option 1: Tokyo Station → Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station (70 min) → Shinano Railway to Naka-Karuizawa Station (15 min) → Taxi (40 min) Option 2: Tokyo Station → Takasaki Station → JR Agatsuma Line to Manza-Kazawaguchi Station (2 hours) → Taxi (20 min)

Bus service exists but is infrequent. Pre-booking a taxi is recommended.

Parking

Free parking for 2 regular cars right in front of the villa.

Distances to Nearby Spots

Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza: 40 min by car Karuizawa Outlet Mall: 45 min by car Kumoba Pond: 35 min by car Shiraito Falls: 25 min by car Onioshidashi Park: 15 min by car Asama Ranch: 10 min by car Tsumagoi Panorama Line: 5 min by car

Kitakaruizawa is a bit farther from central Karuizawa, but the payoff is a quiet, nature-rich setting. Driving to nearby attractions is part of the fun.

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