If you are one of those who only have 2-3 days of annual leaves or holidays and wish to go somewhere quiet but still continue to have some excitements that Tokyo will give you, Karuizawa is the best place to be. Being well-known within Japanese as the "retreat in the city", Karuizawa is an hour and a little bit more of Bullet Train (新幹線) from Tokyo Station and is one of the best choice for a 3 day retreat (including fly in and out from HKG using CX). Now the question lies in what shall be done? Here are a few suggestions:
Reading: this is a quiet place where you can find petit cafes and parks to read the books from your innovative i-Pad or the traditional novel.
Skiing: It is definitely uncomparable to Hokkaido but Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort is one of the best ski grounds, offering ski facilities between late October and early April. So pamper yourself in the snow and have some fun there.
Cycling, running, squash, and sports!: If you are there in the good weather, cycling through the place is the best way to capture the most of the city. I had an experience there and it was awesome! I rode for an hour and the fresh air just simply brightens up your brain
Shopping: Yea, I know. It's nothing new and the outlet there doesn't give you the best shot, but you may just find the best deals for the current season in the Prince Karuizawa Outlet! However, do not expect to get anything from Agnes b, or Bottega Veneta. You will absolutely be disappointed. If you are those who go for these two brands, why not go to Osaka or Tokyo. Being a Hong Kong, I know exactly that being in the top of the marketing experience is what we want, Karuizawa only gives you the place to shop for food and maybe just explore your shopping experiences to enjoy life. You may also head for the tuck shop in the hotels and you might be able to get the best from this Japanese state and bring it home or eat it on the road
Eaing: Prince Karuizawa East offers very good sukiyaki (beef hot pot) and Prince Karuizawa West offers a decent Japanese dinner. If you are dessert lovers, head for the tuck shop in West and opt for the Apple Pie. It's also one of a kind. There is a soba shop where you have to drive there (as shown in below picture). It is a decent Japanese store where Soba and udon are served. This is a Japanese experience where I am sure you will be tempted to go and one that you will enjoy for sure!
Relaxing: Onsens and spas are just right at your fingertip. Karuizawa offers the best spas and hot springs in Tokyo and you can just pamper in the water and enjoy the heat effect on your circulation
With this European Japanese town written, our next stop will go to where I have studied - London. Until then, bon voyage!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flight information and plans
If you only have 3 days, I suggest you should take the midnight flight to Narita and opt the first Narita Express and change at Tokyo. You can then take your breakfast there and then head for Karuizawa. Alternatively, leave your luggage in Tokyo station and go shopping in Daimaru or explore the place. The 100% Chocolate Cafe (www.meiji.co.jp/sweets/choco-cafe) and you can pamper yourself in the one of the best chocolates Meijo serves. Daimaru right above Tokyo station offers shopping just at your finger tips. Then head for Karuizawa.
Return flight should be scheduled to CX 505, CX 549 or CX 521. You need to depart Karuizawa before 11:30am and I really mean you have to rush to the airport. Don't get there at the very last minute. It's not Cathay who will not be serving you, it's the accidents that may delay your arrival at Narita or Haneda.
No comments:
Post a Comment