Currently, there is a huge shopping mall with more than 200 shops, which has become a primary symbol of Karuizawa.
Because the mall was built on what used to be a golf course, this shopping mall is rather unique in that visitors can enjoy not only shopping, but also enjoy taking their dog to a dog park or enjoying picnic grounds.
The mall is also equipped with ski slopes where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding during your winter shopping. With so much to offer, this place is immensly popular regardless of the season.
Karuizawa has made efforts to promote the use of bicycles as a means of transport. Many sightseeting spots including museums, old chapels, and architectural structures associated with the influx of the first foreigners have been designated as important national cultural assets, and are spread out within a relatively short distance of each other making bicycles an ideal mode of moving about.
In addition to normal bicycles, there are two-seater bicycles and various unique models that you can rent and ride easily around the town.
Karuizawa also offers great naturual vistas and has been well known as one of Japan's three great summer resorts. The area has always been a popular site for building villas and vacation homes.