
Karuizawa Picture Book Museum
A serene escape with thousands of picture books from around the world, set amidst charming cottages and peaceful gardens.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reading time

Karuizawa Picture Book Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reading time

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene escape with thousands of picture books from around the world, set amidst charming cottages and peaceful gardens.
"The most lovely way to spend the afternoon in Karuizawa! "

🎟️ Pair Ticket Deal
Consider a combined ticket with the Toy Museum across the street for a double dose of fun!
📚 Multilingual Books
Many books are available in English, making it accessible for international visitors.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Picture Book Collection
Picture Book Library
Thousands of picture books from around the world, in multiple languages, await your discovery. A perfect spot for quiet reading.
Seasonal Exhibits
Various Exhibition Cottages
Discover curated exhibits that change with the seasons, offering fresh perspectives on illustrated stories and their history.
Charming Gardens
Museum Grounds
Wander through peaceful gardens, a perfect complement to the literary treasures found within the museum's cottages.
International Book Shop
Museum Shop
Browse a delightful selection of picture books from around the globe, available in both English and Japanese.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Picture Book Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Pair Ticket Deal
Consider a combined ticket with the Toy Museum across the street for a double dose of fun!
📚 Multilingual Books
Many books are available in English, making it accessible for international visitors.
🌿 Relaxing Atmosphere
Enjoy the natural sunlight and peaceful ambiance, perfect for a quiet afternoon.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
An ideal spot for families with young children to read and play in the gardens.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Pair Ticket Deal
Consider a combined ticket with the Toy Museum across the street for a double dose of fun!
📚 Multilingual Books
Many books are available in English, making it accessible for international visitors.
🌿 Relaxing Atmosphere
Enjoy the natural sunlight and peaceful ambiance, perfect for a quiet afternoon.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
An ideal spot for families with young children to read and play in the gardens.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Karuizawa Picture Book Museum a truly lovely and peaceful place, especially for families and book lovers. The extensive collection of books in multiple languages and the charming, seasonally curated exhibits are highly praised. While some note it might not appeal to everyone, its serene atmosphere and the option of a combined ticket with the Toy Museum make it a worthwhile visit.
"The most lovely way to spend the afternoon in Karuizawa! There are 4 exhibits in total to visit, along with the garden and the picture book library. The books are lovingly curated according to the season. The natural sunlight streaming through the windows will make you feel right at ease."
M.Y Y
"It's a cute little place...but unless you really like picture books or something, I would recommend taking the time to come here."
c l s
"A great place for a quiet day trip. There's a place for reading thousands of picture books in multiple languages, which is where families with young children (and solo adults) could spend hours reading. There was an exhibit on the history of picture books. All the explanations were in Japanese, but many of the texts themselves were in English. In addition, exhibits on Beatrix Potter and a special exhibit on American picture books meant that we spent a fair amount of time wandering around.
Finally, the picture book shop was very fun. The books were from all around the world, and in both English and Japanese."
J Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Karuizawa is accessible by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo, taking about an hour. The museum is located within Karuizawa, a popular summer resort area known for its cool climate. Public transport within Karuizawa is available, and many attractions are within reasonable distance of each other.
Yes, Karuizawa is a popular destination for day trips from Tokyo due to its proximity and accessibility via the Shinkansen. The Prince Shopping Plaza is right next to the station, making it a convenient starting point.
While specific details for the museum's immediate vicinity aren't detailed in the provided content, Karuizawa generally offers bus services and is a pleasant area for walking or cycling, especially around its shopping streets and natural attractions.
Information on parking specifically for the museum is not provided. However, Karuizawa is a well-developed resort town, and parking is generally available at major attractions like the Prince Shopping Plaza.
Karuizawa is renowned as a summer resort, offering a cool and comfortable escape from the heat. Its natural beauty, including places like Shiraito Falls, makes it ideal for summer travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Specific ticket prices are not detailed, but it's mentioned as a 'cute little place' and a 'nice little museum'. A pair ticket option with the Toy Museum is available.
A pair ticket for the Karuizawa Picture Book Museum and the Toy Museum across the street is available, offering good value.
Specific opening hours are not provided in the given content. It's advisable to check the official website or local listings before your visit.
Advance booking information is not available. Given its nature as a quiet museum, it's likely that tickets can be purchased upon arrival, especially on weekdays.
Absolutely! While families with young children find it ideal, adults who appreciate picture books or art will also find it a delightful experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore multiple exhibition cottages featuring curated seasonal displays, read thousands of picture books in various languages in the library, and wander through the charming gardens. The museum shop also offers a selection of international books.
While explanations for some exhibits might be in Japanese, many of the book texts themselves are in English, and the shop offers books in both English and Japanese.
Yes, there is a dedicated picture book library where visitors can spend hours reading a vast collection of books in multiple languages.
The museum is described as a 'lovely way to spend the afternoon' with a peaceful and serene atmosphere, enhanced by natural sunlight streaming through the windows.
Yes, the museum grounds feature charming gardens that are perfect for a leisurely stroll and complement the indoor exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to look for signage within the museum or ask staff. Generally, flash photography is often restricted to protect the exhibits.
The charming cottages, the well-curated book displays, and the surrounding gardens offer picturesque opportunities. The natural light streaming through windows can also create beautiful shots.
Exhibits on specific illustrators like Beatrix Potter or American picture books might offer unique visual elements. The seasonal nature of the exhibits also provides changing backdrops.
Typically, photography is allowed in museum shops, but it's always polite to be mindful of other shoppers and staff.
A camera that handles natural light well, like a mirrorless or DSLR, would be ideal. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities will also capture great memories.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Book Enthusiasts & Art Lovers
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Karuizawa
Getting to Karuizawa is straightforward, with the Shinkansen bullet train providing a quick journey from Tokyo, typically around an hour. This accessibility makes it an excellent choice for day trips or short getaways. The town itself offers various ways to explore, from walking and cycling to local bus services. Whether you're seeking relaxation amidst nature, a shopping spree, or cultural experiences, Karuizawa provides a multifaceted travel experience that appeals to a wide range of visitors.
Exploring the Picture Book Museum's Collections
Beyond the books, the museum's setting enhances the experience. The cottages themselves are charming, and the natural sunlight streaming through the windows creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The surrounding gardens provide a tranquil space to reflect or simply enjoy the natural beauty of Karuizawa. The museum shop is also a delightful stop, offering a curated selection of international picture books, making it a perfect place to find a unique souvenir or a new favorite read.




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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit