Karuizawa is an upscale resort town in Nagano Prefecture. Although you can take the Shinkansen there, it is also a nice drive. You get there by taking the Joshinetsu Expressway and getting off at the Karuizawa IC; it is 13 km from that point.

Karuizawa has nice wide roads and plenty of trees and resort style houses. There is a large outlet mall to shop at, a ski resort, and plenty of lovely onsens in the area. Try Hoshinoyu Onsen for starters. This is a nice spot to come for cherry blossom viewing or to watch the change of Autumn leaves.