A Morning Out of Karuizawa: Hiking with Your Dog at Nunobuki Kannon

Why Komoro

Most visitors to Karuizawa stay in town, or if they do drive out, head north toward Kusatsu or south toward Saku. Komoro sits just 20 minutes west along the Chikuma River valley and gets a fraction of the foot traffic. Old post-town streets, wide views of Mt. Asama, and a handful of places that feel like local gems.

Getting There

Shakuson-ji Temple, known as Nunobuki Kannon (布引観音釈尊寺), sits to the west of Komoro station, above the Chikuma River valley. You need a car to get there from Karuizawa. Use the 布引観音参道駐車場 (Nunobuki Kannon Sandō Parking) as your starting point.

The Trail

From the car park, it's about 20 minutes on foot up to the main hall and Kannon-do. The path climbs through cedar forest which is well-shaded in summer. The hike gradient is suitable for most moderately active dogs. Trainers or hiking shoes are the right call; in winter, some sections freeze, so bring shoes with grip.

At the top, the Kannon-do hall is built directly into the cliff face. It is a wonderful surprise when you round the corner and see the structure cantilevered out over the rock, its 12 support pillars dropping more than 20 metres to the ground below. The view from up here across the Chikuma basin is one of the best in the area for the effort involved.

The temple was founded in 724 AD and is the 29th temple on the Shinano 33 Kannon pilgrimage circuit. It's also the setting of the "Ushini Hikarete Zenkoji Mairi" legend: a reluctant old woman chased a cow (the Kannon in disguise) all the way to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, and came back a changed person. The proverb that grew from the story translates roughly as being led somewhere good by forces beyond your own intention. 

Two Ways to Do the Route

The simplest option is out-and-back from the car park: up to the temple, take in the view, back down the same way. It is about an hour at a relaxed pace.

If you have more time, add a short visit to the Kori Fuketsu ice cave (氷風穴), about five minutes from the temple by car or another 30 minutes on foot to turn the hike into a small loop. Cold air seeps from the rock year-round and ice forms inside even in summer. Dogs are welcome. The loop route back to the trailhead passes a short stretch of open road where traffic is light, but keep your dog on a short lead through that section.

Lunch at Bakery Cocorade, Miyota

Bakery Cocorade is about 15 minutes from the temple toward Miyota and a good way to wrap the morning. The cafe offers dozens of kinds of bread, baked fresh daily and with complimentary coffee.

The outdoor terrace is the reason to come with a dog. We pulled into the car park and the full profile of Mt. Asama was right in front of us, framed by open farmland. Dogs are allowed outside. It's the kind of view that makes you savour your meal slowly, which after a morning hiking in Komoro feels right.

Is The Hike Dog-Friendly?

Yes, with a lead. The trail is quiet and well-shaded. The road section on the extended loop is the only stretch that needs attention from car traffic. Bring water since there's no reliable source on the route. Bakery Cocorade's outdoor terrace is dog-friendly.

At a Glance