Why Karuizawa

Nature is our greatest teacher, and Karuizawa provides a challenging classroom where beauty meets the rugged terrain of the Japanese highlands.

Nestled among green forests and peaks, our home base is more than a backdrop; it is a living ecosystem that needs respect and care and invites exploration.

A Legacy of Local Partnership

In Karuizawa, preparedness is built on community. Our long relationship with the local community ensures that we operate with the highest level of situational awareness. We integrate local wisdom in our safety protocols and take advantage of the seasoned team at Rising Field, our home base, before every outing.

• Vigilant Stewardship: Through real-time data and tools like Kuma Watch, we stay intimately connected to the movements of local wildlife. We teach our campers that safety and respect for nature go hand-in-hand.
• Weather Intelligence: In the mountains, conditions can change in an instant. Our direct support from Rising Field provides another layer of weather and lightning data, allowing us to adjust our activities with confidence and care.

Karuizawa is a setting where the beauty of the wilderness is matched by a network of safety and local expertise. This allows us to explore with young children knowing we can create memories while protecting their well-being.

The Karuizawa Table: Connection Through Doing

Good food matters, but so does how it gets to the table and what happens after. At Karuizawa, preparing and cleaning up together builds community, connection, and confidence.

Local Roots

We prioritize fresh, seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and vendors we've worked with for years—our way of honoring the community and environment that host our program.

Shared Responsibility

Meals are a team effort. Children take turns with preparation and cleanup, experiencing the satisfaction of contributing to something bigger than themselves.

• Preparation: From washing rice to shucking corn to gathering wood for the cooking fire, children handle the food they'll eat and see firsthand what goes into every meal.
• Cleanup: Washing dishes, wiping tables, sweeping floors—children help leave the space ready for the next meal, learning to care for shared spaces and each other.