In Karuizawa, many restaurants gather (relocations and branches from Tokyo and more).
Life and activities in Karuizawa basically revolve around getting around by car, so these restaurants are scattered across a wide area: from Kyu-Karuizawa within walking distance of Karuizawa Station, heading west to Naka-Karuizawa, Oiwake, and the Miyota area.
In this article, Kobayashi, director of biscuit gallery, who lives a two-base life between Karuizawa and Tokyo, will guide you through information related to recommended restaurants.
[Soba shops]
・Jigomoya (Miyota) ☎0267-31-6663
The most recommended soba shop in the Karuizawa area. The view is superb, and the terrace seats are dog-friendly. The “walnut soba” is exquisite.
5 minutes by car from biscuit gallery karuizawa.
The introduction article ishere
・Kikori (Oiwake) ☎0267-45-1330
Since they can also ship nationwide, being able to enjoy it at home is a GOOD point!
・Sobadokoro Sasakura (Oiwake) ☎0267-46-5577
Open only during the daytime, but it’s a shop you can also use for “soba drinking.” You can eat solid soba at a relatively cheap price for the Karuizawa area. Note that the walnut sauce is sweet.
The introduction article ishere
Japanese food
Kamado-cooked rice Mikuriya (Hocchi) ☎0267-41-6741
A shop you can use for breakfast or lunch.
The introduction article ishere
Chinese
・China Restaurant Ippinkou (Naka-Karuizawa) ☎0267-31-6533
The storefront gives the impression of a so-called “town Chinese,” but it’s an authentic Chinese restaurant with an abundant menu.
Western food
Bistro bird / Charcoal-grilled yakitori bird (bistro / yakitori)
The introduction article ishere
Zingara (pizza & pasta)
The introduction article ishere
Steak
・THE COWBOY HOUSE ☎0267-46-3984
For steak, whether fillet or rib roast to your liking, I order it as thick-cut rare as possible, with Popeye salad and garlic rice.
The drawbacks are that you can’t make reservations and only cash is accepted. It’s a top shop with good cost performance and high satisfaction.
・STEAK HOUSE Feu ☎0267-31-5164
A steak restaurant on the grounds of MMoP. It’s a good shop with a nice atmosphere for both lunch and dinner.
Butcher shops
・Katayama Meat Shop (Miyota) ☎0267-32-3539
A shop I always visit when staying in Karuizawa.
The introduction article ishere
・Karuizawa Sato Meat Shop (Naka-Karuizawa) ☎0267-45-5363
Not as well-stocked as Katayama Meat, but loved as a butcher in central Karuizawa.
General supermarket
・Tsuruya Karuizawa Store ☎0267-46-1811
A general supermarket with overwhelming name recognition in Karuizawa and a rich selection.
They’re also active in developing original products.
Tsuruya Miyota Store ☎0267-32-7811
・Delicia Karuizawa Store ☎0267-42-0505
A general supermarket that rivals Tsuruya, but with a smaller store area.
With a unique selection, it has many fans. Among locals, the words “Team Tsuruya? or Team Delicia?” are apparently exchanged.
Winery / wine shop
They’re a bit away from Karuizawa, but I also recommend visiting the following wineries.
・Geo Hills Winery (Komoro)
The wine “Mimakigahara (nicknamed M),” named after Geo Hills’ production area Mimakigahara, is exquisite for a wine in the ¥5,000 class. I think it’s a wine whose evaluation and price are sure to rise going forward.
・Vino della Gatta SAKAKI (Sakaki Town) ☎0268-82-2208
An Italian restaurant run by a winery started with the idea of making wine that suits the dishes of the Italian restaurant they operate.
Artist Miwa Komatsu’s work is also used on the wine labels.
It’s a wonderful Italian course that pairs with the wine. It’s in a place you can reach round-trip from Karuizawa by train, so please make a reservation and go.
The introduction article ishere
・Kiriman Liquor Store
A shop I recommend for those who want to look for Nagano wine around Karuizawa.
It’s a shop where you can buy skilled Nagano wines such as the hard-to-obtain Terre de Ciel, my favorite Geo Hills, and VOTANO WINE. Asking the staff for recommendations before buying is also a good idea.
Massage
A recommended spot where your body’s condition changes dramatically
The introduction article ishere
Summary
Please note each shop’s business days and hours.
Also, in summer (July–September), during consecutive holidays, and on weekends, every shop is crowded, and reservations are essential for shops that accept them.
When visiting, I recommend inquiring by phone.
