Best things to do in Karuizawa including shopping, walking the street with finding good food, shopping at outlet mall and local grocery store. Plus, things to do with kids in Karuizawa.
Walk and Eat on the Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street
Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street is located in the Old town Karuizawa. There are many parking lots. Some charge for a day, and the other have an hourly.
Moca Soft Served Ice Cream at Mikado
Mikado is a cafe with a retro vibe! It started in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, and they started having a brunch in Karuizawa.
I found a long line for take-away in front of the cafe. We decided to eat-in because it was a hot day and we have 1 year old boy. There is no baby/kid chair.
I ordered a coffee jelly with moca soft serve ice cream on top, and my husband got a coffee float. It was great!
Boulangerie Asano – Karuizawa
Asano was opened in 1933 in Kojimachi Tokyo where many embassies were at. In1940, they opened one in Karuizawa only in summer for the people who visited from Tokyo. It officially opened a brunch in 1944, and it gave out the food from the government at the time (during WW2).
It’s a counter style bakery, which you order the breads that you want and the staff would put them on a tray. You can ask a staff what they recommend, which one is popular, etc.
I bought
- potato france
- Shinshu Apple and Cream Cheese
- Chocolate Bread – Only in Karuizawa
- Tomato & Mozzarella
I loved all of them, but especially “Chocolate bread” was really great!!
Mikasa Hotel Curry Bread – Karuizawa Kitchen
The Mikasa Hotel curry bread is a famous one, and there is a story behind this bread.
Mikasa Hotel was opened in 1906, the politicians and Foreign VIPs stayed there. Sadly, it closed 1970. The local people from 13 stores in Karuizawa town association made a project to recreate the famous curry that was served at Mikasa Hotel. Now we can eat the curry in the bread!
Shiraito Waterfalls – Famous Sightseeing Spot in Karuizawa
Shiraito waterfalls is located in the mountain. It’s very beautiful place with much nature! There is a store that you can find small snacks, souvenirs, and also there is a bathroom, You can go by car easily from the center of Karuizawa.
Harunire Terrace Karuizawa
Harunire Terrace is a mall with shops and restaurants. It’s very nice to see the river nearby, and much nature around. There are many famous shops, including
- Maruyama Coffee from Karuizawa
- Kawakami an – Soba restaurant
- Bakery Sawamura from Karuizawa
- Harvest Nagai Farm from Karuizawa
Maruyama Coffee
Maruyama Coffee started in Karuizawa. The headquarter is nearby the Karuizawa station, and there are brunches in Tokyo too. I got myself a cup of latte, that is bitter which is perfect for morning for me.
Shopping at Karuizawa Outlet Mall
There is an outlet mall in Karuizawa, very close to the Karuizawa station. It’s so beautiful with nature.
There are many stores for men, women, kids, outdoor products, souvenirs, and restaurants. Also, there are some places for kids to play both inside and outside.
Tsuruya Karuizawa – Local Grocery Store
Tsuruya is a grocery store that only in Nagano and Gunma. I personally like to go to a local grocery store when I visit somewhere. Buying some drinks, fruits, veggies, etc.
There are fresh breads at bakery section, fresh meat, fresh fish, Obento, veggies. dried food, wines, snacks, frozen food, and more! This is where you should go if you plan to do BBQ, or you don’t eat out.
They have their own brand products that are great for souvenirs too.
Things to Do with Kids in Karuizawa
Yukawa Furusato Park
Yukawa Furusato Park is a small park close to Tsuruya. There are play area for kids, dog run area, with much nature. You can have a picnic, too.
Karuizawa Erz Toy Museum
There is the Karuizawa Erz Toy Museum, where you can find mainly traditional toys from Erz, Germany, and educational toys from Europe.
Karuizawa Trick Art Museum
Karuizawa Trick Art Museum is located on the Old Karuizawa Town. It’s fun to be with the interesting art and take pictures with them.
Karuizawa has a lot of things to do including shopping and food, fun things to do with kids, etc.
