A great spot for a relaxed day of shopping. Set against the scenic backdrop of Karuizawa’s mountains, the open-air layout and beautiful surroundings make it feel more like a leisurely park stroll than a typical mall visit. With over 200 stores, there’s a mix of high-end brands, casual wear, and local specialty shops, so there’s something for everyone.   The plaza is conveniently located just a short walk from Karuizawa Station, making it easily accessible. The wide walkways, greenery, and even a pond in the middle create a super chill atmosphere. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a play area that’s actually fun. And if you’re lucky, you might catch some great discounts, especially if you time your visit right.  Visited in May and there was foggy climate and frost which add the cozy ambience. Overall, it’s a pleasant place to spend a few hours, whether you’re in the mood for shopping or just want to enjoy the relaxed vibe.

A perfect place for ski lovers! The ski-in, ski-out access is extremely convenient, making it easy to hit the slopes right away. The facilities are well-equipped and sufficient for the number of guests staying at the resort. The only downside is that the rooms feel a bit outdated, and the shared bathrooms could be cleaner. However, everything else—from the location to the overall experience—was excellent. If you’re looking for a great ski resort with easy access to the slopes, this is a solid choice!

Located in the scenic town of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, the Prince Hotel West is part of the luxurious Karuizawa Prince Resort complex. • Surrounded by beautiful nature, forests, and mountain views, it’s a popular destination for relaxation, family vacations, weddings, and outdoor activities. • The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from Karuizawa Station, making it easily accessible from Tokyo (just 1 hour by shinkansen 🚄). ⸻ 🌟 Highlights & Features 1. Elegant Rooms & Natural Views • Comfortable, modern rooms with forest, garden, or mountain views. • Some rooms come with private terraces or tatami-style interiors for a Japanese touch. 2. Hot Springs & Wellness • Guests have access to onsen (hot springs), relaxation lounges, and spa facilities. • Perfect for unwinding after exploring the town or skiing in winter. 3. Dining Experiences 🍽️ • Several on-site restaurants offering Japanese kaiseki, French cuisine, international buffets, and seasonal menus. • Fresh local ingredients from Nagano are often featured. 4. Activities & Nature 🌿 • In spring and summer: hiking, cycling, golfing, and picnics. • In winter: ski-in/ski-out access to the Prince Snow Resort slopes. • Close to Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, a massive outlet mall with luxury brands and gourmet cafés.

The style of the city is good! Many stores and restaurant in the street, but, it is not that cheap, and also the souvenir is also not cheap. Many local japanese and chinese come here. I saw many good car around. It also many parking car around the street. It is good for just sightseeing, enjoy the city vibes on sunny summer.

I visited the falls during the snow day and I felt like i was in a snow globe. The scene was unreal ... so beautiful and it was not crowded and since i traveled solo so i could set up my camera and took lots of photos. Easy bus ride from the station. The bus was punctual so make sure to plan and get ready for the bus time to go back. This was the highlight of my trip to Tokyo. It's free to visit.

Kua aina is my favorite hamburger and sandwich chain in Japan. Their burgers and sandwiches are big enough and I like their thin fries.It really tastes good. Ordering and payment are self checkout. Drinks, ketchup and mustard are self service.

Unexpected restuarant, I wanted to try the Soba shop next to this restuarant but it was busy so I found this one which is not seen in my google map. It is superb food many selections and all great taste. I read the other reviewer later on. They are all say great. If you need japanese food inspired by European set-up, this is the must to try. Lastly, price is reasonable.

We came here on our first night in Karuizawa because we wanted something good and fast. Our hotel recommended this restaurant and we were very pleased with it. The different cuts of meat were delicious, very tender and great quality. Also our rice dishes (bibimbam and veg rice bowl) were great. We had our table for 1,5 h, which was manageable, since the service is super quick and friendly as well. The restaurant is not cheap but I'd say it is worth spending a little bit more, in the end one gets premium meat. Would definitely come back if we'd stay longer.

Excellent food all round, though the beef kare and hambug were standout for their depth of flavour. Nama biru helps too.

Awesome place to hang out. I am visiting here again and again while I am staying in the Hoshino resort area. Photos show the early morning so few people yet, but it is usually bustling vibrant space.

A day-trip bathing facility located in Hoshino Onsen, a hot spring that has been around since the Taisho Era. When paying the admission fee at the reception, you can get a rental towel for an additional fee. The changing rooms have heated floors, and the small bathtubs for bathing babies are available for rent. The indoor baths are beautifully green and smooth to the touch. The outdoor bath is lukewarm and happens to be the best location to enjoy the fluttering snow at the same time. A recommended spot in Karuizawa in winter.

Loved the unique structures of the Churches in Karuizawa. Many are triangular in shape. It was simple but it has a solemn and intimate ambiance. It seems to be very popular with weddings. Im sure it looks really nice as the season changes too.

Wonderful experience in the remarkable Stone Church. It is indeed an architectural beauty that blends in so well with Nature. We were lucky to be able to enter the church premises and the staff were very friendly. During daytime, you can see the beautiful sun rays streaming in the roof.

The architecture of this museum its outstanding!!! So beautiful

Really nice and friendly staff, delicious al dante pasta! those classic Italian pastas are nicely made, while those Japanese ones with new formulas are also impressive, they use very very fresh vegetables and other ingredients with hearts!

Food is suprisingly good! Even the soup is very tasty. Portion is not big consider I am a man. But is good portion for ladies. Only tiny little bar table available, but is good to see chef cooking dishes right in front of you. Overall: good value and very delicious food!

Good dinning atmosphere and environment. Friendly and helpful staff. Need to wait a bit during dinning hours. Ordering by QR code, and paying at the counter. There is parking lot, and Tonbo-no-yu is just right next door.

The restaurant skillfully and effortlessly incorporates local ingredients from Nagano Prefecture, resulting in flavors that are not only precise but beautifully balanced. The portions were just right, and the thoughtfully curated wine pairings elevated every dish. The attentive and friendly waitstaff, along with the serene, Zen-inspired view from the window, made for a truly immersive and delightful experience for all the senses. Congratulations to the chef and the entire team!

A shrine on the prefectural border of Karuizawa🤣 Located at an altitude of 1200m at the top of Usui Pass, it is called "Kumano Kotaijinja" on the Nagano side😊 On the Gunma side, it is called "Kumano Shrine" An ancient shrine said to have been built by Yamato Takeru. It is designated as a special shrine in Shinano Province. As the prefectures are separated, there are also two offering boxes❤️ The Shinano tree, which is over 1000 years old, has long been worshiped as a sacred tree for good luck and matchmaking. Since it is at the top of Usui Pass, the view is also great🥰🥰🥰

Nice and quiet Catholic Church. We were there for a Japanese weekend mass. The mass was celebrated in Japanese but with google translate, we are able to understand 70% of the homily. Mass are available in following timing: Sunday: 9:00 - 10:00 Saturday: 18:00 - 19:00 Weekday: 7:00 - 8:00

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Karuizawa, the Mampei Hotel stands as a testament to classic luxury and rich history. It truly is like staying in a Wes Anderson film punctuated with natural peace and Japanese precision. Established in 1894, this iconic establishment seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western influences, offering guests an experience that is both elegant and culturally immersive. For us, it was also a walk in the footsteps of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, as it was one of their favorite places to stay in Japan. The hotel's architecture exudes a nostalgic charm, with its well-preserved structures and interiors reflecting a bygone era. The main dining room, renowned for its impressive design, provides a picturesque garden view, enhancing the dining experience. We enjoyed both the Western and Japanese Breakfast. The Japanese was the best Japanese Breakfast we had on our whole trip, and we had many. make sure to let them know you would like it in advance. The staff were charming and kind to us every morning without fail. Our room was spacious and thoughtfully appointed, maintaining the delicate balance between historical charm and modern comfort. The rooms are equipped with contemporary amenities, although we found the Japanese winter and heaters a little drying, the staff quickly appointed us a humidifier or Kashikki which easily remedied the moisture level. The pajamas provided are also divine. The hotel's proximity to local attractions, such as the Kyukaruizawa Ginza-dori shopping street and the tranquil Kumobaike Pond, made it an ideal choice for us as we would walk to Ginza and then towards the station to shop at the Prince mall. What truly distinguishes Mampei Hotel is its exceptional service, epitomized by staff members like Yutaro San who was especially impressive. Perfect English and a kind, helpful and professional countenance. Yutaro's personalized recommendations and attentive assistance left an indelible impression on us, embodying the essence of Japanese hospitality. Thank you Yutaro San. The Mampei Hotel offers a harmonious blend of historical elegance, luxurious comfort, and outstanding service. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking a serene retreat, Mampei Hotel promises an cinematic experience you will not soon forget. Thank you to Yutaro San and the entire staff.

This shop is located nearby Karuizawa St. There were a lot of Cheeses, Cakes, and frozen Pizzas. You can buy good souvenir in here. They prepare ice pack for frozen items though, it's just valid for 3 hours at most. if you need over 3 hours to go back to your home, it might be hard to take away frozen items. In my humble opinion, Tiramisu was very good quality. I can't forget the rich taste.

Kumoba Pond is one of the most peaceful and scenic spots in Karuizawa. The walking path around the pond is easy and very relaxing, with beautiful views at every turn. We visited in the colder season, and even without the autumn colours, the reflections on the water and the surrounding natural scenery were stunning. It is a wonderful place for a slow stroll and to take in fresh mountain air away from the busy shopping streets. A must-visit if you are in Karuizawa, especially during autumn when the foliage is at its peak.

One of the 3 remaining classical hotel in Japan that has a very rich history. Beautiful European inspired architecture with a warm and rustic interior. This is the place that John Lennon stayed when he was in town. You can ask for the room that he stayed too. You can also savor the authentic cafe latte made according to the specification of Mr Lennon. The small roads and greenery around the hotel are amazing for photos as well as slow strolls. Quiet and mature ambience.

the signature rosted chicken is delicious, cooked just right with skin a bit crispy and meat still tender (would be even better if to be more juicy inside) , and the slices ham as of appetizer is amazing that you can’t miss! price is reasonable to the foods of its kind, and the staff and service is friendly to family with kids which is a big relief for parents 👏

My favourite bakery in Karuizawa. Pastries were amazing. Almond croissant not too sweet you can easily just have it plus & a savoury item.

super good italian food at reasonable price. we visited on weekend night, waited <20min for a table. just get a number at the door and wait to be called! for food we ordered snow crab pizza, vongole, uni pasta, tiramisu. all were GREATTT! seasoning, texture all done right! such a satisfying meal, a hidden gem! 10/10 will recommend and will come back for another meal!