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Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church: Karuizawa’s Landmark

December 18, 2024 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, The Must-Visit Churches in Japan

In addition to Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church (石の教会 内村鑑三記念堂), another church that can excite architectural buffs is Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church (軽井沢聖パウロカトリック教会). Designed by the famous American architect Antonin Raymond, the church is another landmark in Karuizawa. It was where the first Christian wedding for non-Christians was held in Japan, and nowadays, a […]

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The Best Jam and Dips Stores on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street Nagano Japan.png

The Best Jam and Dips Stores on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

August 10, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

As you walk around Karuizawa, you will notice the town has many jam stores. Why? Because Karuizawa is jam’s birthplace in Japan. As the town received many foreign visitors, especially in summer, the method of making delicious jams was passed to the locals. But many shops and cafes in Karuizawa sell homemade jams, so deciding

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A Guide to the Top Bakeries on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

August 10, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

When you walk on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street (軽井沢銀座通り), you will notice that there are several bakeries on this 750-meter-long street. Some of them even have a cafe serving light meals! Because each of them has its charm, if you are unsure which one to visit, read on for an introduction to the most popular

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A Guide to the Best Cafes on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

August 10, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

Karuizawa is surely a top-class scenic summer resort close to Tokyo. But spending an entire day exploring the town can be tiring for many. So how about visiting a cafe with a nice ambiance on Old Karuizawa Gina Street for a break and enjoying a plate of nice dessert with a cup of coffee or

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HARUNIRE Terrace, Where You Dine and Shop in Naka-Karuizawa

August 10, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Hidden Gems, Nagano Prefecture, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

HARUNIRE Terrace (ハルニレテラス) is a commercial complex in Karuizawa operated by the famous Hoshino Resort. The traditional-look terrace has the Yu River (湯川) flowing on its right and is surrounded by a Japanese elm forest. With many trendy restaurants and boutique shops, the terrace is one of the most popular spots in Naka-Karuizawa for those

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The Ultimate Guide to Karuizawa Hoshino Area

August 10, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Hidden Gems, Nagano Prefecture

Karuizawa, Japan’s famous summer resort, is one of the most popular destinations close to Tokyo. In addition to the spots close to Karuizawa Station, such as Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, Karuizawa Hoshino Area in Naka-Karuizawa is gaining popularity. While the area north of Shinano Railway’s Naka-Karuizawa Station requires some walking to get to, the good

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Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church Karuizawa Nagano Japan

The Best Guide to the Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church

December 18, 2024 / Chūbu Region, Hidden Gems, Nagano Prefecture, The Must-Visit Churches in Japan

Karuizawa has many churches. While not locating in the town center, Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church in Karuizawa Hoshino Area is the one you have to visit, even if you don’t believe in god. The church is just like an artwork. Whether you understand architecture or not, the building will manage to amaze you.

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Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire: A Hidden Gem in Setagaya

April 13, 2025 / Kantō Region, Tokyo, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

If you are a coffee lover, Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire (梟焙煎研究所) is the place to go close to Gōtokuji. You will find the locally rumored “ultimate espresso (究極のエスプレッソ)” there. Apparently, the owner, Takayama-san (髙山さん), previously worked at a Michelin three-star restaurant in France, hence the French café name and the delicious food and coffee served! Not

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Thousands of white Maneki-neko figurines at Shofukuden Hall, Gotokuji

Gōtokuji Guide: Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple & Nearby Vegan Spots

May 4, 2026 / Kantō Region, National Historic Site, Temples & Shrines, Tokyo

You might have come across the beckoning cat, maneki-neko (招き猫). The Japanese waving cat figurine is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. Leaving the figurine’s ability to bring good fortune aside, the maneki-neko is a cute decor and might cheer you up when feeling down. If you are smitten by maneki-neko, the

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