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 […]
A Guide to the Top Bakeries on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street Read More »
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
A Guide to the Best Cafes on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street Read More »
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
HARUNIRE Terrace, Where You Dine and Shop in Naka-Karuizawa Read More »
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
The Ultimate Guide to Karuizawa Hoshino Area Read More »
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.
The Best Guide to the Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church Read More »
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
Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire: A Hidden Gem in Setagaya Read More »
You might have come across the beckoning cat, maneki-neko (招き猫). The 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 must-visit spot
Gōtokuji: Tokyo’s Infamous Maneki-neko Lucky Cat Temple Read More »
Zenkoji Temple is the landmark around Nagano Station. Speaking of temple, the term Shōjin Ryōri (精進料理) might pop into your head. The best place to try the monk cuisine close to the temple is Fuchinobō (淵之坊). It is one of the 39 sub-temples of Zenkoji Temple that allow visitors to stay overnight (Shukubō, 宿坊). If
Fuchinobō: Nagano’s Top Shukubō & Its Exquisite Shōjin Ryōri Read More »
When you visit noodle restaurants in Japan, have you noticed that there is almost always a small round can of spice on one side of the table for you to add more flavor to your noodle soup? If you like the blend that is known as Shichimi in Japanese, the shop that you must visit
Yawataya Isogoro: Japan’s Signatory 7 Spice (Shichimi) Shop Read More »
If you are walking towards Zenkoji Temple from Nagano Station or the other way around, stop by Karukayasan Saikōji Temple (刈萱山西光寺). While the precinct is compact, it is where you can experience Etoki, a cultural activity you can hardly come across anywhere else. This temple should also interest those who previously visited the Karukaya-dō Mitsugon-in
Karukayasan Saikōji: A Hidden Gem Close to Nagano Station Read More »
