From Tokyo Station, you can take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen and reach Karuizawa Station in as little as one hour, making it a super convenient getaway. Karuizawa has long been a favorite retreat for famous Japanese literary figures like Mori Ogai, Natsume Soseki, Yasunari Kawabata, and Ryunosuke Akutagawa, with many classic literary works set in this charming town.

With its cool, refreshing summers, Karuizawa is a great escape from the heat, while winter transforms it into a skiers' paradise. If shopping is more your thing, head to the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza or take a stroll down Old Karuizawa Ginza Street for a more nostalgic shopping experience.

Karuizawa is generally divided into five main areas: Old Karuizawa & New Karuizawa, Naka-Karuizawa, Minami-Karuizawa, Shiozawa & Hotchi, and Oiwake & Kutsukake. There's a town loop bus that connects these areas, but since the buses don't run frequently, it's a good idea to check the schedule in advance to avoid long waits.

Now, let's dive into some of Karuizawa's most popular foodie spots!

The area around Karuizawa Station is lively, with plenty of great dining options both inside and near the outlet mall. From Japanese cuisine to sizzling barbecue, there's something for everyone!

If you're craving yakiniku (Japanese barbecue), the outlet is a good place to start. For a classic Japanese meal, check out Toge no Kamameshi Honpo Ogino-ya. Their signature dish, Toge no Kamameshi, is a bento-style meal served in a small ceramic pot. The best part? You can take the pot home as a keepsake — it makes for a great souvenir!

If you're in the mood for hot pot, head to Shabu-shabu Atago to try their Okinawan pork or premium Shinshu Wagyu beef shabu-shabu.

For a relaxing afternoon coffee break, stop by Mikado Coffee for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. Another must-visit is Maruyama Coffee Karuizawa Main Store. Their beans are carefully sourced from around the world by the owner and his team, then roasted to highlight each variety's unique flavor. You can even buy beans to take home or give as a gift.

As the evening chill sets in, warm up with a steaming bowl of miso ramen at Ramen Fukuei.

And that's not all — there are even more amazing restaurants to explore! Keep reading for more hidden gems to check out on your next Karuizawa trip!

If you love Japanese-style pork cutlets, don't miss Meijitei Karuizawa, just a 2-minute walk from Karuizawa Station's south exit. Their signature katsudon dish features a crispy, golden-brown rosu katsu (pork loin cutlet) topped with a special house-made sauce. The sauce not only enhances the flavor but also balances out the pork's richness, making each bite even more enjoyable.

The Meijitei special sauce is produced in Komagane City, Nagano Prefecture, adding a unique local touch to their dishes. It's a must-try!

Beyond their famous katsu donburi (pork cutlet rice bowl), the menu also features local specialties like Shinshu soba and the rare basashi donburi (horse sashimi rice bowl). Be sure to give them a try!

Just a 1-minute walk from Karuizawa Station, Onzoushi Kiyoyasuan serves delicious Japanese set meals featuring Shinshu Wagyu, a premium local beef from Nagano.

One highlight is their teppan-grilled steak, a recreation of the high-end dishes served at Kiyoyasutei, a renowned teppanyaki restaurant in Roppongi. Another must-try is their gyudon (beef rice bowl), inspired by the famous Roppongi hotspot Onzoushi Matsurokuya — but without the long wait in Tokyo!

If you're traveling with kids, they also have a children's menu, making it a great spot for the whole family to enjoy a satisfying meal.

Wa-Bistro GOKAN is a Japanese restaurant where you can enjoy exquisite washoku (Japanese cuisine) in a relaxed setting. The name 'GOKAN' comes from the Japanese word for 'five senses,' reflecting the restaurant's goal of offering a dining experience that engages all your senses.

The restaurant takes pride in using seasonal ingredients from the Shinshu region, ensuring that each dish highlights the freshest local flavors of the moment. No matter when you visit, you'll be able to savor carefully crafted dishes.

To make your experience seamless, you can reserve a set meal online in advance — perfect if you have trouble deciding from the menu!

The Lunch Special: Premium Wagyu Rice Set (1.5-hour dining time) includes two types of sashimi, premium wagyu rice, and a chef-recommended dessert. The Dinner Exclusive: Five Senses Tasting Course (2-hour dining time) features an appetizer, salad, assorted sashimi platter, Shinshu Mine-Mura Wagyu sirloin steak, seasonal tempura (such as Shinshu salmon), seasonal soba noodles, and a chef-recommended dessert.

Whether you're stopping by for lunch or indulging in a full-course dinner, Bistro GOKAN offers a truly sensory dining experience!

Just a 4-minute walk from Karuizawa Station's north exit, Lugend Karuizawa offers a cozy yet stylish setting where you can enjoy modern French cuisine paired with fine wines. The chef, with experience working in both French and Italian restaurants, brings a unique touch to every dish.

Here, you can savor classic French dishes made with fresh local ingredients from the Shinshu region. The chef even grows his own herbs and vegetables, adding a personal seasonal flair to the menu for a dining experience that's both refined and memorable.

To avoid waiting, making online reservations is recommended. The Wagyu Set Meal includes an appetizer, starter, fish dish, a main course with A5-grade Shinshu Wagyu (with a choice of sirloin or fillet), dessert, and a post-meal drink. The Wagyu & Seafood Set Meal features an appetizer, starter, fish dish (lobster-based), steak with A5 Shinshu Wagyu (sirloin or fillet), dessert, and a post-meal drink.

Whether you're indulging in premium beef or savoring seafood, Lugend offers a delightful gourmet experience in the heart of Karuizawa.

Restaurant Lumière is a French restaurant located in the Hotel Marroad Karuizawa. It's about a 10-minute walk from the north exit of Karuizawa Station. The hotel is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the natural scenery, even if you're not staying at the hotel.

For breakfast, you can enjoy fresh highland vegetables and warm, freshly baked bread. In the evening, the restaurant offers a seasonal French set menu. If you're looking for an elegant dining experience with delicious French cuisine, Restaurant Lumière should definitely be on your list!

Originally founded as a soba shop on the outskirts of Komoro City, Nagano, Yamahei now has a convenient branch just 3 minutes from the south exit of Karuizawa Station. If you're a fan of tempura, try one of their most popular dishes, the Seiro Soba with Tempura basket. Another recommendation is the Shinshu Tororo Soba, featuring soba noodles topped with a smooth yam puree from the Shinshu region.

In addition to these cold soba options, there are four different hot soba dishes to choose from. With 180 seats, Yamahei is perfect for larger groups or families. Plus, they offers a children's menu, making it a great choice for those dining with little ones.

Nomikuidokoro Inase is a cozy izakaya (Japanese pub) that opens in the evening, offering a relaxing atmosphere with a sleek black-themed interior. Located just a 1-minute walk from Karuizawa Station's north exit, it's the perfect place to grab a bite and drink before heading back to the station.

While it's an izakaya, the food and drinks here are anything but ordinary. Enjoy a variety of appetizers like the assorted kushikatsu (fried skewers) and white fish carpaccio, or dig into heartier options like the pork kalbi rice bowl and soba meshi (Japanese fried noodles and rice).

In summer, they also offer a special salad made with a whole cabbage, available in limited quantities (8 servings daily). Whether you're after a great Japanese sake or a satisfying meal, Nomikuidokoro Inase has you covered!

Old Karuizawa is one of the area's earliest developed districts, and home to several must-visit dining spots. Popular places include Kawakamian, a well-known soba restaurant; Chozumeya, a shop specializing in sausages and ham made from domestic Japanese beef and pork; Boulangerie Asanoya, a historic bakery with over 80 years of tradition; and Trattoria Primo, an Italian restaurant nestled in a grove of trees.

After enjoying a filling meal, if you still have room for dessert, consider visiting Paomu Karuizawa for their popular Karuizawa pudding. For a refreshing treat, head to L'ibisco for Italian gelato, including special seasonal flavors made with local Nagano fruits. If you're a fan of apple pie, add APPLE PIE lab Karuizawa to your list, where you can enjoy pies made with high-quality apples from southern Shinshu..

Along with these well-known spots, here are three more popular local restaurants to check out!

Tucked away in a second floor space, you might easily miss Trattoria ABBIOCCO while strolling along Karuizawa Hon-dori. There's a small take-out window on the first floor, and from there, you can head upstairs to the main dining area. This charming, relaxed Italian restaurant serves not only classic pizzas and authentic pastas but also daily chef's specials. When in doubt about what to order, the daily recommendations are always a solid bet!

With limited seating, it's perfect for a romantic date or a small group of friends looking to enjoy a leisurely meal in Karuizawa.

'Hamburg steak' is one of Japan's quintessential Western-style Japanese dishes, and IZUTSUYA is a well-known hamburg steak shop, located on the Old Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street. The restaurant offers hamburg steaks of various sizes, so even those with smaller appetites won't need to worry about finishing their meal. They also provide a special menu for preschool children.

Since the hamburg steak is made fresh to order, there may be a bit of a wait, but it's well worth it. You can enjoy your steak as-is, or pair it with any of the four condiments available: garlic sauce, honey sauce, daikon yuzu vinegar sauce, or ketchup for a variety of flavors.

TsuruTonTan is a well-known chain of udon noodle shops in Japan, and its Karuizawa location is the first resort-style branch. The interior is designed to feel like being in a forest, with a calming wood decor that makes it hard to believe you're in a noodle shop. In addition to udon, the Karuizawa restaurant incorporates local ingredients in its dishes. There's even a stylish bar, making it a unique space that invites repeat visits.

For a hassle-free dining experience, you can reserve online in advance through the link below. One must-try is the Special Udon Course, where you can choose your favorite type of udon and enjoy the Clay Pot Smoked Dish. This special dish features wagyu beef, lamb chops, and ribs smoked in a clay pot, offering a barbecue-like experience made specifically for guests to enjoy indoors. This exclusive dish is only available at the Karuizawa location!

The Naka-Karuizawa Area is home to the famous Hoshino Resort, along with iconic attractions like the Kogen Church, the nature-integrated Stone Church, the charming Harunire Terrace, and the stunning Shiraito Falls. When visiting Karuizawa, be sure to set aside some time to explore this area!

For dining, head to the Hoshino Resort's Village Dining Hall, where you can enjoy dishes made with local Shinshu ingredients, including set meals and a delicious wagyu beef bowl. In addition, here are a couple more must-try places in Naka-Karuizawa!

If you're looking for a family-friendly spot to enjoy traditional Japanese izakaya dishes, Osakana Dining Kiraku is a great option, just a 4-minute walk from Nakakaruizawa Station. It's a popular place for locals, domestic travelers, and international visitors alike.

The extensive menu ensures you'll leave happy and satisfied, and the wide variety of sake gives you a chance to taste some delicious Japanese brews. If you're traveling with young children, the restaurant offers child-friendly utensils and seats (for an additional charge). The ingredients used are carefully selected, with fresh fish directly shipped from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and rice sourced from a farm in Saku, Nagano. Since the restaurant bases its daily specials on the freshest ingredients available, you might find some exciting, unexpected dishes depending on what's in season!

Finally, the Japanese restaurant located in Kutsukake Stay Nakakaruizawa. The head chef, who has extensive experience working as the executive chef at a Michelin-recommended resort, brings his expertise to the table. The restaurant selects meat and vegetables from local farms in the Shinshu region, while seafood is sourced fresh from the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa, the chef's hometown. The seafood is delivered directly, without going through a fish market, ensuring the freshest flavors.

The restaurant is set in a beautifully renovated 50-year-old traditional Japanese house, with a garden that offers different scenic views throughout the year. The open kitchen lets diners enjoy watching their meals being prepared, and dining in this charming, historic setting while savoring the chef's carefully crafted dishes is sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can easily reserve your spot online with two main options: the Kutsukake Stay Lunch Set and Kutsukake Stay Dinner Set, both featuring Shinshu beef and seafood. There's also a special children's menu called the Shirakaba Set for younger guests.

After reading about all the amazing food spots in Karuizawa, are you feeling the urge to plan a trip? It's super easy to get to Karuizawa from Tokyo — just a 1-hour ride on the Shinkansen!

Many travelers opt for a day trip to stroll around, enjoy the natural scenery, explore cultural landmarks, and savor local delicacies. The popular restaurants mentioned here offer online reservations, so you can skip the hassle of waiting in line and focus on enjoying a delicious meal!