Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza (Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street) is a historic shopping street in the Kyu-Karuizawa area of Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture. The street retains the atmosphere of the "good old resort" of Karuizawa, which developed as a summer resort during the Meiji and Taisho periods, and is lined with Western-style buildings, long-established stores, and small cafes and boutiques. Shops line the gently sloping road surrounded by trees, making it an appealing place to stroll around and enjoy shopping and a light meal. Popular with tourists from Japan and abroad, the street offers a relaxing resort atmosphere and beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.
Highlights
- Long-established bakeries, pastry shops, and coffee shops: People usually stop by to try their signature products, such as boulangeries and coffee shops that originated in Karuizawa.
- Unique boutiques and general stores: Find one-of-a-kind items that you can't find anywhere else, such as clothing, interior goods, and crafts by local artists.
- Cafes and restaurants: Many have terrace seating, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely lunch or tea time in a Karuizawa-esque style.
- Antique Galleries: There are also shops selling old furniture, tableware, and art pieces scattered around the area, adding to the charm of your stroll.
- The townscape itself: A leisurely stroll through the shady tree-lined streets and Western-style buildings will give you a feel for Karuizawa's historical atmosphere.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Karuizawa Station on the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen and Shinano Railway
- Directions from the station (approximate)
- Walking: Approximately 20-30 minutes (distance is approximately 1.5-2km, with a gentle slope)
- Bus: Approximately 10 minutes by local bus from Karuizawa Station bound for Kyu-Karuizawa (number of buses may increase depending on the season)
- Taxi: Approximately 5-10 minutes from the station
- Car/Parking: There are paid parking lots in the area, but they tend to fill up during peak seasons, so we recommend using public transportation.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short walk: 1 hour to 1.5 hours (quickly look at the main stores)
- For a leisurely trip: 2-3 hours (including cafe breaks and shopping)
- Combining with sightseeing in the surrounding area: Half a day to a full day (including Kumoba Pond, the church, the former Mikasa Hotel, etc.)
Nearby spots
- Kumobaike Pond: A pond located very close to Kyu-Karuizawa. The scenery changes with the seasons (especially the autumn foliage), making it beautiful.
- Mampei Hotel: A classic hotel with a long history. The tea lounge is also popular for its tea breaks.
- Former Mikasa Hotel: A classic wooden hotel (often preserved and open to the public).
- Stone Church (Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Hall) and Karuizawa Kogen Church: Famous as a wedding venue, this is a spot where you can view the architecture and gardens.
- Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza: An outlet mall with easy access by car or bus, where you can enjoy shopping.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets very crowded during Golden Week, summer weekends, and during the autumn foliage season. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend going on weekdays or early in the morning.
- Parking: Parking spaces in the area are limited and expensive, so if you're coming by car, consider arriving early or using public transportation.
- Pedestrian etiquette: The streets are narrow and crowded with pedestrians, so be careful not to obstruct traffic by using your smartphone while walking or carrying large items. It is best to push your bicycle when passing through.
- Pets and Smoking: Each store has different policies regarding pets and smoking inside. Please check before entering, keep your pet on a leash, and be considerate of other customers. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.
- Seasonal clothing: In summer, it is cooler than the city center, but it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings. In autumn, it gets cold quickly, so bring a jacket. In winter, there is snow and ice, so you need to be careful when walking.
- Business hours: Some stores are seasonal or have irregular closing days, so it's a good idea to check the opening hours before visiting.
Old Karuizawa Ginza is a great place to enjoy shopping, visiting cafes, and just walking around the town. If you allow yourself plenty of time and combine it with other nearby attractions, you can spend a truly Karuizawa-like day.
