Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is a large-scale outlet mall located at the entrance to the naturally rich Karuizawa. The outdoor store layout makes the most of the resort's scenery, allowing you to enjoy shopping and gourmet food while taking in the changing scenery of the seasons. Home to domestic and international fashion brands, sports and outdoor goods stores, household goods stores, restaurants, and cafes, this complex is perfect not only for shopping but also for strolling and relaxing. Its easy access near the station makes it an attractive place to visit even on a day trip.

Highlights

• Diverse range of stores: From famous brand outlet shops to popular local cafes and souvenir shops.
• Location: The open design is surrounded by mountains and greenery, making it a great place to take a walk, especially in the spring when the fresh greenery is fresh and in the fall when the leaves change color.
• Gourmet Zone: From a casual food court to restaurants, you can enjoy sweets unique to Karuizawa and dishes made with local ingredients.
• Facilities for families with children: There is a baby room and rest area, making it a comfortable environment for families to spend time in.
• Seasonal Events: Sales and seasonal events (Christmas, outlet sales, etc.) are held regularly.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest station: JR Karuizawa Station - Accessible by foot (approximately 1-5 minutes on foot, depending on the entrance/exit). Shinkansen (Hokuriku Shinkansen) also stops here.
• car:
• Approximately 15 minutes from Usui-Karuizawa IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway (varies depending on road conditions)
• There is a large parking lot. It may fill up on weekends, consecutive holidays, and during the autumn foliage season, so we recommend arriving early.
• Expressway buses and direct buses: Expressway buses may be operating from Tokyo (Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, etc.) (please check in advance as this may vary depending on the season and route).
• Business hours: Varies by store, but as a general guideline, most stores are open from 10:00 to 19:00. Please check the business hours of the store you want to visit before going.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Shopping: 2-4 hours (if you want to look around multiple stores)
• Including meals and walks: Half a day (4 hours) to a full day
• If combining with sightseeing in the surrounding area: 1 day to 1 night (1 night recommended if touring tourist spots in the Karuizawa area)

Nearby spots

• Kumobaike Pond — within walking distance. A quiet stroll and photogenic spot.
• Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza (Kyu-Karuizawa) — A long-established entertainment district with souvenir shops, cafes, and atmospheric streets to explore.
• Stone Church (Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Hall) and Karuizawa Kogen Church — within a 10-20 minute drive (depending on the season and traffic conditions).
• Around Hoshino Resorts (Harunire Terrace, etc.) - A popular area with many cafes and galleries.
• Nature spots like Shiraito Falls and Sengataki Falls are just a short walk away, and you can enjoy waterfalls and hiking.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Crowds: It gets extremely crowded on weekends, public holidays, summer vacation, Golden Week, and during the autumn foliage season. Parking lots fill up and popular stores can have long lines. We recommend visiting on weekdays or right after opening.
• Weather precautions: As this is an outdoor mall, you will need an umbrella and warm clothing in case of rain or strong winds. Karuizawa is at a high altitude, so it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings, so be sure to bring a jacket.
• Store-specific rules: Rules regarding bringing pets, trying on clothes, bringing in food and drinks, etc. vary from store to store. Pets are often allowed in the outdoor aisles but not inside the store, so it's best to check in advance.
• Duty-free: Many stores offer duty-free shopping for tourists from overseas. Please check with the store before purchasing as there are conditions such as the presentation of a passport and a purchase amount.
• Garbage Manners: This is an area that values the natural environment. Please dispose of garbage in the designated area and be considerate of the surrounding scenery and other visitors.

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is a spot where you can enjoy not only shopping but also the natural beauty of Karuizawa and the surrounding area. Decide your route based on your purpose, and plan a comfortable stay by taking into consideration the crowds and weather.