Karuizawa is not only known as a resort area but also as a place where you can enjoy a variety of gourmet experiences nurtured by its rich natural environment. Here, we introduce some of the top recommended gourmet spots to visit when you’re in Karuizawa. We will provide detailed information on each restaurant and its popular menu items, making this a must-read for those who wish to savor delicious food during their stay.
1. Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura at Harunire Terrace
A bakery and restaurant offering freshly baked bread and hearty meals
Located in the tranquil surroundings of Harunire Terrace, Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura is a beloved spot for both locals and tourists. Known for its freshly baked bread made from high-quality flour and natural yeast, this bakery offers a wide variety of bread, pastries, and savory items. The restaurant area serves a variety of dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and their breakfasts and brunches are particularly popular. Enjoying a meal on the terrace, surrounded by the natural beauty of the area, provides a relaxing and satisfying dining experience.
Recommended dishes: French toast with seasonal fruits, croissant sandwich with smoked salmon, freshly baked baguette with homemade jam
2. Kawakami-an
A famous restaurant where you can enjoy the deliciousness of Shinshu soba
Located just off the main Old Karuizawa Ginza Street in the heart of Karuizawa, Kawakami-an is widely known as a top soba restaurant in the Shinshu region. The soba noodles are all handmade, bringing out the maximum flavor of the buckwheat. The dipping sauce is a special blend, richly made with bonito and kombu, perfectly balancing the umami of the soba. The tempura set menus are also popular, with freshly fried, crispy tempura accompanying the soba, making for a truly exquisite meal. The spacious, Japanese-style interior provides a calm atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy their food at leisure.
Recommended dishes: Tempura soba, duck soba, seasonal mountain vegetable tempura
3. Cafe Restaurant Yatsugatake Brewery
A cafe restaurant offering dishes that perfectly pair with Karuizawa’s local craft beer
Yatsugatake Brewery, located in the outskirts of Karuizawa, is a cafe restaurant where you can enjoy Karuizawa’s craft beers. The brewery is housed within the restaurant, making it a must-visit spot for beer enthusiasts. The selection of beers includes popular choices like IPA and stout, made using locally grown hops for a rich and deep flavor that pairs wonderfully with salads and grilled dishes. During lunchtime, beer-flavored pasta and pizza sets are also popular. From the terrace seats, guests can enjoy a meal while taking in the magnificent views of the Yatsugatake mountains.
Recommended dishes: Craft beer tasting set, grilled chicken salad, beef stew
4. Pâtisserie Sadaharu Aoki Paris Karuizawa
A patisserie offering sophisticated French-inspired sweets
Owned by renowned Japanese pâtissier Sadaharu Aoki, Pâtisserie Sadaharu Aoki Paris in Karuizawa is a popular spot to enjoy refined French-style sweets. The vividly colored and delicately designed macarons are especially popular, each bite revealing their rich and complex flavors. The patisserie also offers a wide range of sweets incorporating Japanese ingredients such as matcha and yuzu, providing flavors that appeal to the Japanese palate. The attached café space allows visitors to enjoy these exquisite sweets alongside French-imported tea and coffee, making for a luxurious afternoon tea experience.
Recommended dishes: Matcha macarons, yuzu tart, chocolate eclair
5. Karuizawa Burger
A casual restaurant known for its juicy burgers
Karuizawa Burger is a favorite among both tourists and locals, known for its juicy burgers made from locally sourced Kuroge Wagyu beef. The patties are full of meat juices, and the fluffy homemade buns make for a perfect match, creating a flavor that’s hard to forget. The restaurant also offers a variety of original sauces and toppings, allowing customers to customize their burgers to their liking. Enjoying a casual lunch on the terrace while taking in the natural surroundings of Karuizawa is highly recommended. The set menu includes hearty servings of french fries and onion rings, ensuring both your stomach and heart are fully satisfied.
Recommended dishes: Kuroge Wagyu burger, avocado cheese burger, french fries set
Conclusion
Karuizawa is home to a variety of gourmet spots, each offering dishes that showcase the best of local ingredients. Experiencing delicious food and sweets amidst the beautiful natural scenery of Karuizawa will undoubtedly enrich your travel memories. On your next visit to Karuizawa, be sure to check out these renowned restaurants and enjoy all the gourmet delights that Karuizawa has to offer.
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