The Best Shopping Spots in Kyu-Karuizawa

St. Cousair Winery

Welcomed into the shop with a free taster of Niagara Blanc wine and we’re off to a good start. With their vineyards based in the north of Nagano Prefecture, St. Cousair is a regional favorite that specialises particularly in Chardonnay, however, the shop displays a whole array of delicious duty-free wines including Pinot Noir and Merlot as well as jams, sauces, and cider, which is a rare find in Japan. Head into the back of the store for the in-house restaurant for French inspired snacks, dishes, and desserts all matched perfectly with a glass of St. Cousair’s fine wine.

Nakayama’s Jam

With over 100 years of history, popular condiments shop Nakayama’s Jam was established in 1905 when foreign missionaries visiting Karuizawa introduced the jam-making process to locals. The deliciously sweet jams cooked up for Nakayama’s Jam are a crowd-pleaser making use of the juicy fruit produced in the region. Whether picking up a little reminder of Karuizawa for yourself or searching for souvenirs, a jar of jam starts at around 600 yen, with packs of two or three also available. Not just limited to jam, the shop also offers pickles, cordials, honey, and miso.

Suju Gallery Dark Eyes

Perhaps in part thanks to the influence of John Lennon and Yoko Ono who frequently visited Karuizawa in the past, the city draws in a creative crowd which has led to a number of art and design shops popping up around the streets of Kyu-Karuizawa. The sophisticated Suju Gallery Dark Eyes store sports everything from simple furniture pieces to unique Japanese tableware whose colorful designs and authentic Japanese style are sure to prove hard to resist.

Hachihige Ojisan no Mise

Drawing media attention from far and wide, the shop name says it all with Hachihige Ojisan no Mise translating as the bee bearded man’s shop. Selling a wide selection of deliciously sweet honeys from around Japan, Hachihige Ojisan established his shop in Karuizawa not only to serve honey but also to raise awareness of illnesses in bees that are causing whole colonies to collapse. Hard to miss with the beaming ojisan welcoming visitors inside, goodies include pots and tubes of standard and flavored honey as well as honey flavored cakes, Japanese sweets, and bread.

Donguri Kyowakoku

For any Studio Ghibli fans out there, the official store Donguri Kyowakoku is one shop you shouldn’t walk past. Found on the corner opposite St. Cousair Winery you can’t miss the loveable Totoro outside the shop who greets passersby inside. Even those unfamiliar with Studio Ghibli will get a good insight into the hype behind the animated films with a huge array of merchandise on offer from keyrings and cuddly toys to clothing and bedding.

Kyukaru Ginza (Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street)

Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Karuizawa

0267425538

Each Depends on establishmen…

View All

Go here

Karuizawa

Nagano Pref

View All

Go here

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

4.0

1400 Reviews

Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Karuizawa

0267425211

10:00-19:00 (Seasonal Subjec…

View All

Go here

St. Cousair Winery Main Restaurant

4.5

4 Reviews

Nagano Pref. Kamiminochigunidunamachi Imogawa 1260

0262538002

[Apr.- Dec.]9:00-17:00[Jan.-…

View All

Go here