Nagano Prefecture's Karuizawa, Japan's premier vacation paradise! A summer retreat with cool, natural beauty at your fingertips.
Here are some ultra-stylish lunch restaurants recommended to let you savor French and Italian cuisine in the refined setting of Karuizawa!
KAGARIBI / Hotel Indigo Karuizawa
"KAGARIBI" is an Italian restaurant located within Hotel Indigo Karuizawa. Its unique design features large windows that flood the interior with light, creating an impressively spacious and open atmosphere.
The dining area primarily consists of tables and chairs, with extensive use of wooden decor creating a warm ambiance, allowing you to enjoy your meal while feeling the comforting touch of natural wood. The restaurant's signature dishes are grilled over oak or serrated firewood, offering distinctive flavors. Additionally, traditional oven-baked pizzas are available, with options for set menus or à la carte dining.
The lunch set menu features 4 courses (available from March 1 to May 31), including an appetizer, Italian pasta, a grilled fish or meat main course, and dessert, immersing you in a high-end dining experience from noon onward.
- KAGARIBI / Hotel Indigo Karuizawa
- Address: 18-39 Yashikizoe, Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Hotel Indigo Karuizawa
- Operating Hours:
Breakfast: 7:00-11:00 (Last Entry: 10:15, Last Order: 10:30)
Lunch: 12:00-15:00 (Last Order: 14:30)
Dinner: 17:00-22:00 (Last Order: 21:30) - Access: A 5-minute ride via free shuttle bus from JR Hokuriku Shinkansen or Shinano Railway Karuizawa Station.
NEMOTO.LABO
"NEMOTO.LABO" is a French bistro located on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, an area filled with retro buildings and charming shops, making it an ideal lunch spot while shopping for souvenirs or sightseeing.
The interior is dominated by white tones, with waist-high walls creating a rich Western vibe. The spacious seating with tables and chairs makes it perfect for family gatherings or group outings.
The bistro's unique appeal lies in pairing natural wines with relaxed French cuisine. It places special emphasis on using fresh vegetables sourced from Shinshu, delivering both health and flavor. The lunch set menu comes at a fixed price, allowing you to choose your preferred appetizer and main course for a delightful dining experience.
- NEMOTO.LABO
- Address: 634 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Shimura Building 2F Rear
- Operating Hours: Lunch 12:00-15:00 (Last Order: 14:00) / Dinner 18:00-23:00
- Closed: Thursdays, winter season
- Access: Approximately 3 minutes by car from JR Hokuriku Shinkansen or Shinano Railway Karuizawa Station
Karuizawa Ristorante Kobayashi
Karuizawa Ristorante Kobayashi is a standalone restaurant tucked away in the fields, offering stunning panoramic views of Mount Asama. This is an exclusive adults-only retreat requiring reservations, with no entry for children below elementary school age.
The interior features just two tables, creating a uniquely private atmosphere. Partitions can be used to form a semi-private space, allowing you to enjoy lunch in complete relaxation!
Here, you can savor authentic Italian and Roman cuisine. The standard appetizer is an exquisite platter featuring about 10 different small appetizers, a feast for both the eyes and palate ♡
The final course features Roman-style carbonara, with attentive service adjusting portion sizes to your appetite, up to a maximum of 100 grams.
- Karuizawa Ristorante Kobayashi
- Address: 1194-4 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
- Operating Hours: Lunch 12:00-15:30 / Dinner 18:00-21:30
- Closed: Irregular
- Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Shinano Railway Nakakaruizawa Station / 15 minutes by car from JR Hokuriku Shinkansen or Shinano Railway Karuizawa Station
RUZE classique / Ruze Classic
"RUZE classique" is a French restaurant located in the Old Karuizawa area, opened in 2023 as part of the luxurious "RUZE-Villa" estate.
The restaurant features an elegant spiral staircase and ornate chandeliers, creating a captivating and unique ambiance, perfect for celebrating birthdays or anniversaries.
The classic lunch includes a small appetizer, starter, soup, fish, meat, and dessert—a thoroughly satisfying meal. You can also enjoy wines from HIGH GROVE, a brand established by King Charles II of England, adding a touch of refined luxury.
- RUZE classique / Ruze Classic
- Address: 1323-374 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
- Operating Hours:
Lunch 12:00-14:30 (Last Order: 13:00)
Afternoon Tea 14:30-16:00
Dinner 17:30-21:00 (Last Order: 19:00) - Closed: Mondays, winter season. *Holidays and irregular closures may apply
- Access: Approximately 3 minutes by car from JR Hokuriku Shinkansen or Shinano Railway Karuizawa Station
Italian Regional Cuisine Restaurant Lombra
"Italian Regional Cuisine Restaurant Lombra" is an Italian eatery tucked away in a standalone house in the Nakakaruizawa countryside, resembling a quaint restaurant attached to an Italian winery.
The interior is simple, with white tones and vintage furniture exuding rustic charm. The outdoor deck offers 10 tables and seats, allowing you to enjoy lunch while basking in a refreshing breeze.
The highlight here is enjoying authentic Italian regional cuisine made with Shinshu ingredients while gazing at the stunning Mount Asama. The "lunch set" includes an appetizer, small starter, pasta, main course, dessert, and coffee. Choose between dried or handmade pasta for a delicious and visually stylish dish.
- Italian Regional Cuisine Restaurant Lombra
- Address: 957-63 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
- Operating Hours: Lunch 11:00-15:00 / Dinner 16:30-22:00 / *Lunch served only on Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Closed: Thursdays, winter season
- Access: Approximately 3-minute walk from Sugakiri Entrance bus stop via the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen or Shinano Railway Karuizawa Station to Minamikaruizawa Line / Town Loop Bus [East Line, South Line]
Kashima-no-Mori Hotel
Restaurant Continental Room is a French restaurant located within the Okura Hotels Group's Kashima-no-Mori Hotel.
The restaurant features generously spaced tables, creating an upscale and elegant dining atmosphere. Through bay windows, you can enjoy your meal while admiring picturesque garden views.
Lunch Set B includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert; Lunch Set A offers four courses with an additional soup. Both sets allow you to choose between meat or fish for the main course, while Set A also offers dessert options for a personalized experience.
- Kashima-no-Mori Hotel
- Address: 1373-6 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Kashima-no-Mori Hotel
- Operating Hours:
Breakfast 7:30-9:30
Lunch 11:30-14:00 (LO: 14:00)
Dinner 17:30-20:30 (LO: 20:30)
*Breakfast and dinner require reservations - Closed: Winter season
- Access: Approximately 8 minutes by car from JR Hokuriku Shinkansen or Shinano Railway Karuizawa Station
A Table Old Karuizawa KIKYO / Curio Collection by Hilton
"A Table" is an all-day dining restaurant within the Old Karuizawa KIKYO, Curio Collection by Hilton.
The seats face the garden, offering views of seasonal beauty. In winter, thick snow blankets the surroundings in silver, allowing you to enjoy Shinshu specialties while soaking in the unique atmosphere.
Two lunch sets are available, both featuring "Dream Whale Farm Taro and Radish Velouté." The "100% Shinshu Minemura Beef KIKYO Burger" uses premium local beef paired with abundant regional vegetables—visually striking and photogenic!
- A Table Old Karuizawa KIKYO / Curio Collection by Hilton
- Address: 491-5 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Old Karuizawa KIKYO Curio Collection by Hilton 1F
- Operating Hours:
Breakfast 7:00-9:30
Cafe 10:00-16:30
Lunch 11:30-14:00
Dinner 17:30-20:30
Bar 19:30-22:00 - Closed: None
- Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Hokuriku Shinkansen or Shinano Railway Karuizawa Station
Musaian Ikeda
"Musaian Ikeda" is a French restaurant housed in a standalone residence in Nakakaruizawa.
The interior features extensive glass walls and high ceilings, creating an airy, open space. Original tables, chairs, and counters handcrafted by local Nagano carpenters add distinctive charm.
The playful creative cuisine shines here, such as Chef Yasuhiro and Sasaki's "Low-Temperature Shinshu Salmon Confit with Mountain Fish Soup," showcasing whimsical flavors. Three lunch course styles are available, all crafted with seasonal Japanese ingredients. A lighter 2/3 portion option is perfect for smaller appetites.
- Musaian Ikeda
- Address: 1891-50 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
- Operating Hours:
Lunch 11:30-15:00 (LO 13:00)
Dinner 17:30-22:00 (LO 20:00)
*Winter hours may vary - Closed:
October-June: Mondays, Tuesdays
July-September: Tuesdays - Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Hokuriku Shinkansen or Shinano Railway Karuizawa Station
Chinese Cuisine Touri / Karuizawa Prince Hotel West
"Chinese Cuisine Touri" is a Chinese restaurant within Karuizawa Prince Hotel West. Complimentary shuttle buses from the nearest station ensure easy access even for first-time visitors.
The spacious interior seats 126 guests. An open kitchen lets you hear cooking sounds and savor aromas, enhancing the dining experience.
The highlight is exquisite Chinese cuisine blending four major regional styles. Beyond an extensive à la carte menu, multiple course options include a six-course lunch. Thoughtful children's menus make this ideal for families!
- Chinese Cuisine Touri / Karuizawa Prince Hotel West
- Address: 1016-87 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa Prince Hotel West 1F
- Operating Hours:
Lunch 11:30-15:00 (LO 14:30)
Dinner 17:00-20:30 (LO 20:00) - Closed: None
- Access: Approximately 2 minutes by car from JR Hokuriku Shinkansen or Shinano Railway Karuizawa Station
Katsuki Restaurant / Old Karuizawa Hotel Otowanomori
Katsuki Restaurant is a French restaurant located within the Old Karuizawa Hotel Otowanomori, situated along Manpei Street. Its unique charm lies in the opportunity to stroll through the forest before or after lunch, enjoying the beauty of nature.
The restaurant’s interior is decorated in a classic and elegant style, with a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere that makes you feel completely at ease.
The lunch menu features the “Bonheur” set, which includes soup, meat, fish, and dessert. Each dish is meticulously crafted, from the selection of ingredients to the presentation, making it a delight for both the eyes and the palate.
With advance reservations, the restaurant can also provide a whole cake, making it perfect for celebrating special occasions!
- Restaurant Katsuki / Old Karuizawa Hotel Otowanomori
- Address: 1323-980 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Old Karuizawa Hotel Otowanomori
- Operating Hours:
Breakfast 8:00-10:00
Lunch 11:30-12:00
Dinner 17:30-19:00 - Closed: Irregular
- Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Hokuriku Shinkansen or Shinano Railway Karuizawa Station
Karuizawa is a renowned summer retreat, but its charm lies in the ability to enjoy outdoor activities in any season. There are also many restaurants where you can savor lunch while taking in the beautiful natural scenery!
