Mountain Café Life in Shinshu

The flagship store of Maruyama Coffee is a must-visit when you come to Karuizawa. Nestled quietly in the forest along Route 18, the moment you park your car, you're enveloped by the scent of the trees. This place is truly indispensable when talking about Shinshu's coffee culture.

Harunire Terrace, located in the Hoshino area of Karuizawa, is a shopping mall featuring wooden decks that spread along the Yugawa River. Walking through the grove of Japanese elm trees feels refreshing like a forest bath, and it never gets old no matter how many times you visit.

The winter illuminations are beautiful, but personally, I'd say the fresh green season is the best time to visit. Summer gets quite crowded during the vacation season, so I think early June, just before the rainy season, is perfect.

Shopping here is also a joy—it's perfect for finding little souvenirs like jams and sweets made with Shinshu ingredients. Shuttle buses run from Karuizawa Station, so it's easy to access even without a car, which is wonderful.

The café terrace at Manpei Hotel is a special place where you can feel the history of Karuizawa itself. While it retains the elegance of a classic hotel that has stood since the Meiji era, the café has a casual atmosphere that welcomes visitors, so you can enjoy it without staying at the hotel.

This hotel is famous for being where John Lennon spent summers with his family. It's a must-try to order the Royal Milk Tea that he loved.