KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA: Shopping & Nature Together in One Place

Located just an hour from Tokyo by shinkansen, Karuizawa (軽井沢) is an easily accessible getaway destination in Nagano Prefecture, popular among Tokyoites thanks to its lush natural landscapes and its unique small-town charm. If not for the picturesque mountains, visitors arrive to shop at KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA (stylized in all caps), directly connected to the north exit of Karuizawa Station. This major Karuizawa destination is one of the most popular shopping spots around Tokyo, with over 240 shops offering fashion, kids’ items, sports and outdoor gear, souvenirs, and even pet supplies, along with a variety of dining options, all interspersed with green park areas.

Plus, KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA is known for its beautiful illumination lighting, which can be enjoyed throughout the year – not just in the winter. After enjoying the lovely lawns in the sunlight, you can see the shopping complex start to sparkle as the sun goes down! So check our recommendations and shopping tips to plan your trip, and get ready to enjoy your next shopping excursion from day to night!

KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA (軽井沢・プリンスショッピングプラザ)
Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano
Directions: 3 min from the south exit of Karuizawa Station (on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line)
Hours
Official Website (en)

8 Shop Recommendations for KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA

Sports & Outdoor Gear: Callaway

With beautiful mountains just made for hiking and winter sports, Karuizawa is made for enjoying the great outdoors, and you can even feel it at KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA. The mall has a number of shops specializing in sports and outdoor products, and golf enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover the popular golf brand Callaway among the many options. Travelers planning to visit any of Japan’s renowned golf courses will want to stop here first!

The Callaway store at KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA is designed for a convenient shopping experience, with neatly organized sections for golf equipment and apparel, with everything from clubs and golf bags to small accessories. The shop even has a space set aside to test out clubs before making any purchases, allowing you to enjoy the shopping experience, and find the perfect fit for your needs.

Callaway | E-17·18
Shop Info

Sports & Outdoor Gear: DESCENTE STORE

For both serious sports gear and versatile items good for daily use, DESCENTE STORE (stylized in all caps) is a popular destination offering everything from snow wear to golf wear, with sporting goods (including golf equipment), accessories, and their series of down jackets.

For winter 2024 you will definitely want to have the star item of their Descente ALLTERRAIN collection on hand: the Mizusawa Down Jacket. Crafted by hand in Iwate Prefecture at the Descente Mizusawa Factory in Oshu (formerly Mizusawa), this jacket stands out for its innovative use of special heat-bonding and seam-tape processing technologies, which enhance its waterproofing and its durability. It also comes in various colors and lengths, so if you’re looking for outerwear that combines style and practicality, this jacket is worth a look.

DESCENTE STORE (デサントストア) | NE-02
Shop Info

Fashion: FREAK’S STORE

FREAK’S STORE has a striking name, but this curated boutique actually provides a fashion-focused selection of sophisticated designs and unique styles. Among the list of notable brands stocked in-store is the simple yet charming NAUTICA, great for everyday wear, and the luxury brand Barbour, offering styles so clean and elegant that it hs earned three Royal Warrants from the British royal family. The shop has a wide selection of men’s and women’s apparel, as well as accessories, along with a collection of products only sold at the FREAK’S STORE in KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA. They also run the unique FREAK’S STORE Cafe – a great place to relax and unwind during a full day of shopping.

FREAK’S STORE (フリークスストア) | NE-17·18
Shop Info

Fashion: Kutsushitaya

These days, more and more savvy travelers in Japan are choosing socks as a go-to souvenir. And if it’s socks you’re looking for, Kutsushitaya is paradise, representing Japan’s finest in sock craftsmanship, with an extensive selection of colors, sizes, and designs.

From simple, solid-color socks that work as wardrobe staples to eye-catching designs that add a little personality to your outfit, Kutsushitaya can add a lot to your sock collection, but they also offer function-focused socks made specifically with running, soccer, golf, and other sports in mind. With long months of cold weather coming up, chilly shoppers will also be excited to see the wide selection of leg warmers, slipper socks, and tights, which come in various weights and a stunning range of 40 different colors (including online exclusives). If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, however, their socks with cute characters are always a hit!

Kutsushitaya (靴下屋) | W-12
Shop Info

Snacks & Souvenirs: Karuizawa Shunsui

No visit to Karuizawa is complete without a look at the gourmet souvenirs made with local ingredients, which is why Karuizawa Shunsui is a must-see, with its wide selection of Nagano Prefecture delicacies crafted from the fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

One of the most intriguing options at the shop is the innovative Whole Apple Baumkuchen (まるごと林檎 紅茶バウムクーヘン), which is made by baking a honey-soaked Nagano apple in tea-flavored batter, preserving the apple’s original shape all the while. Another highlight is the premium-quality soba buckwheat noodles, including the Shinshu Juwari Soba (信州 十割そば) made with 100% Nagano buckwheat, the Hachiwari Soba (八割そば) with 80% buckwheat content for a slightly bouncier texture, and Togakushi Soba (戸隠そば), a regional variety of soba celebrated as one of Japan’s top three! If you’re tired of the same old souvenirs, or you want to remember your time in the fresh mountain air of Karuizawa long after returning home, stop by to check out the selection at Karuizawa Shunsui.

Karuizawa Shunsui (軽井沢旬粋) | SC-04
Shop Info

Toys & Kids’: Hakuhinkan TOY PARK

Whether you’re shopping for kids, or just looking for some truly unusual Japanese toys, knickknacks, and collector’s items, the whole family can enjoy a visit to Hakuhinkan TOY PARK.

Some of the shop’s most popular items are those from Tomica, beloved by toy car enthusiasts, as well as Snow at Home, a novel product that promises all the fun of playing outside on a snowy day, but all year round. Their embroidered puppy keychains have become especially popular as souvenirs, but with a wide variety of plushies, stickers, Japanese anime and character merchandise, and innovative Japanese toys, you’ll find fun gifts for all ages.

Hakuhinkan TOY PARK (博品館TOY PARK) | W-16
Shop Info

Pet Supplies: PET PARADISE

Dogs welcome! KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA is a pet-friendly shopping mall, and whether you bring your furry friend with you or not, you can shop for them at all the specialized pet stores like PET PARADISE.

This store features an extensive selection of original products, with adorable pet apparel (including items featuring popular brands and characters) as well as harnesses, travel carriers, toys, pet sleeping bags for indoor and outdoor use, plus treats and dinner time essentials. You’ll also find uniquely Japanese products like intricately designed clothing and cushions inspired by Japanese traditions. PET PARADISE is particularly well-stocked with items for small dogs, making it an obvious destination for owners of smaller breeds, but there’s a dedicated section for cat products too. All kinds of pet owners will find something to spoil their fuzzy companions.

PET PARADISE (ペットパラダイス) | TM-24
Shop Info

Dining & Cafes: Mikado Coffee

When it’s time to take a break from all the shopping, we recommend Mikado Coffee. Established in 1948, this coffee roaster opened its first Karuizawa branch in 1952, and the rest is history – Mikado Coffee is now a beloved Karuizawa landmark.

Pay Mikado Coffee a visit to experience the classic vibes of a Japanese coffeehouse! Sit down for a cup of their signature Kyukaru-dori (旧軽通り) blend, known for its clean acidity, and don’t forget to sample some of their delightful desserts while enjoying the classic Japanese coffee shop atmosphere. Some of the most popular items on the menu are the Mikado Coffee Mocha Soft®, a soft-serve ice cream with an enchanting coffee bean aroma, and the Mocha Jelly, which combines coffee jelly and a swirl of the Mocha Soft® ice cream for a sweet, creamy treat. Their simple baked good selection goes perfectly with their black coffee, and the menu includes set options like Roll Cake and Truffle Chocolat Cake. If you fall in love with the coffee, you can also bring it home a bag of their carefully sourced, freshly-roasted beans for yourself or a fellow coffee enthusiast.

Mikado Coffee (ミカド珈琲) | CM-08
Shop Info

KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA Shopping Tips for Savvy Shoppers

To get the best deals at KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA, be sure to stop by the Information Center before you start shopping. Foreign tourists can present their passport to receive a coupon booklet offering deals and discounts at a number of stores throughout the mall! Plus, if you show the staff this article page while you’re there, you’ll also receive a Japanese tenugui towel with an original design (available until March 31, 2026). Remember to check out these perks before you start browsing all 240 different shops and restaurants!

Of course, the Information Center is provides customer support for a hassle-free shopping experience. If you have questions about the shopping mall or need assistance, the desk staff can provide a real-time translation device to help you communicate effortlessly in your preferred language. If your concerns are more focused on carrying all your heavy purchases back home, you can ask shop staff instead. Some stores at the mall offer international shipping services (details here) – an excellent option when you’re traveling light.

Find Your New Favorite Shopping Spot Close to Tokyo

Armed with handy shopping tips and a good look at some of the most popular stores, we hope you’re ready to explore this hidden gem shopping destination near Tokyo! This picturesque Nagano town is not only home to KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA, but also the picture-perfect Kumoba Pond and the quaintly retro Old Karuizawa Ginza Street (AKA Kyukaru Ginza), so it’s the perfect place for a day trip or a weekend away from the big city. Find more travel information about Karuizawa here, to plan an unforgettable getaway filled with shopping, nature, and all the best parts of small-town Japan!

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