1. What are some popular local food options around Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza in Japan?
1. Karuizawa Kogen Curry Bread: This is a popular local specialty bread filled with savory curry and can be found at various bakeries in the shopping plaza.
2. Hida Beef: Karuizawa is known for its high-quality Hida beef, which can be found at many restaurants and food stalls within the shopping plaza.
3. Oyaki: A type of steamed bun stuffed with various fillings such as vegetables, meat or sweet red bean paste. This traditional Nagano dish can be found at many shops in the area.
4. Soba Noodles: Made from buckwheat flour, soba noodles are a popular local dish in Karuizawa and can be found at numerous restaurants within the shopping plaza.
5. Hoto Noodles: A regional specialty of Yamanashi Prefecture, hoto noodles are thick wheat noodles served in a hot pot with vegetables and miso broth. You can try this hearty dish at some restaurants around the shopping plaza.
6. Grilled Eel (Unagi): Eel is a popular delicacy in Japan and can often be found grilled over charcoal at food stalls or restaurants within the shopping plaza.
7. Negi Ramen: Ramen lovers should not miss out on trying negi ramen, which has green onions as its main topping. It can be found at several ramen shops within the shopping plaza.
8. Shinshu Salmon: Another specialty of Nagano Prefecture, Shinshu salmon is known for its delicate flavor and can be enjoyed fresh or smoked at various shops in the area.
9. Apples: Nagano is famous for its delicious apples and you can find them sold as snacks or used in various dishes like apple pie within the shopping plaza.
10. Onigiri (Rice Balls): These triangular rice balls are a staple snack in Japan and come with different fillings such as fish, pickled plum or vegetables. You can find them at convenience stores and some food stalls in the shopping plaza.
2. Are there any good vegetarian or vegan restaurants near Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza?
Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan restaurants near Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza:
1. Lalma – a vegetarian restaurant located about 10 minutes away from Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza by car. They offer a variety of vegetarian dishes, including pizza, pasta, and salads.
2. Souten – a vegan-friendly restaurant located about 5 minutes away from Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza by car. They offer a menu featuring organic and locally sourced ingredients.
3. Healthy Kitchen Rikyu – a vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant located in Karuizawa Ginza area, about 10 minutes away from Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza by car. They offer a variety of plant-based dishes such as curry, soup and grains bowls.
4. Milk & Soybeans – a vegan-friendly cafe located in the Kyukaruizawa Ginza shopping street, about 15 minutes away from Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza by car. They specialize in vegan versions of traditional Japanese dishes like soba noodles and onigiri.
5. Shinsen Ryori Hana no Mai – a vegetarian-friendly restaurant located in Kita-Karuizawa area, about 20 minutes away from Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza by car. They offer seasonal vegetable dishes using local produce.
3. Is there a specific dish or cuisine that the area is known for?
Yes, the area is known for its seafood dishes, particularly crab cakes and Maryland-style steamed blue crabs. Old Bay seasoning, a blend of spices that originated in Maryland, is often used in these dishes. The area is also known for its Chesapeake Bay oysters and rockfish (striped bass).
4. Are there any must-try dishes at the restaurants around Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza?
Some popular dishes to try at the restaurants around Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza include:1. Soba noodles: This traditional Japanese noodle dish is a must-try in Karuizawa, with many restaurants specializing in handmade soba using locally sourced buckwheat.
2. Oyaki: These grilled dumplings filled with various toppings such as vegetables, meat, or red bean paste are a popular snack in the area and can be found at many restaurants and street vendors.
3. Hotpot (nabe): During the colder months, many restaurants in Karuizawa serve hotpot dishes, which consist of various ingredients cooked in a simmering broth at your table.
4. Yakiniku: Known as Japanese BBQ, yakiniku is a fun and interactive dining experience where diners grill their own small pieces of meat and vegetables on a portable grill at their table.
5. Houtou: This hearty noodle dish features thick flat noodles served in a miso-based soup with various vegetables and sometimes meat.
6. Wild Game Dishes: As Karuizawa is surrounded by nature, game meats like venison, wild boar, and bear are often on the menu at local restaurants for adventurous eaters to try.
7. Fruit Pies: Karuizawa is known for its high-quality fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and peaches. Many cafes around the shopping plaza serve delicious fruit pies made with these fresh local ingredients.
5. Can I find traditional Japanese street food around Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza?
Yes, there are several traditional Japanese street food options available at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza. Some popular choices include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste). These can be found at various food stalls and vendors around the shopping plaza.
6. Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in the area?
Yes, there are several Michelin-starred restaurants in the area including:
– Eleven Madison Park
– Le Bernardin
– Per Se
– Marea
– Jean Georges
7. Can I find international cuisines such as Italian or Chinese at the restaurants near Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza?
Yes, there are international cuisine options such as Italian and Chinese available at restaurants near Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza. Some of the popular ones include “Trattoria Piccolo Principe” for Italian food and “Karuizawa Kyokaiseki Miyama” for traditional Chinese dishes. You can also find other cuisines such as French, Korean, Thai, and more.
8. How expensive are the dining options at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza?
The dining options at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza vary in price. There are both budget-friendly options and more expensive dining choices available. On average, a meal at a restaurant in the shopping plaza can cost between 1000 to 3000 yen ($9-27 USD) per person. However, there are also cheaper options such as food courts or fast food chains, where a meal can cost around 500 to 1000 yen ($5-9 USD) per person. Ultimately, the cost of dining at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza depends on the type of restaurant or food option you choose.
9. Are there any recommended cafes or coffee shops around the plaza?
A couple of recommended cafes and coffee shops around the plaza include:– Starbucks – located inside the plaza itself
– Peet’s Coffee – located next to the plaza on Broadway Street
– Philz Coffee – located on Burlingame Avenue, just a short walk from the plaza
– Cafe Zoe – located on Primrose Drive, a few blocks from the plaza, known for its locally roasted coffee and delicious pastries
– Crepes A Gogo – also located on Primrose Drive, serving up freshly made crepes and specialty coffees
10. Do any of the restaurants offer outdoor seating with a view of the surrounding nature?
Yes, several of the restaurants within Willows Lodge offer outdoor seating with views of the surrounding nature. The Barking Frog, Fireside Lounge, and The Herbfarm Restaurant all have outdoor seating options that provide a lovely view of the surrounding gardens and lush greenery.
11. Are reservations required, or can I walk-in for dining at most places?
It depends on the restaurant and the time of day. Some restaurants only take reservations, while others accept walk-ins. It is always a good idea to call ahead or check online for availability and reservation requirements.
12. Are there any food tours or cooking classes available to learn about local cuisine while visiting Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza?
Yes, there are several food tours and cooking classes available in the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza area. Some options include:1. Karuizawa Experience – This company offers a variety of food tours and cooking classes, including a “Culinary Exploration of Karuizawa” tour which takes you to local farmers’ markets, specialty food shops, and a cooking class where you will learn how to make traditional Japanese dishes.
2. Prince Shopping Plaza Culinary Adventure – This tour is offered through the Karuizawa Prince Hotel and includes a guided tour of the shopping plaza’s various food offerings, as well as a hands-on cooking experience with an expert chef.
3. Cooking Classes at Local Restaurants – There are also several restaurants in the shopping plaza that offer cooking classes or experiences. For example, Kuroyu at Piccolo sells premium wagyu beef and offers classes on how to prepare it, while Villa Bianca offers pizza-making classes.
It is recommended to book these experiences in advance as they may fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
13. Can I purchase local specialty foods and products at the shopping plaza itself, rather than dining out?
Yes, some shopping plazas may have local specialty food stores or markets where you can purchase goods to take home with you. However, not all shopping plazas will have this option so it is best to research the specific plaza beforehand to see what offerings are available. 14. How late are restaurants and cafes open in this area?
Restaurant and cafe opening and closing times vary by establishment in this area. Some restaurants and cafes may close as early as 8 or 9 PM, while others may stay open until midnight or later. It is best to check the specific operating hours of the restaurant or cafe you are interested in visiting.
15. Do any of the dining options cater to dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or nut allergies?
Yes, many of the dining options at Universal Orlando Resort offer options for guests with dietary restrictions such as gluten-free and nut allergies. Guests can inform their server about their restrictions and they will do their best to accommodate them. Some restaurants also have specific menus or items designed for these dietary restrictions. It is recommended to inform the restaurant in advance so they can better prepare for your visit.
16. Is it customary to tip at restaurants in this area?
It is customary to leave a tip of 15-20% at restaurants in this area. Many restaurants also include a service fee in the bill, so it is good to check before leaving an additional tip. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service.
17. Are there any outdoor markets nearby where I can buy fresh produce and ingredients to cook with?
Yes, there may be outdoor markets nearby where you can buy fresh produce and ingredients. Depending on where you are located, you can search for local farmers’ markets or community markets. These types of markets often offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, and other ingredients from local producers and farmers. You can also visit your city or town’s website or social media pages to see if they have a listing of outdoor markets in the area. Additionally, many supermarkets have outdoor sections where fresh produce is sold as well.
18. What are some budget-friendly dining options near Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza that still offer quality food?
1. Kadoya Karuizawa: This popular restaurant serves affordable and delicious tempura, sushi, and udon dishes.
2. Sobadoko: This cozy noodle shop offers a variety of soba and udon dishes at reasonable prices.
3. Haradaya: This traditional Japanese restaurant specializes in grilled meat dishes and also offers set meals at affordable prices.
4. Kitchen House: This casual restaurant offers a mix of Japanese and Western cuisine, including pizza, pasta, and curry rice, all at budget-friendly prices.
5. Curry Lovers Kitchen Karuizawa: As the name suggests, this restaurant serves a variety of flavorful curries at affordable prices.
6. Soba Bocca Karuizawa Kusatsu Ekimae Branch: This restaurant specializes in homemade soba noodles made with local ingredients and offers set menus at reasonable prices.
7. Nagano Meiden Cafe Kamui: Located within the outlet mall itself, this cafe offers sandwiches, pastries, and drinks at budget-friendly prices.
8. Kazahana Tei Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza Branch: This casual eatery serves up delicious yakitori (grilled skewered chicken) dishes at reasonable prices.
9. Red Rock Karuizawa Casano Station Restaurant & Bar: This budget-friendly restaurant specializes in Western-style grilled dishes made with high-quality local ingredients.
10. Eki Cafe Canele Karuizawa Station: Located near the train station, this cafe offers sandwiches, quiches, salads, and other light meals at affordable prices.
19. Can you recommend any hidden gem restaurants that may not be as well-known but still have great food and atmosphere near Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza?
1. Brasserie Pippikaru: This French bistro offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious French cuisine with a Japanese twist.
2. Karuizawa Asama Club: This upscale Japanese restaurant serves traditional kaiseki meals made with locally-sourced ingredients.
3. Manmaru Shokudo: This quaint izakaya serves a variety of tasty small plates and drinks, perfect for a casual evening out.
4. Ohanabo: A charming little cafe with a peaceful garden setting, serving homemade pastries and light meals.
5. Kikyo-ya: Specializing in handmade soba noodles, this intimate restaurant also offers gourmet tempura dishes and local sake.
6. Café Steam Locomotive: A unique dining experience where you can enjoy your meal aboard an old-fashioned steam locomotive train while touring the scenic area around Karuizawa.
7. Pastry Snail: A cozy bakery and café serving delectable pastries, sandwiches, and soups using organic local ingredients.
8. Restaurant Tokichiro: Located in an old farmhouse, this traditional restaurant serves hearty dishes made with freshly picked vegetables from their own garden.
9. La Boulangerie Dominion: A charming French-style bakery and café offering freshly baked goods, desserts, and light meals in a picturesque setting.
10. Ogiya Ryokan Dining Hall “L’Aile du Nord”: Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in a historic ryokan (traditional inn) known for its elegant design and attentive service.
20. Are there any popular food festivals or events that take place in Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza?
Yes, there are a few popular food festivals and events that take place in Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza. Some examples include the Karuizawa Sweets Competition, which is held every February, the Karuizawa Beer Festival, which takes place in June and July, and the Autumn Gourmet Fair, which offers a variety of seasonal foods from September to November. Additionally, there are often food-related events and collaborations with popular restaurants or food brands throughout the year.