Minami-Karuizawa — a serene haven for long-term stays, where the dream of living in Karuizawa comes true.

Located just a 10–15 minute drive from central Karuizawa, Minami-Karuizawa offers a rare balance of open, sunlit landscapes and proximity to nature, along with a well-developed living infrastructure. With its strong foundations in education, culture, and cuisine, and a comfortable climate throughout the four seasons, the area is particularly favored by those seeking long-term stays or permanent residence. This article introduces Minami-Karuizawa, a district that has been gaining attention in recent years for its growing appeal among long-stay residents.

Minami-Karuizawa is a serene residential zone located at a comfortable distance from the livelier areas of Kyu-Karuizawa and Naka-Karuizawa. Unlike the bustling Ginza Street in Kyu-Karuizawa or the commercial district of Naka-Karuizawa, this area offers a quiet and peaceful living environment.
As it was developed later than other parts of Karuizawa, it has fewer long-established communities, making it an approachable and welcoming place for newcomers seeking long-term stays or seasonal retreats.

A defining feature of the area is Kazakoshi Gakuen, an innovative school that opened in 2020. Providing continuous education from kindergarten through junior high, it embraces progressive teaching philosophies and incorporates Karuizawa’s natural surroundings into its learning style.

Culturally, Minami-Karuizawa is home to landmarks such as Karuizawa Taliesin, as well as various art museums and literary institutions. While these serve tourists, they also function as everyday cultural resources for long-term residents—places where one can easily stop by between daily routines. The harmony between leisure and living makes this area uniquely appealing.

Sports facilities are equally abundant. Kazakoshi Park features tennis courts, an athletic field, a gym, and an ice rink—ideal for families to stay active together. The internationally recognized Karuizawa Ice Park and the prestigious Karuizawa 72 Golf Courses are also nearby, allowing residents to enjoy sports as part of their daily lives while maintaining a healthy, refreshing lifestyle.

With its balanced combination of education, culture, and sports, Minami-Karuizawa has earned a reputation as a well-equipped environment where one can live comfortably and sustainably for extended periods of time.

In Minami-Karuizawa, food—an essential element for a fulfilling long-term stay—is both rich and diverse. From daily shopping to fine dining, the area offers a wide range of options that support a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle.

A beloved local staple is Tsuruya Karuizawa, a long-established supermarket founded in 1975 and renewed in 1996. Known for its selection of fresh produce from Nagano and its popular original-brand products, Tsuruya has become indispensable to both residents and seasonal visitors. Its signature jams and dried fruits are particularly cherished by vacation homeowners.

Another local favorite is Karuizawa Hotchi Ichiba, a farmers’ market opened in 2016 where visitors can purchase fresh, locally grown vegetables directly from producers. Grown in the cool, misty climate of Karuizawa’s highlands, these vegetables—known by the brand name “Karuizawa Kirishita Yasai®”—are celebrated for their delicate texture and vibrant flavor. The market also offers handmade soba noodles, sweets, and other local specialties, along with restaurants where visitors can enjoy dishes made from local ingredients—an ideal blend of self-cooking and dining out.

Minami-Karuizawa also boasts a concentration of renowned restaurants along Shiozawa Street, affectionately called “Gourmet Avenue.” Here, Japanese, French, and Western cuisine are offered in an atmosphere that harmonizes with the surrounding nature. Among them, Hermitage de Tamura, often described as the jewel of Gourmet Avenue, provides an exquisite course menu in a serene forest setting. Other notable establishments include Musai-an Ikeda, known for French cuisine featuring organic Karuizawa-grown vegetables, and Rizanbou, a historic café once favored by John Lennon. These distinctive venues bring variety and delight to daily life, preventing the monotony that can accompany long stays.

With its triad of culinary experiences—shopping at supermarkets, choosing from local farmers’ markets, and dining at refined restaurants—Minami-Karuizawa offers a rich, ever-refreshing food culture that enhances both daily comfort and long-term living.

In Minami-Karuizawa, daily life is enriched not only by well-developed infrastructure but also by the ever-changing rhythm of the four seasons.

From spring to summer, the area around Lake Shiozawa is surrounded by lush greenery, offering opportunities for lakeside walks and art appreciation at cultural sites such as Karuizawa Taliesin. These facilities reveal new expressions with each season, allowing visitors to experience the quiet accumulation of time that short-term travel cannot capture.

Autumn brings vivid foliage and a harvest of color to local markets, where freshly picked vegetables and fruits brighten every dining table.
In winter, visitors can enjoy winter sports at Kazakoshi Park’s skating rink or Karuizawa Ice Park, while the surrounding museums offer a more introspective way to spend time. Contemplating art in the stillness of the cold season is a uniquely rewarding experience found only here.

Throughout the year, the grand silhouette of Mount Asama can be admired from Minami-Karuizawa. Its shifting form and light across the seasons become a part of daily life, deepening the sense of satisfaction that comes with long stays.

Here, nature and life move in harmony with the seasons. Even after extended stays, every day in Minami-Karuizawa feels renewed—a place where freshness and tranquility coexist in the flow of time.