This was my first time here, and it completely changed how I imagined an outlet mall could be. I never knew a shopping center could be so beautiful! The expansive lawns, ponds, and lush greenery make it feel less like a typical shopping mall and more like a relaxing park. It also attracts many local residents who come to walk their pets.
The grounds are quite spacious and blend beautifully with Karuizawa's natural scenery, making it very pleasant to stroll around. The complex is divided into different areas with many well-known international and Japanese brands, offering a wide selection of clothing, shoes, bags, household goods, and outdoor gear.
Besides shopping, there are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and food courts where you can sit down, rest, and enjoy some food when you're tired from browsing. There are also souvenir shops where you can buy some local Karuizawa specialties to take home.
KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Picchio
Picchio is located in the popular tourist resort area of Karuizawa Hoshino Area, adjacent to the Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest. It offers a variety of tour plans where visitors can observe forest creatures up close. The visitor center sits beside Kera Pond, formed by streams flowing from the forest, in a beautiful and open setting where you can enjoy tours that provide encounters with wildlife throughout the seasons.
這次入住星野輕井澤飯店，讓我非常驚艷的館內設施非「野鳥之森 Picchio」莫屬了。這裡不只是欣賞自然景觀的地方，還可以報名森林導覽，跟著專業工作人員走進森林，尋找輕井澤特有的鳥類，同時學習許多生態知識，是非常有趣的自然體驗。
這次來訪正值秋冬交接之際，聽工作人員介紹，冬天池塘結冰後，園區會舉辦季節限定的滑冰體驗，現場可以租借溜冰鞋及購買手套等用品，非常方便。很幸運的是，我們剛好趕上開幕時間，成為第一批體驗冰場的遊客。由於只有住宿旅客可以使用，人潮不多，滑起來格外舒適；即使是初學者，也可以借用輔具，完全不用擔心。
原本完全不會溜冰的我，剛穿上溜冰鞋時緊張得一直抓著工作人員的手不敢放開，沒想到練習一個小時後，已經可以靠著輔具慢慢滑行，成就感十足！最後不知不覺玩了兩個小時才依依不捨離開。離開時剛好遇到三位來自台灣的阿姨，我也忍不住推薦她們一定要來挑戰看看。不曉得後來她們是否也有突破自我，留下屬於輕井澤的美好回憶呢？ -
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Coffee at MARUYAMA COFFEE
MARUYAMA COFFEE is a specialty coffee shop with its main store in Karuizawa. The high-quality coffee beans are purchased directly from overseas by Kentaro Maruyama, the company's representative, who goes to the production areas as a buyer.
Maruyama Coffee is a well-known specialty coffee shop in Karuizawa. Besides freshly brewed coffee, it offers coffee beans and drip bags in many different flavors, making them great souvenirs for anyone looking to take home a favorite blend.
The Harunire Terrace location is surrounded by greenery and elm trees, with a book area and outdoor seating where you can enjoy coffee along with Karuizawa's relaxing natural scenery. The store-exclusive “Harunire Terrace Blend” is also worth trying. It has a mild, smooth taste with a subtle sweetness. -
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Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory "Milk Cheese Busse"
The Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory, known for its dedication to using high-quality milk, cheese, and other carefully selected ingredients, is a renowned confectionery brand that aims to create delightful and surprising sweets. One of its standout offerings is the Milk Cheese Busse, launched in 2022 and available exclusively at Haneda Airport.
Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory features milk and cheese in many of its distinctive sweets. Its most famous product is the Salt & Camembert Cookie. The cookies are crisp, with rich cheese and a hint of saltiness, creating a distinctive sweet-and-savory flavor. They're usually sold at airports and can be purchased directly at duty-free shops, making them a great Japanese sweet to bring home as a souvenir.
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