Update-date: Mar 27 2025
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Nagano
Nagano Prefecture, where forests cover 80% of the land, is a region rich in nature. Known also as Shinshu, this area attracts many tourists for activities such as mountain climbing, skiing, and visiting castles and temples. With delicious local produce like Shinshu beef, highland vegetables, and apples, why not experience the bounty of Shinshu in Nagano?
Sake to Soba Taihoku
Taihoku, a Japanese cuisine restaurant, is housed in a refurbished historic storehouse. The tranquil ambience welcomes you upon entry. It offers a course menu featuring handmade soba noodles crafted with locally sourced flour from Azumino and Taihoku. Enjoy comparing two aromatic soba varieties and a la carte dishes prepared with fresh local produce. The president personally procures a wide selection of sake, including rare brands. Paired with food, it promises a delightful gastronomic experience. Admire the seasonal garden and immerse in Japanese culture at this special venue.
Sake to Soba Taihoku
Open: [Wednesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm / Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: Monday, Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 12-minute walk from Matsumoto Station on JR Chuo Line, JR Shinonoi Line, JR Oito Line, and Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line
Address: 2-4-13, Chuo, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano Map
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Closed: Monday, Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 12-minute walk from Matsumoto Station on JR Chuo Line, JR Shinonoi Line, JR Oito Line, and Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line
Address: 2-4-13, Chuo, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano Map
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Hikariya Higashi
At Hikariya Higashi in Matsumoto City, you can experience seasonal kaiseki cuisine in a historical building from 1887. While enjoying dishes made with local Shinshu ingredients, including premium Shinshu Wagyu beef, immerse yourself in Japanese culture with fusuma paintings inspired by Matsumoto. The restaurant offers children’s menus for family gatherings and a wide selection of local sake and whiskey. With private rooms available, it's the perfect spot for small celebrations or intimate dinners.
Hikariya Higashi
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 12:30 pm) / Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 7:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 18,000 JPY / [Lunch] 9,000 JPY
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station (Castle Gate). It takes about 5 minutes by taxi from the Station.
Address: 4-7-14, Ote, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano Map
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Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 18,000 JPY / [Lunch] 9,000 JPY
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station (Castle Gate). It takes about 5 minutes by taxi from the Station.
Address: 4-7-14, Ote, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano Map
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Pizza Verde Matsumoto
Located a 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station, Pizza Verde Matsumoto is certified by the 'True Neapolitan Pizza Association'. Visitors can enjoy authentic wood-fired pizzas that faithfully recreate the original taste. The classic "Margherita" pizza allows diners to appreciate the charm of simple ingredients. The "Apple and Honey with Ricotta Cheese Pizza", topped with Shinshu region apples and ice cream, offers a unique taste that can only be found in Nagano.
The owner of the restaurant is a Japanese pizza chef who achieved great success at a world competition held in Naples. The restaurant's interior, reflecting the Neapolitan culture he experienced, has a friendly atmosphere. The music selection is also Neapolitan, creating a space where one can feel like they are in Naples while in Matsumoto. In addition to a variety of authentic pizzas and dishes, Italian craft beers and wines are available to fully enjoy the Neapolitan experience.
Pizza Verde Matsumoto
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station on JR Shinonoi Line/ 3-minute walk from Daimyocho Street bus stop
Address: 4-8-22, Ote, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano
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Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station on JR Shinonoi Line/ 3-minute walk from Daimyocho Street bus stop
Address: 4-8-22, Ote, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano
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LOW-NON-BAR #RTS
The concept of LOW-NON-BAR #RTS, located an 18-minute walk from Karuizawa Station, is 'enjoyable for both those who love alcohol and those who don't'. It is a restaurant specializing in mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) and low-alcohol cocktails. The signature 'LOW-NON-BAR' is served in cute bird-shaped glasses, offering a fruity taste of berries. The restaurant also boasts a variety of Italian-inspired dishes, including the 'Shinshu Beef Lamp Steak'.
The restaurant, with its white-based decor, resembles a stylish gallery space. Guests can choose from an array of bottles and glasses that catch their eye, and consult with the bartender to have a drink tailored to their preferences. Attention is also drawn to the increasingly popular Japanese craft gins, including a non-alcoholic craft gin supervised by the company and a gin made with Shinshu apples. Let's toast with these unique beverages.
LOW-NON-BAR #RTS
Open: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 18-minute walk from Karuizawa Station on JR Hokuriku Shinkansen
Address: 813-4-A, Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 18-minute walk from Karuizawa Station on JR Hokuriku Shinkansen
Address: 813-4-A, Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
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Tenpura Maki
Located a 20-minute walk from Karuizawa Station, Tenpura Maki is a tempura restaurant established in 1959. They use seasonal vegetables from Karuizawa and the surrounding areas, as well as fresh seafood delivered directly from Tokyo. You can enjoy meals such as the "Asama-yama" set meal or "Tendon". The "Omakase Vegetable Assortment" features a selection of eight seasonal vegetables and is served with tempura dipping sauce and a mineral-rich salt that includes crushed shells.
The restaurant is located a short distance from the old Karuizawa Ginza, in Karuizawa, a popular summer retreat. It operates annually from April to November. Known as a place where lines form as many people seek authentic tempura during its limited open season. The interior, filled with a Japanese aesthetic, is subtly decorated with seasonal flowers. Enjoy crispy tempura in this cozy space.
Tempura Maki
Open: Lunch: 11:00-15:00Dinner: 17:00-21:00 (last order 20:30)Open from 15:00-17:00 as well in the summer.
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,800 JPY / [Lunch] 1,600 JPY
Access: Walk straight toward Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza from Karuizawa Station on the Nagano Shinkansen or Shinano Railway Line. 30 seconds on Mikasa-dori Avenue from Kyu-Karuizawa Shopping Street.
Address: 586-1 Kyu Karuizawa , Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,800 JPY / [Lunch] 1,600 JPY
Access: Walk straight toward Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza from Karuizawa Station on the Nagano Shinkansen or Shinano Railway Line. 30 seconds on Mikasa-dori Avenue from Kyu-Karuizawa Shopping Street.
Address: 586-1 Kyu Karuizawa , Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
