Arts and Crafts
A unique feature of Karuizawa Carving is that the furniture could be disassembled and packed when foreign owners decide to return to their home country. Each branch and petal of the cherry blossoms is carved carefully to retain the natural surface texture of the wood, and thus the work is artistic as well as functional. Among the crafts are wooden saucers for Japanese tea cups, hand mirrors, and trays which are suitable for souvenir gifts.
Membership Vendors of the Karuizawa Carving Products Union Yugengaisha Ikkokudo 775 Kyu Karuizawa / 0267-42-2557 Uchibori Mokkogyo 295 Shin Karuizawa / 0267-42-4500 Yugengaisha Osakaya Kaguten 629 Kyu Karuizawa / 0267-42-2550 Hagiwara Kaguten 730-4 Kyu Karuizawa / 0267-42-5366 Shimizu Kaguten 150 Kyu Karuizawa / 0267-42-7128 Shibazaki Bussanten 750 Kyu Karuizawa / 0267-42-2468 Jun Miyageten 307 Shin Karuizawa / 0267-42-3725 Nakajima Shoten 6-7 Kyu Karuizawa / 0267-42-6648
Specialties and Souvenirs
Homemade cheese lines the glass display case. Out-of-town orders can be delivered to your door. Their fresh cheese ice cream has become Karuizawa's specialty.
All through its history of 50 years, this bakery has had a steady patronage of foreigners and summer vacationers. Their Asanoya Campagne made of natural yeast and baked in their Spanish stone oven is known for its delight that never fails.
Their preserves with freshly picked fruit are definitely worth a try. Sawaya uses fresh produce of the season, which is why their products change all the time.
The root of Karuizawa's fruit preserves originated at Nakayama's Jam. They still make their preserves just as they were taught by the foreign missionaries. Fresh fruit juice is also available at this store.
This store coined the word kusakizome which means plant dyes. They use dye taken from alpine and field plants such as safflowe, myrica and plums. The elegant color luncheon mats are especially popular.
A photo gallery established in the Meiji era (1868 -1912). History of Karuizawa can be seen through the retrograde photographs displayed in this gallery. The photographs are for sale as well.
Yarns colored in natural dye are hand woven to make sweaters, dresses and scarves.
Leather goods known for their practicality are available here for purchase. Products tend to be geared towards men's tastes: cigarette cases, key chains, wallets, shoes, etc. This store and Kirishitaori Kobo is managed by a married couple.
This ceramic store is located near Karuizawa station. Many of their items come with the artist's signature.
