Our 352nd entry in our digital diary is our second time visit to the Old Ginza Street in Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan.

This street originated as a post‑town during the Edo period. Old Ginza Street traces its roots back to Karuizawa‑juku, a post town on the historic Nakasendō highway, which connected Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). Inns and shops served travelers moving between Japan’s major cities during the Edo period (1603–1868).

The street is approximately 750 meters long. The shopping street stretches about 750 meters, running from the Kyū‑Karuizawa Bus Stop to Nite Bridge, making it an easy and pleasant walk lined with shops and cafés.

It developed into a shopping district during the Meiji era resort boom. In the late 19th century, Karuizawa became a summer resort for foreign diplomats and missionaries, especially after Alexander Croft Shaw built a villa here. Old Ginza Street evolved into a commercial area serving these villa residents, blending Western and Japanese influences.

It is famous for traditional food specialties and souvenirs. Old Ginza Street is known for long‑established bakeries, jam shops using locally grown fruit, honey stores, cafés, and street food such as crepes and curry bread. These items reflect Karuizawa’s identity as a highland resort town.

It remains the cultural and sightseeing heart of Old Karuizawa. Today, Old Ginza Street is one of Karuizawa’s most visited attractions, combining retro wooden architecture, modern boutiques, tourist information centers, and nearby landmarks such as the Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Chapel and historic hotels.