Karuizawa Iori Oshima

(Source : 食べログ)

Karuizawa Iori Oshima is a not-too-formal Japanese restaurant serving authentic tea-ceremony dishes. It is on Karuizawa Bypass that runs between Karuizawa and Nakakaruizawa and is recognizable from its simple and modern exterior of concrete fence and building. A young and dedicated owner-chef serves authentic Japanese cuisine of seasonal fresh fish and vegetables. And the vegetables that his mother grows carefully in a natural way are dainty, and they are lightly seasoned and cooked to bring out the ingredients' pure taste. Karuizawa doesn't have so many Japanese restaurants as you expect, so this is a valuable one.

(Source: 軽井沢庵大嶋)

Unpretentious and Relaxing Room

The restaurant is expansive and open but also has some private dining rooms other than tables. You have the view of flourishing green through windows, which helps you relax. The owner-chef loves dinnerware, and there is his collection corner of pottery and porcelain pieces including antiques, which is like a gallery, and you can enjoy watching them while waiting. Since they have only course menus based on Kaiseki, if you have any request, you should ask when you make an appointment.

Omotenashi-zen Changes Daily

Omotenashi-zen (hospitality set) (2,750 yen) comes with sashimi, takiawase (assorted simmered food), chawanmushi (steamed egg hotchpotch), kobachi (small bowl), grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and dessert on one tray. It's a very orthodox Japanese taste and each of them is cooked carefully highlighting its ingredient. And you never know what you are going to have till you are served since they change menus every day. It is kind of fun.

(Source: 軽井沢ランチ日記)

If You Are Health-oriented, try Omakase-zen

Omakase-zen (Up-to-the-House set) (1,750 yen) has one less dish than Omotenashi set, and is a very healthy menu. It also changes daily and seasonally, but sashimi, assorted simmered bowl, steamed egg hotchpotch, pickles, rice, grilled fish, and dessert on one tray.