Cabot Cove has been a beloved spot in Karuizawa for nearly 20 years.
It is famous for offering a breakfast experience amidst the forest.
Although they had been operating in the neighboring town of Miyota until last year, they resumed business in Karuizawa after their lease there ended!
I went there right away to enjoy their breakfast.
I’ll also share some important tips for visiting and highlight their recommendations (sourced from the shop’s blog)!
What kind of place is Cabot Cove in Shinano-Oiwake, Karuizawa?
Cabot Cove in Shinano-Oiwake, Karuizawa, is a café run by a married couple in a quiet residential area along the Mikage Irrigation Canal.
Its interior and exterior evoke the feel of the New England region of the United States.
While the couple primarily runs the shop, there were about four other staff members on duty when it opened at 8:00 AM, ensuring attentive service!
Overall, it has a very cozy, homey atmosphere.
The interior décor blends an American style with Karuizawa’s rich natural surroundings, creating a charming country feel.
Best of all, it’s wonderful that they open at 8:00 AM.
I arrived just after 8:00 AM on Sunday, May 31, 2026, and two groups of customers were already dining.
They must have been waiting before opening time.
When I asked the wife, “You used to open at 7:00 AM back at the MoPP location, didn’t you?”
She replied that they plan to open at 7:00 AM during the summer and the Obon holiday season.
Please note that during busy periods like Golden Week(the beginning of May) and Obon(the middle of August), the café operates on a “reservation-only” basis.
Even though I brought two small children, the staff welcomed us warmly without a hint of annoyance, providing high chairs and child-friendly tableware.
They also had toys and picture books available, and we were told we were free to use them! So grateful! ✨
【Cabot Cove】
Address: 78-26 Oiwake, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano 389-0115
Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Last Order: 1:00 PM)
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (Open on public holidays, during Golden Week, and the Obon period)
Phone: 0267-31-5078
Parking: Space for about 4 cars
Payment: Credit cards accepted
*Child chairs, children’s tableware, picture books, and toys available
Has Cabot Cove in Shinano-Oiwake, Karuizawa, made a comeback?
Cabot Cove in Shinano-Oiwake, Karuizawa, had been a local favorite since opening in 2008, but in 2022, it relocated to “MoPP,” a cultural complex in Miyota.
They operated there for a while, leaving the original Oiwake location closed during that time.
It seems there were various circumstances involved…
Although they had been operating since 2008, at one point, the Karuizawa Town Office instructed them to limit their shop floor area to “50 square meters or less” to comply with national urban planning laws.
(Apparently, no such issue was raised when they first opened…)
As a result, they had to reduce the number of seats inside the shop, and during winter, they had to close off the terrace seating and operate using only the indoor seats.
However, this situation caused customers to wait for long periods and led to cars lining up on the narrow residential streets, causing inconvenience to the neighbors.
It was then that they heard MoPP was looking for new tenants, so they decided to relocate there in the summer of 2021.
Interestingly, before the move to MoPP, they had actually operated as a seasonal pop-up tenant at the site’s predecessor, the former Mercian Karuizawa Museum. One of the reasons we decided to relocate was that the spacious, open-air terrace allowed us to welcome so many customers, and the feedback was incredibly positive.
However, our agreement with MoPP was for a four-year term; upon its conclusion, we returned to our original Oiwake location and resumed operations there on April 10, 2026!
That is the story behind the move.
Cabot Cove Menu (Karuizawa Shinano-Oiwake)
The signature offering at Cabot Cove in Karuizawa Shinano-Oiwake is the American breakfast.
The menu is extensive, featuring items like Eggs Benedict, popovers, and bacon and eggs.
We also serve freshly baked waffles, carrot cake, and more.
One slight downside is that drinks aren’t included with the breakfast and come at an extra cost…
However, hot coffee is served in a pot—providing enough for a good four cups—so it’s the perfect excuse to take your time and relax at the shop.
Please check the shop’s website for menu details and the latest information!
In an era where many shops rely solely on social media—or don’t even have a website—it was heartwarming to see that this couple has consistently updated their site and blog since 2013; it really reflects their thoughtful nature.
The prices are a bit steep—typical of Karuizawa—but the atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the staff make you want to come back again and again.
And that wraps up our look at Cabot Cove in Karuizawa Shinano-Oiwake—a café where you can enjoy an American breakfast in the woods with your dog!
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