
Sonmin-Shokudo
Sonmin-Shokudo offers a serene dining experience with delicious Japanese comfort food and a beautiful wood & glass motif ambiance.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Sonmin-Shokudo

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sonmin-Shokudo offers a serene dining experience with delicious Japanese comfort food and a beautiful wood & glass motif ambiance.
"A place to have quality meal in a peaceful vibe, worth the wait!"
Online Ordering & WiFi
Bring your smartphone! WiFi is available, and you can order from the online menu.
Beat the Rush
Avoid peak hours (5:30pm-7pm) or use the ticket system to check queue status online.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+81 267-44-3571
Address
2148 Nagakura, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0111, Japan
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sukiyaki Beef Pot
Indulge in the rich flavors of their sukiyaki beef pot, a truly delicious and tender dish.

Nagano Variety Set
A delightful set featuring well-prepared side dishes, showcasing local flavors.

Crafted Beers
Sip on expertly crafted beers, like the smooth and flavorful Neko draft.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Online Ordering & WiFi
Bring your smartphone! WiFi is available, and you can order from the online menu.
Beat the Rush
Avoid peak hours (5:30pm-7pm) or use the ticket system to check queue status online.
Larger Parties
QR code ordering is capped at 10 dishes, plan accordingly for groups.
Secure Your Spot
Use the on-site reservation system or take a number from the machine.
Tips
from all over the internet
Online Ordering & WiFi
Bring your smartphone! WiFi is available, and you can order from the online menu.
Beat the Rush
Avoid peak hours (5:30pm-7pm) or use the ticket system to check queue status online.
Larger Parties
QR code ordering is capped at 10 dishes, plan accordingly for groups.
Secure Your Spot
Use the on-site reservation system or take a number from the machine.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sonmin-Shokudo is a popular casual dining spot known for its delicious Japanese cuisine, particularly its sukiyaki and variety sets. Diners praise the excellent service and pleasant wood-and-glass ambiance, though long waiting times are common. The restaurant offers a user-friendly online ordering system and is well-suited for families.
"The restaurant is just located next tot the Hoshino onsen! We have to wait for 30 minutes for the table but there is a very nice waiting area and ordered a crafted beer, Neko (Cat) draft! The draft is very smooth and nice hop favor! The Nagano variety set should be ordered as the side dishes are very well prepared. The sukiyaki beef pot is very delicious. The Tempura and deep fried chicken are also very tasty. The staff service level is excellent!"
Adrian Leung
"We went here for lunch on a weekend. Make sure to get a number first from a machine inside. They have an option where they can call you on your phone once your number is called. We waited for about 70 minutes for a table. The interior of the restaurant was really nice. Loved the wood & glass motif. I ordered the Deep Fried Miso Flavored Chicken Set Meal. The serving was really big. The food was good too. Enjoyed our meal here despite the long wait."
Aibi Y.
"Good dinning atmosphere and environment. Friendly and helpful staff. Need to wait a bit during dinning hours.
Ordering by QR code, and paying at the counter.
There is parking lot, and Tonbo-no-yu is just right next door."
Antony Li
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are recommended, and they have an on-site system. If there's a wait, you can get a number from the machine and check your queue status online.
The restaurant is typically busy between 5:30 PM and 7 PM. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for shorter wait times.
Yes, they offer online ordering via QR code, and WiFi is available at the restaurant.
Ordering via QR code has a cap of 10 dishes, which can be a bit tricky for larger parties.
Highly recommended are the sukiyaki beef pot, the Nagano variety set, and their crafted beers like the Neko draft.
Yes, the restaurant is spacious, has a user-friendly waiting system, and offers good food choices at reasonable prices, making it a great option for families.
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The Sonmin Shokudo is a casual dining experience, whose name comes from the villagers of Karuizawa, which is known as the “Beautiful Village.” Set menus with seasonal ingredients are on offer. are good fit for a lunch time, and the a la carte menu in the evening is perfect with a glass of wine after relaxing at Tombo no yu. Hours: 11:00 - 23:00 (Last orders at 22:00) 5 minutes by shuttle bus from the hotel
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The "Shinshu Colorful Gozen" is a set menu of 3,600 yen that allows you to enjoy the flavors of each season. It is popular because you can enjoy the flavors of Shinshu little by little. Located next to "Hoshino hot spring Tombo no Yu" in the Hoshino area, this casual dining restaurant offers set meals and a la carte dishes.
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About 400 meters away from HARUNIRE Terrace, connected to it by an alley along the river, is Sonmin Shokudo, the largest dining facility in the Hoshino area. Visitors can enjoy their meals here while gazing at the vibrant green surroundings. Picture courtesy of Hoshino Resorts
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We tried out the Soba restaurant, Kawakami-an, and the “casual Japanese restaurant” Sonmin-Shokudo. While I definitely recommend the soba restaurant (so many options!), I can’t say the same for Sonmin. The French restaurant Cercle did, however, smell delicious.
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Sonmin Shokudo” is a casual restaurant located just a 10-minute-walk from the Hoshinoya village and next to Hoshinoya's public spa bath “Tonbo-no-yu.” They basically have set menu meals.
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