Coriss Karuizawa: Japanese Lifestyle Boutique

As you walk from Karuizawa Station toward Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Dori, the distinct facade of Coriss appears just off the main street. Nearly every product inside is crafted in Japan, featuring a thoughtful mix of apparel, socks, accessories, kitchen items, and ceramic tableware. Packed with well-designed, high-quality home and everyday goods, the shelves make it nearly impossible to leave empty-handed.

A Century-Old Church Transformed Into a Lifestyle Boutique

Driven by a passion for design, founders Mr. Tadashi and Mrs. Yuko Arai opened Coriss six years ago in their hometown. The shop resides inside a century-old former church, a historic space they filled with domestic goods and daily essentials that complement its original architecture.

"We bring in new stock every one to two weeks"—a simple statement that reflects the immense dedication behind running their dream boutique. To source unique lifestyle brands from across Japan, the couple travels almost weekly to meet local artisans and partner with regional makers.

They also regularly attend markets and exhibitions, searching for high-quality, beautifully designed products made in Japan.

Inside, every corner showcases a different category of goods, including kitchenware, apparel, accessories, stationery, gardening tools, and home accents. Exploring the varied displays feels just like a fun treasure hunt.

Sourcing Japanese-Made Kitchenware From Across the Country

Filled with charming tableware and kitchen accessories, the cooking section is sure to inspire any home cook. With such a diverse collection on display, it is hard not to want every single piece.

Among the top recommendations are these beautifully colored tea sets, featuring Japanese tableware from 4th-market in Mie Prefecture and Studio M’ in Aichi Prefecture.

Semi-porcelain teapots made by 4th-market can be found on the upper shelf. Holding roughly three cups of tea, they combine a lovely aesthetic with great practicality. They are a customer favorite thanks to their generous capacity and easy-to-clean internal strainer.

Also on display are vintage-style Prato Banko-yaki cups and saucers, finished with a subtle matte glaze and delicate vertical lines. They offer an elegant look that remains practical for daily use. (Semi-porcelain teapot: 4,536 yen; Teacup: 810–910 yen)

On the lower shelf, the Studio M’ teapots and cups bring a stylish touch to the table. Available in a variety of vibrant colors, these versatile pieces are perfect for any meal of the day. (Teapot: 2,808 yen; Teacup: 1,512 yen)

A charming row of wooden animal chopstick rests adds a playful element to any dining setup.

What appears to be a standard mug with a wooden lid is actually a clever lidded jar designed for storing sugar.

This collection features traditional Hasami ware from Nagasaki Prefecture. While these colorful soba choko cups are commonly associated with dipping sauce today, they were originally created for banquets to hold side dishes or sashimi. It was not until the Edo period, as they entered everyday homes, that using them for sauces and aperitifs became popular.

Stylish and Durable Japanese-Made Clothing and Accessories

The boutique’s extensive apparel and accessory collection is also made entirely in Japan. Crafted from soft, durable fabrics with original designs that are easy to style, these pieces keep loyal customers returning season after season—including some international visitors who make a point to stop by twice a year.

Among the store's bestsellers is a diverse selection of Japanese-made socks. Brands like French Bull offer breathable cotton styles ideal for warmer months, while hand-stitched options from Niigata feature a relaxed, elastic-free fit for maximum comfort. (Socks range from approximately 1,000 yen to 1,800 yen.)

This domestic canvas backpack by Le onde offers a versatile 2-way design, featuring a secure inner zipper and dedicated strap pockets so it can also be carried comfortably as a tote. (13,800 yen before tax; also available in orange)

Japanese handkerchiefs and towels sourced from Ehime Prefecture are another popular choice. Available in pure cotton or lightweight linen blends, they showcase a rich variety of weaves, colors, and patterns that make choosing a favorite part of the experience. (Handkerchiefs average around 500 yen depending on material and design.)

A Lasting Impression

During our conversation, Mr. and Mrs. Arai shared that while they love welcoming international visitors, they sometimes feel limited by language barriers. They truly wish to share their appreciation and chat more with guests beyond a simple "thank you," though their exchanges often rely on enthusiastic hand gestures and visual communication.

If your travel plans include Karuizawa, be sure to stop by and meet this warm, welcoming couple. Take your time exploring their carefully curated selection of Japanese-made lifestyle products, and discover a unique piece to carry home from your journey.

coriss

10-2 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano 389-0103