THE RESTAURANT: SHOLA
SHOLA stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, where the whispers of the wind, the fragrance of flowers, and the bounty of life converge. As you partake in a meal at SHOLA, you engage in a dialogue with nature, listening to the stories plated before you.
CONCEPTA Culinary Journey Rooted in Karuizawa‘s Essence
SHOLA embodies the pursuit of unique, locally sourced ingredients and fosters deep connections with local producers, encapsulating the spirit of Karuizawa. Our philosophy extends beyond the culinary experience to encompass the cycles of sustainability and creation of new locales through gastronomy. The motifs within our identity reflect Karuizawa's diverse ecological cycles, portraying a world where resources, value, and production interlink harmoniously. SHOLA aspires to ponder, articulate, and share what is most needed in our world today, all within the beautifully designed space by architect Shigeru Ban. We invite you to dine with us, where listening to nature becomes an integral part of the experience.
THE CHEF
Seasonal. Local. Bold. Imaginative. These words fit easily with the contemporary culinary innovations of our in-house Executive Chef Masashi Okamoto. He is renowned for offering a richly experiential food journey for guests, serving creations that are visually striking and deeply in tune with nature. Former head chef at a leading hotel in Tokyo, Chef Masa moved to Karuizawa in 2022 to helm Shola.
THE MENUA Tribute to the Seasons
Curated by Chef Masashi Okamoto, our special menu is a tribute to the seasonal riches of Karuizawa and the quality produce from across Nagano Prefecture. It's here that traditional French culinary techniques meet modern Japanese tastes in a symphony of flavors. Our dinner courses are composed of the freshest, locally sourced pesticide-free vegetables, herbs, and flowers, alongside Shinshu salmon from Nagano's crystal-clear waters, and ethically raised beef, lamb, chicken, duck, as well as wild venison and boar, reflecting the season's best offerings. Complement our exquisite dishes with a selection of wines from Nagano, Burgundy, Bordeaux, or savor’s Japanese sake. Our lunch menu presents a variety of à la carte options, including duck ramen and burgers with 100％ Shinshu Wagyu beef patties. We warmly invite you to enjoy these delights on our terrace, embracing the beauty of Karuizawa.
THE WINE & WHISKY
BAR + CIGAR ROOM
The art of appreciating the world’s finest drinks is taken very seriously at SSH. An expertly curated collection of some of the world’s finest wines tops the menu at The Wine and Whisky Bar in SSH No.02, an intimate haven with dusky-toned paneled shelving, a tiled bar counter and a private Cigar Room. Our ever-expanding but selective collection includes 60-plus wines spanning around 10 vintages from eight producers across Bordeaux and Burgundy.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In the mood for something special? Shishi-Iwa House can also arrange for our chef to cook for private events – from intimate dinner parties to small pop-up feasts. Please contact staff for more details.