The 12 best churches in Karuizawa-machi

It was ok. Probably better during Autumn season. Was not able to roam around too much because there is a wedding pictorial. The fence is close, you cant take your picture unless you're within the perimeter of the fence. I can't get a good picture of the Kogen Church outside of the fence since the tree trunks blocks the view. I prefer the stone church near the Kogen Church. The inside is beautiful. And the story of the shape of the church is meaningful.

I attended the Summer Candle Night Festival, which I applied for through an online ballot system about a month ago. Although the application process was a bit challenging, it was well worth the effort! The night was truly enjoyable, with free entry. The candlelight created a romantic atmosphere, making it perfect for couples looking to capture sweet moments. I visited during the summer, and while it was cozy and pleasant, I imagine it will be even more festive during Christmas! I definitely plan to revisit soon!

We visited Karuizawa Kogen Church during the Christmas season, and it was absolutely magical. The softly lit chapel, glowing pathways, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees made it feel like stepping into a winter fairytale. The entire atmosphere was calm, reverent, and filled with festive warmth — truly one of the most memorable stops on our Karuizawa trip. Even though the chapel itself is modest in size, the sense of peace and beauty is remarkable. The surrounding grounds are open to the public, allowing visitors to take a quiet evening stroll while admiring the twinkling lights and serene ambience. Everything was tastefully done, with gentle music and a tranquil setting that perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas in Japan. It’s easy to see why Karuizawa Kogen Church is one of the most photographed and beloved landmarks in the area. Whether you’re visiting for a special occasion or simply want a moment of quiet reflection, this place is a must-visit. A truly heartwarming and unforgettable experience.

Beautiful church especially at night when the lights up. Tourists should avoid going on weekends because of normally religious services within.

If you’re nearby worth checking out for autumn leaves but church itself is not very impressive

It's quite a nice unique church. Sadly you're unable to take pictures of the unique designs inside. Good sightseeing spot for karuizawa

Just a cute little church in karuizawa. We took the bus and walked a ways but it was such a cute building. They had one building with some history and lots of wedding photos and the other was the church, super clean and reminded me a ton of the churches that I grew up going to in the states.

This is a beautiful old church that is worth the visit. As the name implies, an architecture made from stones and no photography is allowed inside the church.

Stone and light, silence and soul — the Stone Church in Karuizawa feels alive. 🌿 Where sunlight dances through arches, and peace whispers between every wall. A place that reminds you — beauty doesn’t shout, it breathes. ✨🇯🇵 1️⃣ Hidden in the forest, built from earth and light. 🌲 2️⃣ Each stone stacked with purpose, each curve in harmony. ⛪ 3️⃣ Sunlight spilled like poetry through glass. ☀️ 4️⃣ No words, no noise — just calm within. 🌿 5️⃣ The air felt sacred, the silence loud. 🍃 6️⃣ Art, faith, and nature in one breath. ✨ 7️⃣ A moment of stillness I’ll never forget. 💫 8️⃣ Karuizawa — where peace finds its home. 🇯🇵

This is my first time to give one star. We could not enter the church due to the staff told us that there is a wedding ceremony inside. The old female staff told us in Japanese that we only can enter the church at the period of 3pm to 3:45pm, but it was 14pm meaning we should wait for one hour. However, next Japanese old couple just came at the entrance, and I heard that she said if you want to enter and see the church, please wait here at the entrance for 10-15 mins. Why different?! I can understand Japanese language, okay!? It is totally unfair to foreigners! I don’t want to argue and ruin my mood in front of church. God will know it. Personal recommend: ★ Family-friendly: ★ Date for couples: ★ Parking lot: ◯ there is a temporary parking lot Services/meals/products/design: ★ Period for stay: 30 mins Charge: free Baby room/accessible toilet: ✕ Cleanness: ★

The architecture is fairly unique, but that's about it, and unique isn't always the same as remarkable. It's smaller than expected and as far as "organic architecture" goes it's a bit of an outdated piece in that it lacks any forward thinking adaptations for actual enviromentalism or sustainability, it simply tries to mimic what a designer feels would be a "natural" built addition to the location. What results is something that doesn't stand out apart from its awkward location. It's small too; not really worth a specific trip to visit unless you love the architect, I guess. There is a good usage of natural light, but nothing groundbreaking. Materials are mainly stone, kind of awkwardly planted into the ground in a way that feels exactly like a forced human imitation of nature.

Cool to see if nearby but coming all the way is not very worth it. It’s very small - only really nice in a couple of frames

Not a big area, but if have travelled to Harunire Terrace, it’s good to walk here also. The nearby area is very quiet, but supported by easily accessible public transport. Can have some peaceful times here, and take some nice pictures.

amazing structure. breath taking. worthwhile even for an atheist such as i

Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church is a charming, peaceful spot surrounded by nature. Its quaint wooden architecture and serene ambiance make it a lovely place for quiet reflection or a short visit. Though small, the setting feels sacred and timeless, often enhanced by the sound of birds or soft sunlight filtering through the trees. It’s also a popular stop for photos, especially in autumn or winter. A beautiful example of simple spiritual architecture in a scenic resort town.

The Karuizawa St. Paul Catholic Church! Located in Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan, this church is a beautiful and historic landmark. Here's what you need to know: History: - Built in 1935 by French missionary Father Joseph Jennesseaux. - Designed in a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, with a distinctive bell tower. - Has served as a place of worship for the local Catholic community and tourists alike. Features: - Stunning stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible. - Ornate interior with wooden pews and a grand organ. - Peaceful surroundings, including a small garden and a statue of the Virgin Mary. Visiting Information: - Address: 3151-1 Karuizawa, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano 389-0111. - Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (April - November), 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (December - March). - Mass schedule: Sundays at 10:00 AM (English) and 2:00 PM (Japanese). Tips and Insights: - Getting there: Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station, then walk or take a taxi. - Dress modestly when visiting the church. - Photography allowed, but be respectful of worshippers and the church's interior. - Nearby attractions include the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza and the Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary. The Karuizawa St. Paul Catholic Church is a serene and historic destination for those interested in architecture, faith, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat.

I really loved the inside of this church. It was simple yet beautiful. It felt solemn & intimate. A nice church to visit when in the area.

Peaceful and beautiful church. Worth a short visit while exploring Karuizawa.

Karuizawa St. Paul Catholic Church. I went there on June 15th 2024 with a friend who got married in this church 46 years ago on June 11th 1978. She said it was memorable. The pastor was Father Carlos Martinez, OFM from Colombia. He has passed away. We met Father Takano and he prayed for my friend. According to Father Takano, some couples came back to this church to offer thanksgiving for their 50th wedding anniversary together with their children and grandchildren. Praise the Lord!

Beautiful but very small Would take probably three minutes to finish Could make it as one small attraction but don’t expect to see something spectacular Peaceful though

Small church. Beautiful wooden design. You could take a walk because not too far from old town.

Visited the Shaw Memorial Church, a lovely and quiet place with a lot of history. The wooden chapel blends beautifully with the surrounding forest

Peaceful place! I didn’t go inside but you’re allowed to.

One more great wooden church around Karuizawa old town. Take a walk and some pix with this very nice church.

It was very peaceful and full if greenery. The smell of different plants, herbs and greenery was so healing…it was pleasant…

This wooden chapel surrounded by trees was built in the 1800s by A.C. Shaw, a Canadian missionary known as the “father of Karuizawa.” Despite its simple exterior, it’s warm and cozy inside. Don’t miss the replica of Shaw’s summer home nearby—it’s free!

It is a small church, but once inside, you can feel the quietness and the smell of wood, which makes you feel very calm. If you want to feel the quietness of the church and the air of the forest, this is a good place to visit.

Come to the church, see the old architecture. Very peaceful for prayer.

You’re not allowed to take photos, but you get tickets on the machine in the front. The architecture was gorgeous and we enjoyed the collection inside. They also had a cool showing at the time that we also liked. Make sure to keep quiet though! There’s another gallery and store in the same plaza so be sure to explore.

⚠️ BEFORE you go to the museum, go to the free gallery at the bottom of the car park. They run a video with the artist explaining about his art, inspiration and techniques (Japanese only) but it will give you a better understanding of the art in the gallery. The building is worth a visit, the artwork is a plus. Not allowing photography is annoying, I would have loved to share the place with friends and family who are unable to visit. The garden around the gallery is lovely too.

Rather than the artworks, which I honestly found quite repetitive, I personally took more pleasure in the architectural spaces. They sinuously and elegantly craft areas between the surrounding forest and circular inner garden islands of carefully chosen plants, all enclosed by large glass panes.

One of the most popular art museums to visit in Karuizawa. Do NOT miss this place!!! (no photos allowed inside; so pls check it out yourself)

An incredible museum with a building (and architecture) to match. Worth a short detour. Easy parking and friendly staff. Tickets available at the door.

This art museum was incredible. You can see the skill of the artist improving over time and the mix between architecture and art is like something I've never seen before. Incredible!

Amazing artworks and architecture

Very nice looking shrine in autumn colours, going up the shrine requires heading up some pretty steep steps but overall fine, on top there’s the shrine where you can worship and also write down some wishes Overall I came to see the view mainly On this day the weather was great and cool weather so I really enjoyed it

Visited in oct 2018 and it was a quaint little shrine with a cool fact about it being in between two prefectures. Took the red tourist bus up the mountain. was planning to visit again in dec 2022 but sadly it turns out the red tourist bus that usually shuttles between karuizawa and the shrine is not in service during the winter season so please do take note when planning to travel to there in winter!

The staff here are really pet friendly and the paper charm they give with the paw print was really cute. 12/10 would recommend visiting with your pet!

Beautiful place to go visit. It is the starting point of a hiking trail. There are a lot of stuff for pets. They also have a lot of things related to crows, even official soccer talisman.

Traditional Japanese shrine on top of the hill above of Karuizawa. Apart from the shrine itself, there is a viewing spot and restaurants nearby. It is only a few minutes drive from the Karuizawa Union Church, so definitely worth a visit.

Quite an interesting shrine with lots of animal statue and including Crow as a carrier god. This shrine is half in Nagano and half in Gunma ken and there is a line of demarcation.

Beautiful location shrine. It’s low key and a bit isolated and not overrun by tourists. Walking up from Karuizawa is a pleasant walk.

My church with warm people, great friends, and enjoyable Biblical teachings.

This historic church has been the location of services, conferences and weddings over the past 110 years. It became a church in 1906. We enjoy sharing the history of Christians in Japan with visitors. Christmas time is a perfect time to visit the church and take pictures.

Great Little Church. Lots of History and great people. Still active. Many activities in Summer and Winter. They show the Christmas Story Play, about Baby Jesus Christ's birth. I was in the play before. And they sing amazing songs. You should Visit!

Visited the last Sun service in Aug. Worship, message and atmosphere were all good and speaking to my heart! Thank God for that!! We'll definitely go back there!

Beautiful church

It’s a holy place, good for prayer and worship!

Beautiful site to see in Karuizawa. Reccomend visiting this place if you are in the area.

They have a beautiful pretty organ.

(Translated by Google) The sound of a pipe organ plays A church in nature. Wildflowers are planted in the garden to soothe your soul. Please come and visit us. (Original) パイプオルガンの音が流れる 自然の中の教会です。 お庭には、野草が植えられ心がなごみます。 ぜひいらしてください。

(Translated by Google) Association famous for pipe organs Even though it was a sudden visit, the pastor kindly showed me around. It is said that they will be holding a pipe organ concert in the summer (it is unclear whether it will be held in 2020 due to the influence of the coronavirus). (Original) パイプオルガンが有名な協会 突然の訪問にもかかわらず、牧師さんが快く中を案内して下さいました。 夏にはパイプオルガンのコンサートをやっておられるとの事（2020年はコロナの影響で実施するかは不明です）

(Translated by Google) This is my second visit. Please be healed by the sound of the pipe organ. The stained glass is cute. The trees and flowers in the garden are full of my favorite flowers. (Original) 二度目の訪問です。パイプオルガンの音色にいやされてください。ステンドグラスはかわいらしいです。庭の木々花々好きな花がいっぱい咲いています。

(Translated by Google) When you think of a church in Karuizawa, you often think of a wedding hall, but this church is truly a church for believers. Even if it's your first time at Sarito, we will be happy to welcome you. Pastor Jingo Inagaki is a veteran, so we highly recommend that you attend the morning service on Sunday morning. (Original) 軽井沢の教会というと結婚式場を思い浮かべることが多いのですが、この教会は真に信者のための教会です。さりとて初めての方も喜んで迎えてくれまじをす。稲垣壬午(じんご)牧師はベテランの方ですからぜひ日曜日の午前中に朝礼拝に出席されることをお薦めします。

(Translated by Google) We are a warm-hearted church that values ​​fellowship through music. It is open all year round and attracts not only Karuizawa residents but also congregations from all over the country. (Original) 音楽を通じた交わりを大切にしている温かい教会です。一年中開いていて軽井沢在住のかたのみならず各地から会衆が集まっています。

(Translated by Google) The service starts at 2:30 pm on Sundays. It's within walking distance from XIV, so I'll go there someday. (Original) 礼拝は日曜日14:30からだそうです。エクシブから歩きで行ける距離なので、いつか伺います。

(Translated by Google) I was able to go out of my way to hear from you and talk to you about various things. Although it is a small church, it makes you feel calm. Thank you for your interesting story. (Original) わざわざお声がけ頂き、色々お話を伺う事が出来ました。こじんまりした教会ですが、心が落ち着きます。興味深いお話、ありがとうございました。

(Translated by Google) There are many concerts during Golden Week and summer. A friendly pastor will welcome you with a smile. It is also a filming location for a drama. (Original) ゴールデンウィークと夏にコンサートがたくさんある。おおらかな牧師が笑顔で迎えてくれる。ドラマの撮影地にもなった場所。

(Translated by Google) Thank you for helping me with my wedding It's been 7 years since we got married Even now, I cherish the words that the pastor spoke to me and live happily with my husband and wife and our newborn child, surrounded by lots of love. I am grateful that the food at our wedding was delicious, polite, and a nice ceremony. The location is hard to find, but it's a very quiet and nice place, so I recommend it. (Original) 結婚式でお世話になりました 結婚してから７年たちますが 今でも牧師様がお話になられた言葉を大切に夫婦、生まれてきた子供とたくさんの愛の中で幸せに生活しています 結婚式での食事もおいしく丁寧でいい式になり感謝しています 場所はわかりずらいですがとても静かでいい場所ですのでおすすめします

(Translated by Google) A quiet church. It becomes a picture. (Original) 静かな教会。絵になります。

(Translated by Google) I just passed by on Monday afternoon. 13 years ago, I came to Karuizawa with my newly married daughter and husband. At that time, I attended this service. (I am a Christian in name only) I remember it being a very warm church service. Months have passed since then. I don't know what the inside looks like, but it looks impressive from the outside. If you have a chance, I think it would be fun to visit a Christian church in Karuizawa. Recommended. (Original) 月曜の午後 前を通り過ぎただけ。 13年前 結婚したての娘と婿殿と共に軽井沢にに遊びに来た。 その時こちらの礼拝に出席させていただいた。 (自分は名ばかりのキリスト教徒) とても暖かい礼拝、教会だったと覚えている。 それから月日は経った。 内部の様子はわからないが、外からの佇まいはさすが。 機会があれば、軽井沢でキリスト教会を訪れられることも一興か思います。 おすすめします。

(Translated by Google) It was a quiet church with a traditional feel, located one step away from the bustle of the former Karu Ginza. (Original) 旧軽銀座の賑わいから一歩奥まったところにある伝統を感じさせる静かな教会でした。

(Translated by Google) This is a historic church designed by W.M. Vories, and it is possible to attend mass there on Sundays. (Original) W.M.ヴォーリズ氏によって設計されまれた歴史的な教会で、日曜日にはミサに参加できるそうです。

(Translated by Google) It was a simple and nice church. (Original) 質素で素敵な教会でした