Discover the serene beauty and architectural wonder of the must-visit churches in Karuizawa, Japan’s premier highland retreat. From the iconic wooden craftsmanship of Karuizawa Kogen Church to the breathtaking stone-and-glass artistry of the Stone Church, these spiritual landmarks offer a peaceful escape into the heart of Nagano Prefecture. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a history buff, or seeking a romantic stroll through the forest, exploring these historic chapels reveals why Karuizawa remains a top destination for culture and tranquility.
Just like most churches around the world, if no wedding ceremonies or services are going on, you can enter and explore the church. But please be respectful to those who are praying.
The Famous Churches in Karuizawa
- Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church (軽井沢聖パウロカトリック教会)
- Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church (軽井沢ショー記念礼拝堂) and Alexander Croft Shaw House (ショーハウス記念館)
- Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church (石の教会 内村鑑三記念堂)
- Karuizawa Kōgen Church (軽井沢高原教会)
Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church (軽井沢聖パウロカトリック教会)
In addition to Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church (石の教会 内村鑑三記念堂), another church that can excite architectural buffs is Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Designed by the famous American architect Antonin Raymond, the church is another landmark in Karuizawa. Moreover, it is a venue where many celebrities hold their weddings.
For more information, refer to our article on Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church!
Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church (軽井沢ショー記念礼拝堂) and Alexander Croft Shaw House (ショーハウス記念館)
Beyond the Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, close to the Nitebashi Bridge, you will encounter Karuizawa’s oldest church in a forest. The church was renovated from the first villa built in Karuizawa, home of a Canadian Anglican missionary, Alexander Croft Shaw.
Shaw was well-respected in the area because not only did he successfully spread Christianity across the region, but he also introduced Karuizawa to the world as a summer resort. He is thus recognized as Karuizawa’s birth father (軽井沢発祥の父).
Although the church itself is simple, it is loved by locals for being open to everyone, especially those facing life challenges.
In front of the chapel is a bronze statue of Shaw, and behind it is the Alexander Croft Shaw House, a museum that resembles Shaw’s villa. In the museum, you will find many relics and materials related to Shaw. From the furniture and objects in the museum, the lifestyle of the foreigners who enjoyed the summer in Karuizawa at that time can be easily imagined.
Since the completion of the villa, it has been used as the base for his missionary activities. From 1895, several renovations and expansions were made to the house until 1922, when it was finally transformed into the proper church that we see today.
Karuizawa’s Transformation After Shaw’s Arrival
In the Edo period, Karuizawa was an impoverished village. Due to the area’s colder climate, crops hardly grew, so the only source of income was from travelers.
However, since the Meiji period, Nakasendō (中山道), one of the five routes to Kyoto during the Edo period that passed through Karuizawa, has been abandoned. In addition, the construction of the new Usui Pass (碓氷峠) in 1884 diverted travelers from the town.
The person who saved Karuizawa from poverty was Shaw. He and his family first arrived in Karuizawa in 1886’s summer. Amazed by Karuizawa’s rich nature, he praised Karuizawa as “The Hospital Without a Roof (屋根のない病院)”. Wanting to spend more time in Karuizawa, he rented Kameya, an inn that was out of business, for the summer.
Seeing the opportunity Shaw brought, the inn’s owner, Satō Mampei (佐藤万平), learnt the Westerner’s lifestyle from Shaw and Westernized part of the inn. In 1894, Kameya was reopened as Kemaya Hotel, which became the current Mampei Hotel (万平ホテル) the following year.
On the other hand, enjoying his stay in Karuizawa, Shaw built a small villa in the town and introduced Karuizawa as a perfect resort close to Tokyo to his missionary friends and Japanese intellectuals. As a result, villas for foreigners, artists, businessmen, and those of high social status increased. Several churches were built, too.
After the completion of the Usui Pass in 1893, Karuizawa was further developed and reborn as a luxury villa area with a hint of Western culture.
Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church and Alexander Croft Shaw House are open daily, except Thursdays, from 9 am to 5 pm, from April to the beginning of November.From July to September, it is open from 9 am to 6 pm.
- From July to September, it is open from 9 am to 6 pm.
- From Karuizawa Station, you can also take a bus and get off at Kyū Karuizawa (旧軽井沢). The church is a 10-minute walk away.
Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church (石の教会 内村鑑三記念堂)
Just a station away from Karuizawa Station, Naka-Karuizawa has two more churches worth your time. One of them is the Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church in the Karuizawa Hoshino Area. Known as the Karuizawa Stone Church, the artistic architecture, which blends well with Karuizawa’s natural surroundings, is one of the town’s main landmarks.
For more information, refer to our article on Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church!
Karuizawa Kōgen Church (軽井沢高原教会)
In the Taishō era, a community of great writers and various artists formed in Karuizawa Hoshino Area. In particular, the Karuizawa Kōgen Church, buried in the forest, was where these talented people gathered in the past. In December, it is considered to be one of the most romantic spots in Karuizawa!
For more information, refer to our Guide to Karuizawa Hoshino Area!
Discover Other Attractions in Karuizawa
Karuizawa, one of Japan’s leading highland resorts, is a great place to stay for a day or an overnight trip from Tokyo. The town, filled with delicious cafes and restaurants, is also rich in natural scenery. So, between eating and shopping, you can hike or cycle into nature to bathe in the negative-ion-rich forest, with a few waterfalls scattered throughout!
For more information about what to do in the summer resort, refer to our Karuizawa article!
