It's about a one-hour Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tokyo to Karuizawa. From Karuizawa Station, it's a 15-minute taxi ride, and from Nakakaruisawa Station, it's a 5-minute taxi ride. By car, it's a 20-minute drive from the Uesugi-Karuizawa IC of the Joshinetsu Expressway, or a 25-minute drive from the Komoro IC of the Joshinetsu Expressway (via the Asama Sunline). Show route
Op.Hours
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cld.Days
None
Fee
Free
INFO
Access to the church may be restricted during wedding ceremonies. However, at other times, church staff will be happy to assist you. Please inquire on-site.
Group visits, including those by chartered bus, are not permitted.
Karuizawa Kogen Church is a Protestant church located in Karuizawa-machi, Kita-Saku-gun, Nagano Prefecture. It's closely tied to the history of Hoshino Onsen and is adjacent to Hotel Bleston Court. Its origins trace back to the "Geijutsu Jiyuu Kyoiku Koshukai" (Art Free Education Seminar) held in a lumber shed on the Hoshino Onsen grounds in 1921. Kanzo Uchimura, Hakushu Kitahara, and Tokutarou Shimazaki were among the attendees. Uchimura, under the philosophy of "Play is good, and play is also learning," named the lumber shed "Hoshino Yu Gakudo" (Hoshino Study Hall). This name is still displayed at the entrance today. In 1941, it was renamed "Karuizawa Kogen Church." The first pastor was Iwasahiro Okino, also known as a novelist. From around 1965, it underwent renovations and has been used for weddings and other events as part of Hoshino Onsen's (now Hoshino Resorts) wedding business. Gospel services are held every Sunday from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM. Other events are held in conjunction with the adjacent Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa area, including Christmas celebrations. Karuizawa Kogen Church is a beautiful wooden church surrounded by breathtaking nature. Its historical atmosphere and harmony with nature soothe the hearts of visitors. The church interior exudes the warmth of wood, enveloped in a quiet and sacred ambiance. Light streaming through the windows brightens the entire church, creating a warm atmosphere. Karuizawa Kogen Church is used for various purposes, including weddings and events. If you visit Karuizawa, be sure to stop by.
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