[2025 Karuizawa Attraction] Travel Guide for Karuizawa Kogen Church (Updated Jan)

Karuizawa, as a peripheral travel destination of Tokyo, can be reached in just over an hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo. Known as the 'back garden of Tokyo', it is a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the comfort of nature. 🚘Chartered tour route: 1️⃣.Tokyo→Highland Church→Stone Church→Elm Street Town→Old Karuizawa Ginza→Kumobaike 2️⃣Villager's Cafeteria→Hoshino's Forest→White Silk Waterfall→Prince Shopping Plaza→Tokyo ✅Transportation: Chartered car tour ✅Attractions Introduction: Highland Church A landmark building in Karuizawa, the huge triangular building is surrounded by trees. Even if you only visit the outside, you will be intoxicated. If it is Christmas season, there will be a light show at night, which is very festive. Stone Church A church built of stone is very characteristic and simply too beautiful! You must visit the interior of the Stone Church, which is quiet and sacred. Many lovers will hold weddings here. Elm Street Town Eat, drink and shop along the wooden plank road, as if walking in the forest. There are also high-end brands and coffee shops here. Old Karuizawa Ginza The oldest shopping street in Karuizawa, the street has many restaurants and specialty shops. John Lennon's favorite coffee shop French Bakery and popular souvenir natural jam SAWAYA Zeyaya are on this street. Kumobaike Known as Swan Lake, the quiet water surface reflects the green trees, and it is beautiful all year round. Villager's Cafeteria There are limited delicacies in each season, and you need to wait a long time for a seat, but you can stroll around nearby. Bird's Forest It's great for running in the summer. You can observe more than 80 kinds of birds here. Children who like animals and plants can come and visit. White Silk Waterfall One of the must-visit attractions, the water flow is like several white silk threads connected, and you can't help but marvel at the beauty of nature's craftsmanship after being there. Prince Shopping Plaza It's very close to Karuizawa Station. You can take a walk before returning. It has all kinds of outlet brands. Sisters who like shopping don't miss it.

Karuizawa Kogen Church is a church filled with the warmth of wood, surrounded by the cool, beautiful nature of Karuizawa. With over 90 years of history in Karuizawa, it has been loved by locals and tourists alike for many years🛕 In the summer, Summer Candle Night is also held, and the lights are fantastic and very beautiful🕯✨ #NaganoTourism #Karuizawa #DayTrip #Drive

As winter snow gently falls, the Karuizawa Kogen Church dons a white veil, ready to welcome the holy season of Christmas. This historic wooden structure glows warmly and solemnly under the lights. Inside the church, you can hear the melodious Christmas carols and feel the festive atmosphere in the air. This Christmas, consider visiting the Karuizawa Kogen Church to celebrate this beautiful time with us! Karuizawa Kogen Church's "Starry Forest Christmas Night" will be held from December 1 to December 25, 2024, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Entry is free but requires prior reservation, allowing a one-hour stay. Reservations can be made through a lottery or by checking for available slots the day before. This is a particularly beautiful season for stargazing, inspired by the twinkling stars in the Karuizawa sky, creating a starry forest here. We look forward to creating wonderful memories with everyone under the beautiful starlight. This year's theme is "PRISM." When light passes through a transparent prism, colors like pink, orange, and light blue appear. The colorful lights shine brightly, just like how a beam of light passing through a prism emits multiple colors. Each of us, starting from one opportunity, has the power to expand more possibilities. "PRISM HOUR" will occur four times daily at 7:55 PM, 8:25 PM, 8:55 PM, and 9:25 PM. Additionally, there will be performances by a gospel choir and classical music sessions. Celebrate Christmas in the starry forest filled with lights. Karuizawa Kogen Church hopes this is an opportunity for your heart and future to shine brightly. #JapanTravel #KaruizawaKogenChurch #Karuizawa #JapanChristmasLights #JapanChristmas #HoshinoResort #JapanGetaway #KaruizawaHotels

Karuizawa Kogen Church offers a mesmerizing Christmas experience under a starry sky, surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight. The gentle illumination spreads through the forest surrounding the church, creating a stunning starlit corridor. At the end of the path, a tree made of lanterns awaits visitors. Although it hadn't snowed during the visit, the scenery becomes even more enchanting with a blanket of snow. #JapanTravel #JapanLife #ChristmasInJapan #Illumination #Karuizawa

In mid-November, I stumbled upon the news that the Highland Church in Karuizawa would host a Christmas illumination event in December. It seems you need to enter a lottery to attend and select a time slot. I was lucky enough to win a spot for the evening of December 2nd at 7:30 PM. The charm of this lesser-known location is incredibly strong (unlike Yoyogi, which is always crowded, although Yoyogi's illumination is indeed larger). The Christmas atmosphere here is simply enchanting and beautiful, with a massive Christmas tree. The staff even offer free photo-taking services. Visitors can participate in church activities and take lanterns to walk around the church area, catering to everyone's desire for photos. It's a must-have romantic spot for couples (since it's also a popular wedding venue in Japan). It seems you can make reservations later, so if you're interested, keep an eye on their official website for applications. Don't miss out on this place! #Japan #Karuizawa #KaruizawaHighlandChurch #Christmas #Illumination

I declare that the most beautiful Christmas tree in all of Japan can be found at the Highland Church in Karuizawa! It's truly stunning. The Starry Forest event at the Highland Church is held only twice a year, with the winter event running from December 3rd to December 25th. It's usually necessary to book online in advance (the designated days in December are already fully booked, but you can still make a reservation for the next day if you book the day before!). So, for those planning to visit in December, you can make a reservation on the website at 3 PM the day before. On the day of entry, you'll need to show ID proof matching the reservation name, so it's advisable to book an earlier time slot as it gets really cold at night. Also, if you participate in the event, you won't be able to catch the last bus, so you'll need to take a taxi. For reference, my taxi ride from the event to Karuizawa Station cost 2,800 yen. Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas month! 🎄 ⛪️ Location: Highland Church, 〒389-0195 Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa Town, Hoshino. #JapanTravel #Karuizawa #StarryForest #ChristmasTree #JapanLife #JapanExploration

Remember to visit the highland church in December to witness the Christmas illumination. This year's theme is 'prism,' featuring a Christmas tree made of prism panels that creates a magical and dreamy atmosphere under the starlit sky. This is Karuizawa's winter hymn, with thousands of stars falling into the forest. It's lighter than the lights and more dazzling than the snowflakes. A night of romance unfolds slowly. Karuizawa Highland Church | December 2024 Christmas Illumination #JapanTravel #KaruizawaHighlandChurch #HoshifuruForest #WinterRomance #ChristmasSeason #Photography

The Karuizawa Kogen Church is hosting its annual 'Starry Forest Christmas' event, themed 'Prism' this year. As light passes through a transparent prism, colorful lights in pink, orange, and light blue shimmer, showcasing the spectrum of colors within light. Just like a beam of light through a prism, this event offers a variety of experiences. - **Recommended Activities** - **Starry Forest**: Experience the twinkling stars and the glow of lanterns and candles throughout the church forest, as if stars have fallen to the ground. A 6-meter tall Christmas tree stands in front of the church, topped with a star, and a starlight corridor illuminates the path to the church. - **Date and Time**: Daily from 19:30 to 21:30 - **Prism Tree**: A new Prism Tree will be introduced, symbolizing this year's theme. The shimmering Prism Tree in the forest represents the heart as a prism, with the many 'opportunities' in the world as light. - **Date and Time**: Daily from 19:30 to 21:30 - **Harmony of Prism**: On Sundays, enjoy gospel music and sing along during the 'Harmony of Prism'. - **Date and Time**: Sundays, December 24th and 25th (19:35~, 20:05~ for 15 minutes each) - **Location**: 'East House' in the church forest (outdoor) - **Lantern Walk**: Take a lantern-lit walk through the starry forest filled with Prism Trees and starlight. The flickering candlelight soothes your soul, creating memories unattainable in the city. - **Date and Time**: Daily from 19:30 to 21:30 - **Event Details** - **Duration**: December 1st to December 25th, 2024 - **Lighting Time**: 19:30 to 21:30 - **Reservations**: - **First Method**: Applications open on the official website from November 1st, 2024, 13:00 to November 19th, 23:59, selected by lottery. - **Second Method**: Purchase next day's tickets on the official website at 15:00 the day before the event. Limited availability. - **Note**: Reservations required in advance. Lottery reservation system (first-come, first-served the day before). - **Location**: Karuizawa Kogen Church #ChristmasTreeLighting #LightUpChristmasTree #Christmas #Karuizawa #KaruizawaKogenChurch #KaruizawaChristmasLights #KaruizawaTravel #KaruizawaTrip

Nestled in Tokyo's backyard, Karuizawa is home to a charming wooden church, the first in Japan to host Western-style weddings. Every Christmas, the church and surrounding forest are illuminated, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that makes it a popular holiday destination for couples. The Karuizawa Kogen Church hosts the 'Hoshi Furu no Mori Christmas' event, with this year's theme being 'Prism,' symbolizing how a single opportunity can expand into endless possibilities, much like light through a prism. The event runs from December 1 to December 25, 2024, with lights on from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Admission is free but requires a reservation. Located at Hoshino Kogen Church in Nagano Prefecture, it's a 20-minute walk from Nakai Station on the Shinano Railway. Note that reservations are first-come, first-served, starting at 3 PM the day before your visit. **Highlights:** - **Starry Forest:** The forest is adorned with lanterns and candles, creating a scene as if stars have fallen to the ground. A 6-meter Christmas tree stands before the chapel, with a starlit corridor leading the way. - **Prism Tree:** A new addition this year, representing the Christmas theme. The prism's light symbolizes countless possibilities, illuminating your path. - **Harmony of Prism:** On Christmas Eve, enjoy gospel music and sing along during two 15-minute sessions. - **Lantern Walk:** Stroll with lanterns under the dual glow of prisms and starlight, creating a magical experience akin to dancing fairies. **Tips:** - It's a long journey from Tokyo, so consider purchasing a JR PASS. - Reservations are mandatory, and the event will be live-streamed. - A Japanese phone number is required for reservations, but preschool children do not need one. For more travel options, including Europe, islands, Australia, New Zealand, Central Asia, and the Middle East, contact ZonyLine, a professional travel advisor with 5-10 years of experience. Enjoy a leisurely journey with custom itineraries and quality routes, backed by a 5A international travel agency. #ChristmasExperience #KaruizawaIllumination #NaganoTravel

I will always remember Christmas at the Karuizawa Highland Church. Although it's been four years since 2020, this Christmas tree holds many memories for people. We even witnessed a couple's proposal in front of the church that day. I spent almost a month trying to get tickets for Christmas. The official website was sold out, but luckily, I managed to book a spot at the Hoshino Resort due to a last-minute cancellation, which allowed me to get an entry ticket. Merry Christmas! メリークリスマス🎄🧑‍🎄🎅 #Christmas #JapanChristmas #ChristmasTree #Karuizawa #JapanLife #RomanticMoments #LoveLife

Nestled in the "backyard of Tokyo," Karuizawa, stands an elegant wooden church known as the "Highland Church," the first in Japan to host Western-style weddings. Every Christmas, the church and surrounding forest are illuminated, creating a dreamy atmosphere that attracts many couples. This year's theme is "prism," symbolizing the infinite possibilities that can arise from a single opportunity, much like light refracting through a prism. 📅 Event Period: December 1, 2024 - December 25, 2024 🕢 Lighting Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM 🎫 Free (Reservation required) 📍 Location: Hoshino Highland Church, Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture 🚎 Access: About a 20-minute drive from "Izu Station" (approx. 2800-3500 yen) or a 20-minute walk from Shinano Railway "Nakazawa Station." ❓ How to Reserve >> Two Methods 1️⃣ Advance Lottery Reservation 👉 Application Period: November 1, 2024, 1:00 PM - November 19, 2024, 11:59 PM 👉 Results Announcement: November 22, 2024, via email ✔ Application Details 🟠 Requirements: Phone number, email address 🟠 Four entry time slots available: ❶ 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM ❷ 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM ❸ 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM ❹ 9:00 PM - 9:30 PM ※ The 9:00 PM slot allows a 30-minute stay, while others permit a 1-hour visit. 2️⃣ Remaining Ticket Reservation 🟠 Reservation Time: From 3:00 PM the day before the visit, reservations for the next day can be made on the official website, first-come, first-served. ❤️ Tips ⭐️ Preschool children do not need a reservation ⭐️ Use the name on your ID when applying, as staff will verify it upon entry. 🙆 Those planning to visit can reserve below or contact us directly. #JapanTravel #CustomJapanTours #HighlandChurch #Karuizawa #JapanChristmasLights #JapanChristmas #Nagano #JapanTravelGuide

The Karuizawa Kogen Church is a breathtaking destination, especially during the festive season. Imagine stars descending into the forest, with countless candles illuminating the ground. It's a magical experience that you won't want to miss. Remember to make a reservation on the official website in advance to ensure your visit goes smoothly. #Karuizawa #KaruizawaKogenChurch #Christmas

The Karuizawa Highland Church is hosting a beautiful Christmas illumination event. Visitors are advised to make reservations in advance to ensure a spot at this enchanting display. This is a perfect opportunity for travelers to experience the festive spirit in a serene and picturesque setting. Don't miss out on this magical experience during your trip to Japan. #JapanTravelTips #Karuizawa #HoshinoyaKaruizawa #ChristmasIllumination

Immerse yourself in the magical Christmas atmosphere at the Karuizawa Highland Church, where you can write a Christmas card to your future self amidst the festive spirit. The experience is so captivating that you'll want to visit again and again. To secure your spot, I spent over an hour in front of my computer, but it was truly worth it! For those planning to visit, it's best to arrive around 7-8 PM, as it gets extremely cold at night. The venue has a limited capacity, and entry is only allowed at specific times, so there's no need to arrive too early. Remember to make your reservation on the official website by November 19th at 11:59 PM. This year, tickets are allocated through a lottery system, so good luck to everyone! In previous years, tickets were incredibly hard to get as they were sold on a first-come, first-served basis. #ChristmasExperience #FestiveAtmosphere #UniqueChristmas #NaganoTravel #ChristmasDestinations #TokyoTravel #DayTrip #WeekendInJapan #Karuizawa

This winter, the Christmas illumination at Karuizawa Kogen Church is indescribably beautiful! Entering this lit-up forest feels like stepping into a fairytale winter wonderland. The Christmas tree outside the church is exquisitely decorated, with every detail shining with the warmth and romance of winter. Whether you're strolling with a loved one or capturing fairy-tale-like photos, this is the perfect spot. ✨ Reservation Details: It's free, but you need to book in advance on the official website. There are two booking methods: an advance lottery (which has ended) and booking remaining tickets at 3 PM the day before. There are three time slots: 7:30-8:30, 8:30-9:30, and 9:00-9:30. I missed out on the lottery, so I had to grab leftover tickets a day in advance. It's easier to book from Monday to Thursday (I even found leftover tickets in the afternoon 😂), but it's tough on weekends. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are likely to be busy, so prepare your information by 3 PM and grab tickets quickly. The first two slots allow for longer stays and are harder to book, while the last slot is a bit easier. ✨ On-Site Experience: 1️⃣ Entry requires confirmation email and ID. 2️⃣ You can't enter early, and it's quite cold in winter, so dress warmly. If you arrive early for the later slots, you can wait in the lobby of the nearby Hoshino Hotel instead of shivering in the cold. 3️⃣ The site is magical, with a large Christmas tree and wreaths that make for great photos. Staff can help take pictures, but there's a queue. 4️⃣ If you can't get a reservation, you can enter after 9:30 PM, but there won't be any staff. In the cold winter night, this dazzling light display decorates everything like a dream, making it hard not to immerse yourself in the beauty of winter. If you're planning to visit Karuizawa, this spectacle is not to be missed! Come and experience the romance of winter! #Karuizawa #KaruizawaKogenChurch #FairytaleWorld #JapanTravel #ChristmasDestination #LightUpChristmasTree #Christmas

Karuizawa is truly my top favorite destination, beautiful in every season! The Christmas illumination at the Highland Church is incredibly enchanting, making you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale forest. You can even take a stroll with a lantern in hand. Next to the church, there's a small Christmas tree where you can pick up a card with a stranger's blessing or leave your own for the next visitor. 📅 Reservations: Free, but you need to book in advance on the official website. There are two ways to reserve: one is through a lottery (already ended), and the other is booking remaining tickets at 3 PM the day before. There are three time slots: 7:30-8:30, 8:30-9:30, and 9:00-9:30. It's easier to get tickets on weekdays, while weekends, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day are particularly challenging. The first two slots allow for a longer stay and are harder to secure, while the last slot is easier to get due to its shorter duration of 30 minutes. ⚠️ Important Notes: 1️⃣ Entry requires confirmation email and ID verification. 2️⃣ You cannot enter early, and it gets very cold at night, so dress warmly and bring heat packs. If you arrive early, you can rest at the café in the lobby of the nearby Hoshino Hotel. 3️⃣ The site is magical, with a large Christmas tree and wreaths perfect for photos. Staff are available to take pictures, and the queue moves quickly as everyone is considerate. 4️⃣ If you can't secure a reservation, you can still enter after 9:30 PM, but there will be no staff present. 🚃 Transportation: You can take a train to Nakakaruizawa Station and walk about 20 minutes to the church. The walk is not far, though a small section is dark. Once you see the 7-11, turn the corner to reach the church. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the station, as many are available and the distance is short, so it shouldn't be expensive. #Karuizawa #KaruizawaHighlandChurch #ChristmasInTokyo

For those in Japan looking to avoid the crowded city during Christmas, here's a great spot near Tokyo to celebrate the holiday season: Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture. Every December, they host a Christmas illumination event, and you can either enter a lottery or purchase tickets a day in advance. Since the event runs almost daily throughout December, winning the lottery is relatively easy, except for Christmas Day itself. If you can't plan your trip early, you can check for last-minute tickets a day before. Even if you're driving, you must park in their designated parking area and take a shuttle bus to the venue. Along the way, staff will introduce the history of the event. As you approach the venue, the bus lights will be turned off, creating a sense of ceremony as you enter a new world. Reminder: Entry is real-name based, so bring your ID. It's cold in the mountains, and the earliest entry is at 7:30 PM, so dress warmly. Restaurant recommendation: The Yamasita Outlet has many dining options, and there's a nice restaurant near the venue called 'Village Canteen' (no reservations, only walk-ins). You can enjoy Shinshu specialties like bandit grilled chicken and Shinshu salmon. The event runs until Christmas Day, so if you're interested, don't miss out! #ChristmasTreePhotos #LightUpChristmas #ChristmasInJapan #LifeInJapan #JapanTravel #KaruizawaNagano

I heard that making a wish on Christmas will cause stars to fall. May all your dreams come true! ( ´͈ ᗜ `͈ )♡ #Karuizawa #KaruizawaKogenChurch #ChristmasInTheStarryForest #Christmas #MerryChristmas

Karuizawa is a serene and beautiful destination, making it an ideal choice for a Christmas getaway. The area is not crowded, offering spacious and affordable accommodations. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility and charm of this picturesque location during the holiday season. #Karuizawa #KaruizawaTravelGuide #KaruizawaHighlandChurch

Experience the enchanting beauty of Karuizawa during Christmas with unexpected snowfall creating a dreamy and picturesque setting. The experience was truly wonderful, making for a memorable Christmas celebration. The Karuizawa Highland Church Christmas Illumination event runs from December 3 to December 25, 2023, and operates on a reservation basis. Tomorrow is the last day! Those interested can check the official website. Tickets are free, and the event offers complimentary church souvenirs and postcards. #Karuizawa #KaruizawaHighlandChurch #KaruizawaChristmasIllumination

Find tranquility in Karuizawa City! 🏞️ The beautiful Mount Asama stands silently guarding the horizon, and you can't help but be amazed by its presence. Discover the peace and beauty of Kogen Church, where ancient architecture and serene spirituality come together. As you meander around the magical bird sanctuary, you'll hear the rustle of leaves and the sweet songs of nature. Discover the enchanting Karuizawa Retreat, where majestic mountain vistas, serene areas, and the melodic calls of feathered companions come together in perfect harmony. 🏔️⛪🐦 #KaruizawaRetreat #MountAsamaVista #NatureHarmony