Karuizawa St. Paul's Catholic Church — Attraction in Karuizawa

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...

This church was designed by Antonin Raymond in 1936, a influential modernist architectural firm that employed George Nakashima, Maekawa, Sugiyama, Yoshimura. American Woodworker, George Nakashima was Raymond's assistant on this building which cost about 3,000 yen at the time. The daiku were from Nikko, who lived at the site while it was being built. It originally had chairs, that may have been designed by George Nakashima and/or Noemi Raymond, a wonderful designer and Antonin's wife. This was a small job for Raymond and my uncle, but they enjoyed it. Raymond had also built a summer house/work space in Karuizawa three years earlier, but I don't know if it...

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....