ショー礼拝堂
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Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church

4
·514 reviews·Karuizawa, Japan

A historic wooden church nestled in a serene forest grove, offering a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Karuizawa's past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer visitors, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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ショー礼拝堂

Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer visitors, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic wooden church nestled in a serene forest grove, offering a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Karuizawa's past.

4
(514 reviews)

"The smell of different plants, herbs and greenery was so healing…it was pleasant…"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stroll from Old Karuizawa Ginza

Easily accessible via a walk through the charming Old Karuizawa Ginza street. :walking:

🌳 Breathe in the Forest Air

Enjoy the healing scents of the surrounding trees and plants. :evergreen_tree:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Wooden Chapel

The Wooden Chapel

Main Sanctuary

A beautiful, historic wooden church offering a warm and cozy atmosphere. Perfect for quiet reflection.

A.C. Shaw's Summer Home Replica

A.C. Shaw's Summer Home Replica

Adjacent to the church

Step back in time at this free replica of the missionary's original summer residence.

Forest Grove Setting

Forest Grove Setting

Surrounding grounds

Immerse yourself in the peaceful, green surroundings. The scent of plants and trees is truly healing.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tranquility

This historic wooden church offers a serene escape nestled in a forested grove. Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and fully appreciate its peaceful ambiance. The church is a short walk from Old Karuizawa Ginza street, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.

A Glimpse into History

Built in 1895 by Canadian missionary A.C. Shaw, this church is a testament to Karuizawa's early days. Explore the warm, wooden interior and the nearby replica of Shaw's summer home for a deeper understanding of the area's heritage.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring/Early Summer
Why
Lush greenery and pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

軽井沢高原教会 サマーキャンドルナイト \\2025.08.01〜08.31開催// #デートvlog #デート#カップルvlog #休日vlog #旅行vlog #夏#夏休み
@karuizawa_kogenchurch
39.6K likes • 6M views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll from Old Karuizawa Ginza

Easily accessible via a walk through the charming Old Karuizawa Ginza street. :walking: Reddit

🌳 Breathe in the Forest Air

Enjoy the healing scents of the surrounding trees and plants. :evergreen_tree: Reddit

Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church #軽井沢ショー記念礼拝堂 A capela atual foi construída originalmente em 1895 como a primeira igreja de Karuizawa, e foi expandida e remodelada em 1922 para sua forma atual (uma cruz vista de cima). A capela logo que foi construída se tornou um centro comunitário, atraindo não apenas estrangeiros, mas também altos funcionários japoneses e suas famílias. #長野県 #軽井沢 #Karuizawa #...
turismonojapao
22 likes • 395 views
Day 7 ; Kuruizawa ..Kumobaike pond..Hoshino..Karuizawa shaw memorial cherch.. St.Paul church..Shiraito falls :))
katawaetee
5 likes • 51 views

📸 Capture the Serenity

The peaceful setting and beautiful architecture make for stunning photos. :camera: Instagram

🏠 Visit Shaw's Replica Home

Don't miss the free replica of A.C. Shaw's summer home nearby. :house: Reddit

🌿 軽井沢 ♡ Karuizawa 🌿⛪️ Have a peaceful weekend 🕊️ 6月末の春バラの季節に訪れた軽井沢🌹 涼の音さんでフレンチトーストを頂いた後は雨が本降りに☔ 苔の庭が美しい「室生犀星記念館」や 旧軽井沢の教会は訪れる人もなくゆっくり散策できました⛪️ ホテルのテラス席はさすがに利用できず 万平ホテルのカフェでのんびりと午後のひと時を過ごしました プリンアラモードが凄く美味しかったなぁ〜🍒🍮 @karuizawa.info 軽井沢の投稿に又お付き合いくださいね♡ 🌿 * * * #karuizawa #beutifulmoments #karuizawalife #manpeihotel #afternoonteatime #lovelygarden #karuizawachurch #colorfulkaruiz...
yukos_trip
404 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stroll from Old Karuizawa Ginza

Easily accessible via a walk through the charming Old Karuizawa Ginza street. :walking: Reddit

🌳 Breathe in the Forest Air

Enjoy the healing scents of the surrounding trees and plants. :evergreen_tree: Reddit

📸 Capture the Serenity

The peaceful setting and beautiful architecture make for stunning photos. :camera: Instagram

🏠 Visit Shaw's Replica Home

Don't miss the free replica of A.C. Shaw's summer home nearby. :house: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(514 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church for its serene atmosphere, beautiful wooden architecture, and tranquil forest setting. Many appreciate the historical significance and the peaceful ambiance, finding it a perfect spot for quiet reflection. The nearby replica of A.C. Shaw's summer home is also a popular, free attraction.

"A church in Karuizawa belonging to the Central Diocese of the Anglican Church in Japan, located at the top of the old Karuizawa Ginza street😊

It stands in the woods after passing through the old Karuizawa Ginza street🥰🥰🥰
The original form of the current chapel was built in 1895 as the first church building in Karuizawa, and it seems to have been expanded and remodeled by 1922 to become almost its current form. Since then, it has been restored many times and has come to this day🥰
It is open throughout the day as a place of spiritual relaxation for people visiting Karuizawa in the villa area😆
I stopped by on a walk from the old Karuizawa Ginza street🤣🤣🤣"

仁仁

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

Tan Minh Nguyen

"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!"

Maria

What People Like

Peaceful forest setting
Warm wooden interior
Historic significance

What People Dislike

Can be crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is located at the top of Old Karuizawa Ginza street, nestled in a forest grove. It's a pleasant walk from the main street, offering a peaceful transition into the church grounds. Reddit

While specific parking details for the church itself are scarce, visitors often park near Old Karuizawa Ginza street and walk up. Consider public transport or a taxi if you prefer not to walk far. Instagram

Karuizawa is accessible by Shinkansen (bullet train). From Karuizawa Station, you can take a bus or taxi towards the Old Karuizawa Ginza area, followed by a short walk. Instagram

Yes, it's a popular stop when exploring the Old Karuizawa Ginza street and nearby attractions like Kumoba Pond and St. Paul's Church. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy a leisurely stroll from the bustling Old Karuizawa Ginza street, allowing them to soak in the atmosphere before reaching the tranquil church. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the church itself is generally free, as it serves as a place of spiritual relaxation. The replica of Shaw's summer home is also free to visit. Reddit

The church is typically open throughout the day, allowing visitors to experience its peaceful ambiance at their convenience. It's best to check for any specific event closures. Reddit

No, there is no admission fee to enter the Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church. It's a place open to all seeking a moment of peace. Reddit

The church sometimes hosts events like concerts. While these might have specific timings, the general visiting hours are usually accommodating. TikTokInstagram

As an active church, services may be held. It's advisable to inquire locally or check their official channels for service schedules if you wish to attend. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography & Atmosphere

Morning light can be beautiful filtering through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere. Weekdays offer fewer people, making it easier to capture unobstructed shots. Instagram

The exterior of the wooden church surrounded by greenery is a popular subject. The replica of Shaw's summer home also offers charming photo opportunities. Instagram

Visitors describe the interior as warm, cozy, and incredibly calm, with the distinct smell of wood contributing to the peacefulness. Reddit

Photography rules can vary, but generally, respectful photography is allowed. It's always a good idea to be mindful of any ongoing services or other visitors. Instagram

The church is set in a tranquil forested grove, offering a sense of seclusion and natural beauty. The scent of the surrounding plants and trees is often highlighted as a healing element. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Nature & Surroundings

You'll find a peaceful forested grove with lush greenery, trees, and the pleasant scent of various plants and herbs. It's a very natural and calming environment. Reddit

Yes, the church is part of a larger area that includes attractions like Kumoba Pond and Shiraito Falls, offering more opportunities to enjoy Karuizawa's natural beauty. Instagram

Absolutely. The walk from Old Karuizawa Ginza street through the forest to the church is highly recommended for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

Late spring and summer offer the most vibrant greenery. Autumn would provide beautiful foliage, while winter offers a serene, snow-covered landscape. Instagram

While not formal gardens, the church is surrounded by a natural forest setting that is beautifully maintained and contributes to its serene atmosphere. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church and its surroundings offer a gentle introduction to history and nature for families. The replica of A.C. Shaw's summer home is a fun, free attraction that can spark children's imagination about past lifestyles. Reddit The peaceful forest setting provides a safe and pleasant space for kids to explore and enjoy the outdoors, with the scent of trees and plants adding to the sensory experience. Reddit

While the church itself is a place for quiet reflection, the walk from Old Karuizawa Ginza street can be made into an adventure. Consider packing some snacks and drinks to enjoy in the natural surroundings. The overall atmosphere is one of calm, making it a good spot for families looking for a less stimulating, more contemplative outing. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers

For solo travelers seeking tranquility, the Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church is an ideal destination. Its setting in a secluded forest grove offers a perfect escape for quiet contemplation and reflection. Reddit The warm, wooden interior and the natural scents create an atmosphere of deep peace, allowing you to truly disconnect and recharge. Reddit

The proximity to Old Karuizawa Ginza street means you can easily combine a visit to the church with exploring local shops and cafes. The replica of Shaw's summer home also provides an interesting historical element to your solo exploration. It's a place where you can wander at your own pace and absorb the serene environment. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of A.C. Shaw

Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church stands as a significant landmark, deeply connected to the legacy of A.C. Shaw, a Canadian Anglican missionary often hailed as the "father of Karuizawa." He first established a wooden chapel on this site in 1895, marking it as the very first church in the area. This original structure was later expanded and remodeled by 1922 to achieve its current cross-shaped form, a design that is visually striking from above. Instagram

Shaw's influence extended beyond the church; he was instrumental in developing Karuizawa as a summer resort destination for foreigners. The replica of his summer home, located near the church, offers visitors a tangible connection to his life and work in the region. This replica is a free attraction, providing insight into the living conditions and architectural style of the era. Reddit

Visiting the church and its associated replica allows for an immersive historical experience. It’s a chance to appreciate not only the architectural beauty but also the pioneering spirit of those who shaped Karuizawa into the tranquil retreat it is today. The enduring presence of the church in its natural setting underscores its importance as a spiritual and historical anchor in the community. InstagramReddit

Experiencing the Serene Atmosphere

The Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Church is renowned for its profoundly peaceful and calming atmosphere. Nestled within a forested grove, the church offers a sanctuary from the bustle of daily life. Visitors frequently comment on the serene ambiance and the distinct, pleasant smell of wood that permeates the interior, creating a warm and inviting space for reflection. Reddit

Many find the church to be a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. The surrounding natural environment plays a significant role in this experience. The air is often described as fresh, filled with the scents of various plants and trees, which many find to be healing and restorative. This connection to nature enhances the spiritual and tranquil qualities of the location. Reddit

To best appreciate this serenity, visiting during weekday mornings is often recommended, as it allows for a more unhurried and private experience. The church's location, a short walk from the charming Old Karuizawa Ginza street, makes it an accessible yet secluded destination for those seeking a moment of peace amidst the beauty of Karuizawa. InstagramReddit

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