Standing quietly in the forest of Old Karuizawa, St. Paul's Catholic Church is a classic wooden building designed by renowned architect Antonin Raymond. Its enormous, steeply pitched triangular roof blends perfectly with the natural wooden structure, while the exposed wooden beams and columns inside create a warm yet solemn atmosphere. Sunlight streams through the stained glass, weaving together poetic patterns of light and shadow. A walk here offers not only a peaceful respite from the noise and bustle, but also a profound experience of Karuizawa's unique beauty and romantic charm.
St. Paul's Catholic Church in Karuizawa | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
-
JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
This unlimited ride pass is a great buy for tourists visiting Japan and foreign residents without Japanese nationality. Once in hand take up 5 days of unlimited travels across a number of differing routes including bullet train rides on the Joetsu Shinkansen, specified sections of the Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen, or hop on JR East lines, the entire Tokyo Monorail line, the entire Izu Kyuko line, and the Hokuetsu Express lines running in Niigata.
冬季手持「JR東日本鐵路周遊券（長野、新潟地區）」搭乘新幹線進行深度旅遊，沿途連綿純白的雪景美得令人屏息。最深刻的記憶，莫過於列車行駛途中看見的雪國美景，還有人牽著狗狗靜靜目送列車，勾勒出一幅溫馨美好的雪國風景。
-
-
MIDORI Nagano
A station-building shopping center directly connected to Nagano Station, the gateway to Nagano where the shinkansen stops. From the basement level to the 5th floor, it brings together shops for everyday needs, including fashion, books, variety goods, groceries, and services.
Directly connected to JR Nagano Station, MIDORI Nagano is a top destination for shopping for Shinshu souvenirs and enjoying local cuisine! The shopping center offers a wide variety of Nagano specialties, from aromatic Shinshu soba and oyaki with a chewy exterior to sweets made with Kamikochi Kyoho grapes and apples. The Shinshu souvenir section on the second floor is well stocked and fun to browse. It’s convenient to stop by before transferring to the Shinkansen or Shinano Railway, and you can take the delicious flavors of Nagano home with you!
-
-
Karuizawa New Art Museum
The museum opened in 2012 after renovating a former commercial building. The all-glass exterior of the building, designed with white pillars reminiscent of a larch forest, was designed by architect Rikuo Nishimori.
While strolling along the Old Karuizawa shopping street, it’s hard not to be drawn to the modern larch forest-inspired design and glass building. This museum focuses on Japanese contemporary art and avant-garde works, with spacious exhibition areas and beautiful use of light and shadow. In addition to its wide range of special art exhibitions, the White Birch Chapel designed by Kengo Kuma is a classic work that blends nature with architectural philosophy. When you need a break from walking, you can also enjoy the elegant atmosphere at the on-site café. Highly recommended for travelers who love aesthetics and modern art!
-
