Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Chapel

This church is the oldest in Karuizawa and was built by Alexander Croft Shaw, minister of the Church of England. A.C. Shaw is nicknamed "father of Karuizawa" and is known to be the person who made Karuizawa prominent as a hill station. Today, this church is called the "origin of Karuizawa as a hill station." The chapel that stands discreetly in the woods is a simple wooden structure and has a slight nostalgic feel.

(Source: ヨッシーウェブログ)

Chapel

The original structure of the chapel was built in 1895 as the first church building in Karuizawa. It has continuously been retouched until 1922 and stands as is today. It has a remarkable look that blends in with the beautiful surrounding trees.

(Source: Tany＆wife`s blog from新潟)

Altar

Most of the interiors including the ceiling, walls, floor and even the altar is made of wood. It is a modest and warm atmosphere that is hardly found anywhere else. Please visit this place that can be called "the origin of Karuizawa," and where Christianity in Japan found its calling.

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Shaw Memorial House

Next to the chapel, you can see Shaw's vacation house (recovered). This is Karuizawa's first vacation house, the first of its kind built in Karuizawa. Inside the house, there are pictures on exhibit, where you can see the daily life of foreigners who enjoyed their summer in Karuizawa.