English
Franças
日本語
Search Words
About Karuizawa
Shinkaruizawa, Kyukaruizawa
Nakakaruizawa
Minamikaruizawa
Shiozawa & Hotchi
Oiwake
Specials
Plan Your Trip
Directions & Maps
Transportations
Pick Up Tour
Things To Do
Event & Seasons
Attractions
Foods & Drinks
Sports & Activities
Shopping
Dining
Soba
Washoku
Sake
Cafe & Bar
Accommodations
Architecture
HOME
Things To Do
Attractions
Architecture
Karuizawa’s architecture is unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Boasting buildings designed by famous architects, with architecture ranging from modern to post-modern, it is worth exploring.
The former Mikasa Hotel
Although Kobayashi Daizo was the main carpenter, the villagers all took part in creating this historical, wooden structure. Designed by Okada Tokitaro, it was designated Important Cultural Property in 1980. Since many famous financial business men and trade merchants from all around the world would stay here, it was called “Karuizawa’s Rokumeikan” (A Rokumeikan was a popular building for social events/diplomats in Tokyo) and a dinner party would be held in this western style building almost every evening.
Mampei Hotel(the main Alps building)
This wooden, Western-style hotel, designed by Kume Gonkuro, is renouned for being the hotel loved by John Lennon of the Beatles. The interior is rustic, classic and beautiul, despite not actually being fully completed to their initial designs.
”Suikyusou”,the mountain villa Asabuki (Karuizawa Taliesin)
This building, designed by W.M. Vories, is said to best of Karuizawa’s architecture throughout history. The terrace’s white handrails and window frames are a particularly distinctive characteristic.
The Summer House (Karuizawa Taliesin)
This Peynet museum was designed by Antonin Raymond and is located in Karuizawa Tariasen. With its wooden, rustic appearance you can feel warmth and openness in the building.
St.Paul’s catholic church
This historical structure, designed by Antonin Raymond, has become known as the symbol of Karuizawa. It features a steep, triangular roof and a big steeple, with thick pillars assembled in a scissors shape towards the ceiling.
Karuizawa Union Church
A church which was established in the Meiji Period (in 1898) by the design of W. M. Vories. Located behind Karuizawa tennis court, the beautiful architecture intertwines with the rustic woodland to add warmth to the trees surrounding it.
A.C.Shaw Memorial House
Designed by W. M. Vories and the villa of missionary Alexander Croft Shaw, this historical piece of architecture houses a number of Shaw’s favourite historical items.
Harmony House Karuizawa
Designed by the architect, Junzo Yoshimura, this rennovated shared house is spacious, atmospheric and surrounded by the richness of nature.