2026-07-30 2 Strolling Through Old Karuizawa: A Summer Retreat Blending Japanese and Western Styles#

At the end of the 19th century, Canadian missionary Alexander Croft Shaw passed through “Karuizawa-juku,” once a bustling post town on the Nakasendo, one of the Five Routes of the Edo period. Amazed by the cool climate and natural beauty that reminded him of Scotland, he decided to build a villa here.

Promoted by missionaries and foreign merchants, Karuizawa gradually developed into a popular summer resort favored by foreigners, the Japanese imperial family, and literati. Today’s Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, stretching for about 500 meters, perfectly preserves the unique “Japanese-Western eclectic” appearance of that time: featuring both traditional Japanese long-established shops and red-brick buildings full of European country charm.

On June 30, after visiting the Stone Church, we took a bus to Old Karuizawa. It was already past 4:00 PM when we got off, and many shops here were preparing to close around 5:00 PM. But it didn’t matter; we didn’t plan on shopping anyway. Simply strolling along this charming street and soaking in the atmosphere was a great joy in itself.

Another fascinating attraction here is St. Paul’s Catholic Church. This wooden European-style church, built in 1935, features a highly distinctive steeply pitched triangular roof. It is not only a romantic landmark of Karuizawa but also a dream wedding destination for many Japanese couples. Unfortunately, the church is only open until 4:00 PM, so we missed the chance to go inside; but it doesn’t matter, we will have another chance to visit tomorrow.