St. Paul’s Catholic Church is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Karuizawa and a powerful symbol of the town’s international heritage. Quietly set just off Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, this elegant wooden church reflects the Catholic presence that developed alongside Karuizawa’s rise as Japan’s first international mountain resort.
Although Karuizawa is often associated with Protestant missionaries, particularly through figures such as Alexander Croft Shaw, the town also attracted Catholic missionaries, diplomats, and educators in the early twentieth century. As the foreign population became more diverse, the need for a Catholic place of worship grew steadily. St. Paul’s Catholic Church was completed in 1935, by which time Karuizawa had already established itself as a refined summer retreat for foreign residents and Japanese elites alike. The church served Catholic families spending their summers in the highlands, as well as visiting clergy and diplomats, becoming an essential part of the town’s spiritual life.
The building was designed by Antonin Raymond, one of the most influential architects in modern Japanese history. Born in the Czech lands and trained in Europe and the United States, Raymond worked closely with Frank Lloyd Wright before settling in Japan. He became renowned for blending Western architectural ideas with Japanese materials, climate awareness, and craftsmanship. St. Paul’s Catholic Church is a clear expression of this philosophy. Constructed entirely of wood, it harmonizes naturally with the surrounding forest, while its steep triangular roof is well suited to Karuizawa’s snowy winters. The clean lines and lack of ornamentation emphasize spiritual simplicity rather than grandeur, creating a building that feels as though it belongs organically to its setting rather than dominating it.
Inside, the church is modest yet deeply atmospheric. Wooden beams, simple pews, and softly filtered natural light shape a space intended for quiet contemplation rather than visual spectacle. The restrained interior reflects both Raymond’s architectural ideals and the practical needs of a seasonal congregation. Even visitors without a religious background often comment on the profound sense of calm inside, a feeling that mirrors Karuizawa’s slower, more reflective rhythm of life.
Beyond religious services, St. Paul’s Catholic Church played an important role in Karuizawa’s international community. It served as a spiritual home for foreign Catholics, a meeting point for international families, and a cultural bridge between Western visitors and Japanese converts. Over time, as Karuizawa became known as a destination for elegant ceremonies, the church also gained a reputation as one of Japan’s most romantic wedding venues, a role it continues to fulfill today.
Today, St. Paul’s Catholic Church remains an active place of worship and a cherished cultural property. While visitors are welcome, it is not a museum. Services, weddings, and religious events continue, preserving the building’s original purpose. Its location—just steps from cafés, boutiques, and the gentle flow of Old Karuizawa Ginza Street—makes it an easy and meaningful stop during a leisurely walk through the area, offering a moment of reflection amid sightseeing.
The church is beautiful throughout the year. Spring’s fresh greenery highlights the warm tones of the wooden façade, summer brings cool shade and quiet surroundings, autumn transforms the setting with vivid foliage, and winter snowfall creates a serene alpine scene. Morning hours are particularly well suited for a peaceful visit, when the area is still and contemplative.
St. Paul’s Catholic Church represents the Catholic chapter of Karuizawa’s international story. Together with nearby Protestant churches, it illustrates how faith, culture, and architecture shaped a mountain resort unlike anywhere else in Japan. For travelers interested in history, architecture, or the quieter side of Karuizawa, the church offers insight, beauty, and a rare sense of timeless calm.
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