Japan has countless churches, but if you’re choosing based on design, these five stand out above the rest. Each of them holds an important place in the history of world architecture and is sought after by couples from around the globe.
Karuizawa, The Church of the Light in the Forest of Stone
Karuizawa’s romantic charm has deep roots. Perhaps it’s because the touching love story of the Crown Prince and Princess, who met, fell in love, and built a life together here, moved so many people. And of course, there’s also the unforgettable story of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. As a result, in the hearts of many locals, Karuizawa is inseparable from romance and happiness.
Twenty-five years ago, American architect Kendrick Kellogg came to Karuizawa and was captivated by this serene, natural setting. Especially during the rainy season, the lush woods would be lightly dusted with white sand, filling the air with a soft, fragrant aroma. Surrounded by Mount Asama, Mount Hanamagari, and Usui Pass, Karuizawa is strategically nestled on a mountain plain, embraced by forest.
“The true place for prayer is in nature.” This belief of early 20th-century thinker Uchimura Kanzo influenced Kendrick Kellogg, an American designer known as the “pioneer of natural architecture.” Drawing inspiration from Karuizawa’s exceptional natural environment, he incorporated the five essential elements of nature—stone, light, water, greenery, and trees—into The Church of the Stone. It embodies the concept of a “natural church.”
The surrounding greenery and indoor plants and flowing water echo each other, making the philosophy of nature ever-present. The designer precisely calculated the sun’s path, and sunlight streaming through the glass not only illuminates the entire church but also changes its mood throughout the day.
That’s why The Church of the Stone has won the hearts of couples worldwide, who come here specifically to hold their weddings. The special meaning of blessing true love is expressed through the architectural materials—stone symbolizes the strength and resilience of men, while glass represents the softness and delicacy of women. The arch formed by the interplay of stone and glass acts like a natural softbox. The sunlight filtering through becomes gentler and more ethereal, casting a hazy glow on the couple as if it were a blessing from God. It’s both a prayer for the birth of a new family and a wish for the couple’s bright, happy life together.
The irregularly arranged arches at the entrance symbolize the initial stages of a relationship when a couple, coming from different backgrounds, must adjust to one another. But ultimately, it is true love that brings them to the church to exchange vows. The later, orderly arrangement of the arches signifies the couple’s transition into a stable and peaceful family life.
The young pastor carefully guides each part of the ceremony. Under the watchful eyes of their loved ones, the couple walks around the stone path inside the church, then re-enters through the main door. The pastor offers prayers and blessings for about thirty minutes, followed by the ritual of scattering blessed rice.
Rather than the lively scene of rice being tossed over the couple’s heads, I’d rather walk back into the forest and reflect on the meaning of the church amidst the lush greenery.
Architecture is not just a vessel for history—it is also a living expression of the present.
Transportation: Narita Airport – Tokyo Station – (Nagano Shinkansen) – Karuizawa Station (free shuttle bus from hotel) – Hotel Bleston Court within Karuizawa Hoshino Resorts.
Haneda Airport (Monorail) – Hamamatsucho Station (JR Line) – Tokyo Station (Shinkansen) – Karuizawa Station (free shuttle bus from hotel) – Hoshino Hotel Bleston Court
Price:
Package: RMB 29,900
Includes: Use and decoration of the church, officiating by a pastor, commemorative gift, translation services, wedding assistant, hair and makeup styling, bridal bouquet, blessed rice ceremony, champagne celebration, wedding photo album, and photography services.
Hoshino Yumeen specially includes two nights’ stay at Hoshino Hotel Bleston Court, breakfast for two for two days, and access to the century-old Hoshino Hot Springs “Dragonfly’s Bath.”
Optional add-ons: Full Japanese bridal gown and groom’s suit set (RMB 13,000), ceremony photography (RMB 8,000), 30-minute post-wedding photography (RMB 2,000), 3-hour bridal photography (RMB 7,000), traditional Japanese kimono photography (RMB 11,000), wedding ceremony DVD (RMB 5,000)
