A Japanese "Maple" Romance Wedding in Karuizawa – Unparalleled Romance That Makes You Want to Get Married!

▲ Have you considered having an overseas wedding?

Reported and photographed by Zhu Chengjuan / Karuizawa, Japan

The blend of crimson leaves and greenery creates a romantic atmosphere, as autumn breezes shower blessings upon the newlyweds. Known as the "Town of Love," Karuizawa is Japan’s top wedding destination. The "Hillside Chapel" and "Stone Chapel" inside Hotel Bleston Court, operated by Hoshino Resorts, welcome over 3,000 couples each year to celebrate their lifelong commitment.

As birth and marriage rates decline year by year, the decision of two people to commit to marriage becomes even more precious. Wendy, a wedding coordinator at the overseas wedding department of Hoshino Resorts Hotel Bleston Court, said: "From the moment the couple arrives, we’re thinking about how to plan the most wonderful wedding, creating unforgettable memories for the couple and their loved ones." The charm of a traditional Japanese wedding begins here.

０Elegant and dignifiedHillside Chapel – Harp music moves everyone to tears!

▲ October is the peak wedding season at the Hillside Chapel. When asked why the busiest time isn’t in November when the maple leaves are even redder, Chūmi Nobe, head of overseas weddings at Hoshino Resorts Hotel Bleston Court, explained that Karuizawa is still associated with greenery. Therefore, a scenery with a balance of red and green is actually preferred over all crimson foliage.

Hillside Chapel
Surrounded by maple leaves and greenery, the "Hillside Chapel," originally named the Hoshino Youth Education Hall, has a history of 94 years. As you push open the chapel doors, the scent of hinoki wood greets you, and the triangular window at the front bathes the couple in the most beautiful morning sunlight. Fifty years ago, it was the site of Japan’s first non-Christian wedding where the bride wore a Western-style white wedding dress. Perhaps because of this sacred significance, many engaged couples believe that getting married here will bring them lifelong happiness.

Due to the chapel’s long history, there are also specific requirements for the brides’ dresses. For example: brides may not wear trendy short wedding dresses or overly revealing styles. Additionally, the wedding dress skirt must fully cover the shoes, and the color must be pure white – making it extremely traditional. But why do nearly 60% of couples still choose this venue every year?

Chūmi Nobe, head of overseas weddings at Hoshino Resorts Hotel Bleston Court, explains: "Listen closely – only in this historic chapel does the sound of the harp truly resonate. Everyone who enters, whether the couple or guests, is moved." In 2014, the famous Taiwanese blogger "Queenie" even flew from Taiwan specifically to hold her wedding here. The charm of tradition never fades with the trends.

%tech> The pastor can communicate in either English or Japanese. There is also a Chinese-speaking wedding assistant available throughout the ceremony, so couples need not worry.

%extract> Up to 80 guests can be accommodated, and the wedding timing can be customized according to the couple’s preferences.

０Stone Chapel for Trendy Couples – Even Famous Artist Ai Otsuka Chose to Marry Here!

Stone Chapel
The "Stone Chapel" faces the Hillside Chapel, but without hints, it’s hard to guess that it’s actually a church too. Deliberately lacking a cross, making it impossible to identify as a church from the outside, this design honors the Non-Church Movement philosophy of Uchimura Kanzō, who believed: "A church should be open to everyone; the cross should reside within each person's heart, not just be seen with the eyes." With an organic architectural concept that emphasizes harmony with the natural landscape, the Stone Chapel, enveloped by maple woods, radiates even more romance.

"The semi-circular stone slabs are stacked facing south to align with the sun’s path," Chūmi Nobe explains. As a result, no additional lighting is needed inside the chapel, as it remains naturally bright like a lantern – symbolizing the bright future ahead for the newlyweds. In terms of materials, the stones represent the strength of masculinity, while the interspersed glass signifies the gentle, radiant side of femininity.

%view> Natural light floods in within minutes, illuminating the interior with a warm glow.