Our 351st entry in our digital diary is our first time visit to Kogen Church in Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan. It is Sunday, and we are looking for a Catholic Church where we can attend mass. There were 2 churches in Karuizawa so we decided to visit them, unforunately they don’t hold Sunday Mass, only for wedding events.

The Kogen Church is really pretty from the outside, and in the inside as well, we are just not allowed to take photos inside. It is founded in 1921 as a cultural salon. Originally established by Uchimura Kanzō as the “Art Freedom Education Seminar” or “Hoshino Yugakudō,” it served as a gathering space for Japanese intellectuals such as Hakushū Kitahara and Toson Shimazaki.

It has a unique triangular architecture blending with nature. This all-wooden building features a steep, triangular roof that seems to rise from the forest floor, creating a striking visual harmony with its natural surroundings.

It is Japan’s first venue for Western-style weddings. It became the first chapel in Japan to host Western-style weddings, allowing brides to wear white gowns instead of traditional kimonos—it remains a romantic spot for weddings today.

It has been transformed after World War II. Although the building fell into disrepair during WWII, it was later restored and converted into a Christian church, continuing its legacy as a center for community gatherings.

Kogen Church is open to everyone with seasonal displays & events. Today, it welcomes visitors of all backgrounds, holding weekly gospel services, seasonal light displays, concerts, and hosting both Christian and non-Christian weddings.