Our 350th entry in our digital diary is our first time visit to the Stone Church in Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan.

The church’s full name is Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church, built to honor Uchimura Kanzō, a pioneering Japanese Christian thinker and founder of the Non-Church Movement.

Despite its ancient appearance, the Stone Church was completed in 1988, making it a relatively modern structure designed to look timeless and elemental.

The church was designed by Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, an American architect and a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright, known for his commitment to organic architecture.

Uchimura Kanzō believed that “where you pray is the church”, rejecting formal church institutions. This philosophy directly shaped the church’s design—there is no cross and the structure emphasizes nature rather than religious ornamentation.

Stone and glass symbolize human union. The repeated arches of stone and glass represent male and female, strength and softness, and are often interpreted as a metaphor for marriage and the creation of life—one reason the church is famous as a wedding venue.

Architecture fused with the natural landscape. The building was carefully engineered not to disturb the slope of the land, airflow, water streams, or surrounding forest, making it appear as if it naturally emerged from the earth.

The upper level serves as a chapel, while the lower level houses a memorial hall dedicated to Uchimura Kanzō’s life and writings.

One of Japan’s most iconic wedding venues. Today, the Stone Church is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most sought-after wedding locations, admired for its serene atmosphere, dramatic light, and symbolic architecture.