Karuizawa Kogen Church Summer Candle Night 2019, where you can enjoy a fantastical forest night illuminated by lanterns, is running until August 31st. This time, we'll introduce the event and report on the first day.


This summer marks the 15th anniversary of Summer Candle Night, a popular event hosted by Karuizawa Kogen Church and held every summer. During the period, many people visit the Hoshino area of Karuizawa, Nagano, and each person spends a romantic and sacred night.




This year, the Karuizawa Kogen Church Summer Candlelight Night 2019 kicked off again at 7 PM on the first day (August 1st) with a "Declaration of Light" by the pastor, lighting up the forests of Karuizawa.

The forest, illuminated by the gentle, flickering, dazzling light of the lantern candles, is a mystical sight. Grab your SLR camera to capture memories with loved ones, or grab your smartphone for some Instagram-worthy photos.

But if you come here, you'll surely be struck by the magnificent and solemn nightscape, a sight that goes beyond the word "photogenic."



Stroll through the forest as the night deepens.
In front of Karuizawa Kogen Church, people will be given "three-twisted threads" made from three colored threads, which symbolize wishes for strong bonds.



From August 11th to 18th and the final day, the 31st, a "Lantern Walk" will be held, where you can stroll through the Forest of Light. Holding a lantern candle, enjoy a stroll through the forest, becoming one with the candlelight.

In front of the church, you can also receive a sacred gift called a "three-ply thread." The twisted three-colored thread represents you, a loved one, and the church, and is said to symbolize that "when the three are joined together, they will not easily break." Each and every one of these handcrafted "triple-twisted threads" contains the message, "May the bond between you and your loved one last forever."


Event-exclusive postcards will be distributed at the "parsonage" adjacent to Karuizawa Kogen Church.
Write a letter to your loved one and drop it in the mailbox.

Now that we can easily communicate through email and messaging apps, why not take this opportunity to write a letter with your heartfelt thoughts to a loved one? During the event, original postcards and white pens will be available at the parsonage. Once you've finished writing, drop your letter in the postbox located at the entrance to the parsonage. The church will deliver your mailed letter to you at a later date.



The musical service combined the pastor's sermon with gospel music, and the powerful gospel singing left a lasting impression.


In addition to the first day of the event, from August 11th to 18th and the final day, the 31st, a "Musical Worship" will be held in the woods in front of the church, combining a pastor's sermon with gospel music. The opening begins with the clear sound of handbells. In commemoration of the first year of the Reiwa era, listen to the pastor's sermon and gospel music, which are themed around "beginnings." It is an inspiring moment of prayer and singing through music. Like the other events, anyone can participate, so if you're going on one of the days of the event, be sure to check it out.





Even a wonderful moment comes to an end before you know it. On a cool Karuizawa night, in the silent forest, I recall memories of a summer candlelight night. If you're staying nearby, we recommend refreshing yourself at Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu, located in the same Hoshino area as Karuizawa Kogen Church, before returning to your hotel.

In addition to the events introduced here, during the Karuizawa Kogen Church Summer Candle Night 2019, the area will host a limited-time "Forest Cafe," and the adjacent Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court will also open the "Candle Night Lounge," where you can enjoy drinks and amuse-bouches, so be sure to check these out as well.

Whether you've participated every year or have been interested in it for a while, this August will be a memorable summer night at Karuizawa Kogen Church Summer Candle Night 2019.