"Karuizawa Kogen Church Starry Forest Christmas 2019" is being held until December 25th, where you can enjoy a magical forest night lit by countless candles. This time, we will introduce the event and report on the event.

A night when the forest of Karuizawa Kogen Church is enveloped in the light of sparkling stars and candles.

Even if you've never been there, many people are familiar with the name. "Karuizawa Kogen Church Starry Forest Christmas 2019" is a popular annual event that continues the tradition of the missionaries who pioneered Karuizawa long ago, walking through town illuminating the streets with lanterns. (In the summer, they hold a "Summer Candle Night," which is also great.)

By the way, you don't need to make a reservation or buy a ticket in advance to participate in Starry Forest Christmas! Anyone can experience it by simply visiting, so it's perfect for people who haven't decided their Christmas plans yet. Why not invite someone special to come and join us?

The trees are lit up in white light, making it look like a forest where snow has just begun to fall.
Combined with the cool winter sky, it's even more dramatic.
As you enter the forest, the lush trees are lit up in white, and although it's still just the beginning, you're already feeling romantic. Taking a deep breath, you can smell the scent of the trees, the earth, the candles, and the winter scent of Karuizawa.


Lantern candles cast a warm light across the forest at Karuizawa Kogen Church. The light is said to last all night. That's what makes it so nice. I want to gaze upon it with someone who will say, "I want to look at it forever." It's a Christmas that will become a lifelong memory.

From December 21st to 25th, handheld lanterns will also be available at the venue, so you can take one and stroll through the forest.

◆Lantern Walk through the Forest 12/21-25 (Time: 18:30-21:00)


A crossroads of lantern candles and light. If you follow this light, you will reach the church. There is a red wreath hanging on the wall above the church door, which is apparently only there during the Christmas season. A red Christmas wreath is somehow fresh and cute.



Walk along the crossroads that intersect in the middle of the forest and admire the tree. The "fir tree" that brightens up the venue is 6 meters tall. If you get closer and take a closer look, you'll see that it's adorned with intricate decorations. When you see it from afar, you'll be mesmerized by the light, and when you look up close, you'll be captivated by the detailed decorations. It's a tree that you can enjoy twice as much. The icicle-like motif decorations are stylish and look like jewelry made for the forest tree.


When you arrive at the church, be sure to pick up this commemorative charm, the "Triple Twisted Thread." All of it is handmade by the staff of Karuizawa Kogen Church. And don't forget to stop by the parsonage next to the church. Express your gratitude, your thoughts about the day, secrets you haven't shared yet, etc. in a "Christmas Letter."


There are two postcard designs: a morning forest and a night forest. Both are lovely. Once you've written it, drop it in the postbox outside the parsonage! 

Another thing you can't miss is the "Advent Message."


Advent is a period that begins on the Sunday four weeks before Christmas and is spent looking forward to Christmas day. An Advent calendar to count the days of this period has appeared in the forest. Each window has a date written in it, and when you open the window of the day you visit, you will see a message from the church.

Open the door that displays today's date...

“Christmas is special not only because of the joy of receiving, but also because of the joy of giving.” Karuizawa Kogen Church

This was the message we received on the day we visited.

Other events during the Starry Forest Christmas event include a "Christmas Music Service" that combines a pastor's sermon with gospel music, and a harp concert "With Sacred Melody," perfect for celebrating Christmas Eve.

◆Prayer and singing "Christmas Music Service" 12/22, 24, 25 (Time: 19:00 / 20:00 20 minutes each)
◆Healing harp sounds "With Sacred Melody" 12/21, 23 (Time: 19:00 / 19:30 / 20:00 / 20:30 10 minutes each)

Under the clear starry sky, you are sure to enjoy a heartwarming Christmas in the winter forest. This year, come and spend a fantastical and heartwarming time at "Karuizawa Kogen Church Starry Forest Christmas 2019."