Nestled in a beautiful natural setting, 

Karuizawa is an international year round resort complete with 

excellent sports facilities and cultural spots.

In 1886, Alexander Croft Shaw, a Canadian missionary, Stopped in Karuizawa during his travels preaching Christianity. The place reminded him of his what was to become the very first summer residence of the area. Later, the place came to be know to a great may missionaries, foreigners, and prominent figures. Summer residences began to appear one after another in Karuizawa, and the are earned a reputation far and wide as a place for rest and relaxation with an international flavor. Before long, many hotels and sports facilities such as golf courses and tennis courts were built, and Karuizawa became a top resort area in Japan, characterized by culture and tradition, In 1998, the area served as the venue for the curling event of the Nagano Winter Olympics. The comprehensive equestrian events of the Tokyo Summer Olympic of 1964 were held here, this meant that Karuizawa has played host to both the summer and winter Games, The people of Karuizawa endeavor to protect their pristine environment, and to make our town a place of refine culture a nd tradition.