Akkun’s FOCUS vol.2

Karuizawa is one of the post towns along Nakasendo trail which connects Tokyo and Kyoto. Many travelers passed through this area during the Edo period. More than 100 years ago, Canadian missionaries settled here by following their footsteps. They thought that Karuizawa was just like their own homeland, and then particularly loved to live on the north side which had not been chosen by Japanese to live. These missionaries introduced their faith as well as their Western way of living. Due to this, bread and jam, ham, and dairy products are now something you can enjoy here in Karuizawa. But above all is the view of Mt. Asama, and some quiet and sacred waterfalls and streams. Philosophical residential areas loved by many Japanese well known writers will let you spend relaxing and creative days in Japan. Karuizawa gives you a nice combination of Japanese tradition and Western influences. You can find a nice soba noodle shop and relaxing hot springs, and then have the best cup of tea or coffee as you please at the Manpei Hotel afterwards. 

John Lennon and Yoko Ono used to stay in this town during summer. Yoko visited their summer house sometime after John’s tragedy. She went to their favourite café.

Then the owner of the café handed her a lighter which John had left the last time they went there.

When John realized that he had left it on the café table, he mentioned,

“Oh, dear. It’s all right. We’ll go there tomorrow, too.”

Yes, John. Karuizawa is the place that we all want to go to again tomorrow.