Akkun’s FOCUS vol.2

Karuizawa is one of the post towns along Nakasendo trail which connects Tokyo and Kyoto. Many travelers passed this area during the Edo period. More than 100 years ago, Canadian missionary settled here by following their footprints. They thought Karuizawa was just like their homeland then particularly loved to live the northside where had not been chosen by Japanese to live. These missionaries introduced their faith as well as their Western way of living. Bread and jam, ham, and dairy products are something you enjoy here in Karuizawa. But above all a view of Mt. Asama, some quiet and somewhat sacred waterfalls and streams, philosophical residential areas loved by many Japanese well known writers must give you relaxing and creative days in Japan. Karuizawa gives you nice combination of Japanese tradition and Western influence. You can find a nice Soba noodle shop and relaxing hot spring then will have a best cup of tea or coffee as you please in 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 left the last time they went there.

When John realized that he 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 where we all want to go tomorrow again.