Hotel Indigo Karuizawa to Exhibit Works by Photographer Masatomo Moriyama in Collaboration with "KARUIZAWA FOTO FEST" Starting May 8

Hotel Indigo Karuizawa (Kitasaku-gun, Karuizawa-machi, Nagano Prefecture), a lifestyle boutique hotel symbolizing flickering flames and villa time, will host an exhibition of works by photographer Masatomo Moriyama from May 8 (Friday) to May 31 (Sunday), 2026, as part of the "KARUIZAWA FOTO FEST."

"KARUIZAWA FOTO FEST" is a photography exhibition that gathers works by renowned photographers from Japan and abroad. From 2026, with the theme of "Karuizawa Legacy," it will evolve into an international photo festival that shifts from "taking" photos to "enjoying" them. The outdoor exhibition, previously held at Yagasaki Park, has been completely revamped, expanding the exhibition area to various locations within Karuizawa Town, with our hotel now serving as one of the venues. All exhibited works are themed around landscapes and stories related to Karuizawa. As a "circulatory exhibition" where visitors encounter photographs as they explore the town, it offers a new viewing experience set against the backdrop of Karuizawa as a whole.

Photographer Masatomo Moriyama's Exhibition Works

At our hotel, we will exhibit works by photographer Masatomo Moriyama under the theme of Neighbourhood Story "Dialogue." Photographer Masatomo Moriyama photographed the ceramic works of Karuizawa-resident ceramic artist Shion Tabata and the Karuizawa landscapes that inspired them. All works are displayed in pairs, with the ceramic work and its background landscape forming a dialogue. This exhibition was realized with the special cooperation of Karuizawa-resident ceramic artist Shion Tabata. Photographer Masatomo Moriyama, who has observed nature through the four seasons, and ceramic artist Shion Tabata, who is fascinated by the land of Karuizawa and dedicated to creating works. The creations of these two individuals with different expressions culminate as a quiet dialogue exchanged without words. This relationship can be likened to the Zen phrase "Nenge Misho" (a subtle smile upon seeing a flower). Please experience the feelings and presence conveyed beyond words through photography.

Karuizawa-resident ceramic artist Shion Tabata

Exhibition Overview
Period: May 8 (Friday) - May 31 (Sunday), 2026
Venue: Within the accommodation building of Hotel Indigo Karuizawa
Number of exhibited works: Approximately 10 photographs by photographer Masatomo Moriyama

Special Cooperation: Shion Tabata, Ceramic Artist residing in Karuizawa

URL: https://karuizawa.hotelindigo.com/special-offers/karuizawa-fotofest2026/

*Exhibition contents are subject to change without notice.

Our hotel will also be a venue for the "KFF International Portfolio Review" scheduled to be held on May 8 (Friday) and May 9 (Saturday), 2026. This program involves photographers, editors, and gallerists from Japan and abroad participating in portfolio reviews. Participants deepen their understanding of their own work and re-evaluate the direction of their future creative activities by receiving critiques from multiple experts.

What is "KARUIZAWA FOTO FEST"?

It is a photography festival born in 2022 from the aspirations of people who love Karuizawa, centered around photographers George Nobbechi and Tsutomu Toyama. Through open calls for works themed on Karuizawa's landscapes, and exhibitions/workshops by photographers from Japan and abroad, it promotes the charm of photography and the region. From 2026, with the theme of "Karuizawa Legacy," it will evolve into an international photo festival that shifts from "taking" photos to "enjoying" them.

https://www.karuizawafotofest.jp/

■ Hotel Overview

・Name: Hotel Indigo Karuizawa

Website: https://karuizawa.hotelindigo.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HotelIndigoKaruizawa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotelindigokaruizawa/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HotelIndigoKrzw

・General Manager: Gentaro Asanuma

・Opening Date: February 17 (Thursday), 2022

・Location: 18-39 Oaza Nagakura Aza Yashikizoe, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano 389-0111

・Phone Number: 0267-42-1100

・Access: (Train/Bus) 2.6km from JR Hokuriku Shinkansen/Shinano Railway "Karuizawa Station," approx. 5 minutes by car.

Approx. 5 minutes walk after alighting at "Minami Karuizawa Intersection" from "Karuizawa Station" via Karuizawa Town Loop Bus East/South Route.

(Car) 9.5km from Joshinetsu Expressway "Usui Karuizawa IC" towards Minami Karuizawa, approx. 17 minutes.

*In winter, roads in the Karuizawa area may require winter tires or chains.

・Number of Guest Rooms: 155 rooms in total