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 in the heart 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 photo exhibition featuring 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. Renewed from the outdoor exhibition previously held at Yagasaki Park, the exhibition area has expanded to various locations within Karuizawa town, and this hotel has now become one of the venues. All exhibited works are photographed with themes related to Karuizawa's landscapes and stories. It will offer a new appreciation experience set against the backdrop of Karuizawa as a whole, as a "circuit exhibition" where one encounters photographs as if touring the town.

Exhibition of Works by Photographer Masatomo Moriyama

At our hotel, we will exhibit works by photographer Masatomo Moriyama under the theme of "Neighbourhood Story 'Dialogue'". Photographer Masatomo Moriyama captured the pottery works of Shion Tabata, a potter residing in Karuizawa, and the Karuizawa landscapes that inspired them. All works are displayed in pairs, with the pottery piece and its inspiring landscape forming a dialogue. This exhibition was realized with the special cooperation of Shion Tabata, a potter residing in Karuizawa. Photographer Masatomo Moriyama, who has observed nature through the four seasons, and potter Shion Tabata, who is dedicated to creating works captivated by the land of Karuizawa. The creations of these two artists with different expressions culminate in 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 nuances conveyed beyond words through these photographs.

Shion Tabata, Potter residing in Karuizawa

Exhibition Overview Period: May 8 (Fri) - May 31 (Sun), 2026 Venue: Within the accommodation building of Hotel Indigo Karuizawa Number of Exhibits: Approximately 10 photographs by Masatomo Moriyama

Special Cooperation: Shion Tabata, Potter 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 allows photographers, editors, and gallerists from Japan and abroad to participate in portfolio reviews. Participants deepen their understanding of their own work by receiving critiques from multiple experts and use it as an opportunity to re-evaluate the direction of their future creative activities.

What is "KARUIZAWA FOTO FEST"?

It is a photo festival born in 2022 from the aspirations of people who love Karuizawa, centered around photographers George Nobuji and Tsutomu Toyama. It disseminates the charm of photography and the region through open calls for works themed on Karuizawa's landscapes, as well as exhibitions and workshops by 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.

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 Nagakura Aza Yashikizoe, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture 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 getting off at "Minami Karuizawa Intersection" from "Karuizawa Station" by 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 Rooms : 155 rooms