History of Sakitsu Village
The fishing village of Sakitsu played a big role during the time of the Christian prohibition. Because of its hidden location, the village was the focal point for Christian propagation. Sacred sites, as well as the village’s main roads and stone walls, still remain up to this day.
Sakitsu Church
The present-day Sakitsu Church is a mix of Western and Japanese culture, reconstructed in 1934. While the outside may have gothic features like a modern church would, the inside flooring is still covered with tatami mats.
Minato-ya Museum of Sakitsu
At this museum, visitors can see displays of artifacts that the locals used to practice their faith during the Christian prohibition.
Visiting guidelines
■ Reservation is required prior to visiting Sakitsu Church. Please contact Sakitsu Village Guidance Center.
■ Sakitsu Church is closed every Monday.
■ Mass is held every Sunday morning. Photography inside the church is prohibited.
■ Sakitsu Walking Tours are available for tourists.
■ Please respect the locals living in the residential village.
Visiting hours
The Sakitsu Church is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed every Monday.
How to get there
■ Via air
Take Amakusa Airlines to the Amakusa Airport on Shimoshima Island. They have daily flights from Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto. From the airport, take a shuttle bus to Central Amakusa (340 yen).
■ Via land (from Kumamoto)
Take the Kyushu Sanko Bus that goes between Kumamoto (Kumamoto Kotsu Center and the JR Kumamoto Station) and Amakusa City (Hondo Bus Center) on Shimoshima Island (2, 240 yen/one way).
■ Via ferry (from the Shimabara Peninsula)
There are hourly ferries (360 yen) that connect Kuchinotsu Port and Oniike Port
■ Via ferry (from Kagoshima)
A ferry connects Kuranomoto Port with Ushibuka port (490 yen).
Address
863-1204 Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
