While Japan isn’t as heavy on Catholicism and Christianity compared to the Philippines, did you know that there are certain sites where Filipinos can take respite and practice moments of faith in the country in the middle of their packed itineraries? One of these sites is Oura Cathedral, a recognized UNESCO Heritage Site located in Nagasaki. Get to know this, along with other hidden Christian Sites in Nagasaki Prefecture, below.

 

The highlights of Oura Cathedral 

 

 

The Oura Cathedral is one of the oldest standing Christian churches in Japan. It was built on a hill facing the Port of Nagasaki during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868) by French missionaries ​​Louis Theodore Furet and Bernard Thadee Petitjean under the order of the Paris Foreign Missionary Society to commemorate the history of Christianity in the city, as well as to accommodate the growing community of foreign merchants in Nagasaki. 

 

Fast forward to 1933, the church was named a national treasure. It was heavily damaged after being hit by an atomic bomb 12 years later but was restored and given back its national treasure standing. Currently, it features contemporary European architecture that attracts many local and foreign visitors and also has a museum about the history of Christianity in Japan. 

 

How to access Oura Cathedral: 5-minute walk from the Ouratenshudo Tram Station on tram line number 5.

 

Other must-visit hidden Christian sites

 

Aside from Oura Cathedral, the entirety of Nagasaki Prefecture is filled with many hidden Christian sites, most of which are also UNESCO Heritage Sites. 

 

 

Hara Castle Ruins in Minami Shimabara City served as a battlefield during the peasant uprising that occurred in 1637. Christian farmers rioted against the oppression of the Shogunate at the time and the location where most of the battle happened eventually became a commemorative site for the sacrifices made during that era. 

 

How to access Hara Castle Ruins: Take a Shimatetsu bus from Shimabara station for 1 hour, and 13 minutes from Harajo-mae bus stop

 

 

Next is Kasuga Village in Hirado City. This place served as a refuge for hidden Christians during the ban on Christianity in Japan. Aside from the idyllic appeal of the village, the beautiful scenery surrounded by green paddies makes for a relaxing and peaceful stop during one’s trip. 

 

How to access Kasuga Village: 1 hour and 50 minutes by car from Nagasaki City

 

 

Even if Sakitsu Church in Amakusa City is located in Kumamoto and not Nagasaki, it’s still often mentioned when talking about Hidden Christian Sites in the area. This UNESCO World Heritage site located by a fishing port features beautiful Gothic architecture made of wood and concrete. The altar of the church was specifically erected in the location where people would formerly swear non-allegiance to Christianity. 

 

How to access Sakitsu Church: 45 minutes by car from Amakusa airport

 

If you’re looking for a different kind of pilgrimage during your next trip to Japan, we hope that these sites will help you fill those empty spaces in your itinerary.

 

Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region Information Centre For visiting the churches for UNESCO World Heritage status https://kyoukaigun.jp/en/