Touring world heritage sites
~Visiting Christian-related cultural heritage~ Nagasaki Christian travelogue
"Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Region" was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2018.
This is a one-night, two-day course that visits three of the 12 constituent assets scattered throughout Nagasaki City and Christian-related spots.
On the first day, you will visit Nagasaki Station and the Minami-Yamate area, and on the second day, you will rent a car and visit Hidden Christian-related heritage sites in the Shitsu and Ono villages in the Sotome area.
*Before visiting the church.Special feature: “Etiquette and basic knowledge for visiting churches”Please confirm!
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- Required Time
- 1 night 2 days
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- transportation
- Car, tram, foot
START
Day 1
Nagasaki Station
About 6 minutes on foot
Day 1
Catholic Nakamachi Church
The first church was built on the site of Sakuramachi Prison, where Christians were imprisoned from the Edo period to the Meiji period.
Near JR Nagasaki Station, the beautiful chalk white Nakamachi Church, whose huge spire can be seen from between the buildings, is a representative Catholic church in Nagasaki with a history of over 120 years.
On August 1945, 8, the church was destroyed by the atomic bomb, leaving only its outer walls and spire, but thanks to donations from around the world and the services of believers, it was rebuilt in October 9, keeping the outer walls and spire intact. Today, there are still traces of the atomic bombing on the north wall of the church, and it has been designated by Nagasaki City as a valuable atomic bomb relic.
In the center of the church's altar is a statue of the ``Smiling Cross,'' and within the grounds is a statue of Saint Thomas the West and the 15 Martyrs, who were martyred on Nishizaka Hill.You can feel the history of Catholicism in Nagasaki. Sho.
Address | 850-0055 Nakamachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 1-13 | |
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Phone | 095-823-2484 | |
Opening hours | 7:45-17:00 (Visitors are not allowed during mass hours) | |
Days Off | Open all year round | |
Prices | Free *Please donate to the donation box |
About 6 minutes on foot
Day 1
Martyrdom site of the 26 Japanese Saints (Nishizaka Park)
A hill with reliefs and memorials of saints that tell the history of Christian oppression
Nishizaka Park is located on a small hill on the east side of JR Nagasaki Station, about a 6-minute walk up the slope next to NHK Nagasaki Broadcasting Station.
This is the hill where six Franciscan missionaries and 1597 Japanese believers who were evangelizing to the Keihan region were executed on February 2, 5, due to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's ban on Christianity. It is said that believers requested this place to be the place of execution because of its resemblance to Golgotha Hill, where Christ was crucified, and even after the martyrdom of the 6 Saints, many people were executed here. I did.
It is also known that Francis, the 2019th Pope of Rome, prayed here when he visited Nagasaki in November 11. Considering the fact that there was a time in Japan when freedom of religion was taken away, why not think about history that must not be repeated and go to a place where you pray for peace?
Address | 850-0051 Nishizakacho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 7-8 (Twenty-Six Saints of Japan Memorial Hall) | |
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Phone | 095-822-6000(26 Japanese Saints Memorial Hall) |
(on the premises)
Day 1
26 Japanese Saints Memorial Hall
A museum introducing the history and culture of Christianity in Japan since Xavier's visit to Japan
On February 1597, 2, 5 Christians were executed for the first time in Japan due to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's ban on Christianity. This museum was built in 26 to commemorate the 1962th anniversary of the canonization of the 100 Japanese Saints on Nishizaka Hill, the site of martyrdom, and is an official pilgrimage site for Catholics known worldwide.
The recently renovated memorial hall exhibits the history of Christianity in Japan from the arrival of St. Francis Introducing the message. Valuable exhibition materials such as "The Complete Letters of St. Francis Xavier", the 16th century "Pieta" of the same type as the fumi-e, "Snowy Santa Maria", a painting related to the Hidden Christians, and stained glass, as well as approximately 3,000 specialized books. On the second floor there is a special exhibition room called ``Eiko no Ma'' designed by architect Mr. Imai.
Address | 850-0051 Nishizakacho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 7-8 | |
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Phone | 095-822-6000 | |
Opening hours | 9:00~17:00 | |
Days Off | 12/31-1/2 | |
Prices | Adults: 500 yen, junior high and high school students: 300 yen, elementary school students: 150 yen *Please check the official website for group rates (20 people or more) and various discounts. |
Approximately 5 minutes on foot, approximately 4 minutes by tram from "Nagasaki Ekimae Station" tram stop, and approximately 12 minutes on foot from "Dejima" tram stop
Day 1
[Lunch] Chinese restaurant Shikairo
Famous store where Champon originated
The origin of ``Champon'' is a dish invented by Shikairo's first owner, Chen Pingjun. Even now, 120 years after its creation, more and more people are fascinated by Shikairo Champon! It can also be enjoyed as a Champon theme park, with an observation restaurant on the 5th floor overlooking Nagasaki Port and a Champon museum on the 2nd floor.
Address | 850-0921 Matsugaedacho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 4-5 | |
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Phone | 095-822-1296 | |
Opening hours | Business hours and store holidays are subject to change, so please check before visiting. |
About 5 minutes on foot
Day 1
Oura Cathedral
One of the constituent assets of the World Cultural Heritage Site “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Regions”
It was built in the Nagasaki settlement after the opening of the country at the end of the Edo period, and is known as the oldest existing church in Japan. It is a Gothic-style church with beautiful stained glass that faces Minami-Yamate Glover Street.
In March of the following year after its completion at the end of 1864, the Hidden Christians of Urakami visited and confessed their faith, making it the stage for a ``discovery of believers'' unprecedented in the history of world religions. This church was dedicated to the 3 Japanese saints who were martyred just before its construction, and the front of the cathedral faces Nishizaka, the site of the martyrdom.
In addition, it is one of the constituent assets of "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Region", which was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2018.
Address | 850-0931 Minamiyamatecho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 5-3 | |
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Phone | 095-823-2628 | |
Opening hours | [Preview time] Regular hours: 8:30-18:00 (Reception and last admission until 17:30) Winter season (November 11st to the end of February) / 1:2 to 8:30 (Reception and last admission until 17:30) |
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Prices | [Admission fee] Adults 1,000 yen, junior high and high school students 400 yen, elementary school students 300 yen (Persons with disabilities) 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for junior high and high school students, 150 yen for elementary school students *Group discount available (20 people or more) *The admission fee includes the admission fee for "Oura Cathedral Christian Museum." |
(on the premises)
Day 1
Oura Church Christian Museum
Learn about the history of Japanese Christianity on the stage of “Discovering Christians”
This museum is located on the grounds of Oura Catholic Church and consists of the facilities of the "Former Luoden Seminary", a nationally designated important cultural property, and the "former Nagasaki Archbishop's Hall", a tangible cultural property designated by Nagasaki Prefecture. You can deeply understand the value of Oura Cathedral, and learn interesting things such as ``Encounter with the West,'' ``History of the period of prohibition and hiding,'' and ``History of Japanese Christianity,'' leading to the ``discovery of believers.''
Address | 850-0931 Minamiyamatecho, Nagasaki 5-3 | |
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Phone | 095-801-0707 | |
Opening hours | 8:30-18:00 (Admission to Oura Cathedral grounds is until 17:30) *11:1-2:8 from November 30st to the end of February (Admission to Oura Cathedral premises is until 17:30) |
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Days Off | 12/31-1/2 |
About 1 minutes on foot
Day 1
Glover Garden
Experience the spectacular view of Nagasaki Port that even great figures were fascinated by!
Located on Minami-Yamate Hill overlooking the panoramic view of Nagasaki Port, it is one of Nagasaki's most popular sightseeing spots, full of exotic atmosphere.
Six Western-style buildings from the Meiji period that were scattered around the city have been relocated and restored, mainly the former Glover House, former Ringer House, and former Orto House, all of which are nationally designated important cultural properties. The stone pavements and stone steps that retain the vestiges of the settlement era further enhance the atmosphere of history and culture. Every part of the park is decorated with flowers, and no matter where you look, it's a picturesque space.
We also boast a great location overlooking Nagasaki Port with Mt. Inasa, a landmark of Nagasaki City, in the background. It is no wonder that the great people who lived there right after the opening of the port were fascinated by this spectacular view.
Address | 850-0931 Minamiyamatecho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 8-1 | |
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Phone | 095-822-8223 | |
Opening hours | 8:00-18:00 (normal period) *Entrance reception closes 20 minutes before closing. *There are periods when the park is open at night (for details, please see the official website or see below) Nighttime opening schedule *The schedule may change depending on the event, weather, etc. *The last admission time is 20 minutes before closing time. (FY2024) 〇July 7st (Monday) - October 1th (Wednesday) 8: 00-21: 30 (last admission 21:10) 〇October 10th (Thursday) - March 10st (Monday) 8: 00-20: 00 (last admission 19:40) *Excluding 10/30 (Wed), 10/31 (Thu), 11/5 (Tue). On the above dates, the park is open from 8:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:40) |
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Days Off | Open XNUMX days a week | |
Prices | Adults 620 yen, high school students 310 yen, elementary and junior high school students 180 yen *Group discount available *Various reduction/exemption fees available |
(on the premises)
Day 1
Glover Garden Jiyutei Tea Room
A coffee room in Glover Garden with a view of the ocean
Jiyutei Cafe is located in Glover Garden with a panoramic view of Nagasaki Port. Dutch coffee, invented by the Dutch and brewed drop by drop over 24 hours, has a rich aroma. Don't miss the retro building where you can feel the history of Jiyutei, which opened as the first Western restaurant by a Japanese chef at the end of the Edo period. How about an elegant coffee time in a location overlooking the garden and Nagasaki Port?
Address | Inside Glover Garden, 850-0931 Minamiyamatecho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 8-1 | |
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Phone | 095-823-8770 | |
Opening hours | 9:30-17:15 (OS 16:45) | |
Days Off | Open all year round |
Approximately 6 minutes on foot, approximately 5 minutes by tram from "Oura Tenshudo" tram stop (number 11), and approximately 3 minutes on foot from "Hamacho Arcade Station" tram stop.
Day 1
[Dinner] Yoshimune Restaurant Hamacho Main Branch
Established 153 years ago, traditional taste passed down
A long-established store famous throughout the country for the original chawanmushi. A set of chawanmushi and three-colored steamed sushi, which is a bowl-sized bowl full of seafood and mountain delicacies, is a standard menu called ``couple mushi.'' We also have chawanmushi and kakuni for gifts. The old-fashioned welcoming of guests by ringing a wooden tag will also make you happy.
Address | 850-0853 Hamacho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 8-9 | |
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Phone | 095-821-0001 | |
Opening hours | 11: 00-21: 00 (L.O20: 00) | |
Days Off | Every Monday and Tuesday (excluding holidays and busy seasons) January 1, February 1, February 8 *Subject to change. Please check the latest information on the official website. |
mobile
Day 1
[Accommodation] Accommodation in Nagasaki city
mobile
Day 2
Nagasaki Station
On the second day, we rented a car near Nagasaki Station and headed to the Sotome area, which has a strong Christian culture! You can also enjoy the spectacular view of the sea!
This is also recommended for those who want to learn more.
"Sotome Christian Guide"
We will introduce you to the history of Christianity, including the hidden Christians in the Sotome area of Nagasaki City, the village of Christians.
Course: Sotome History and Folklore Museum ~ Shitsu Church ~ Father de Rotz Memorial Museum
Time required: 1 hour 30 minutes
Implementation days: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays *Reservations required on weekdays
Sotome Tourist Guide Station (TEL: 090-2713-5159)
About 45 minutes by car
Day 2
Kurosaki Church
Impressive with beautiful stained glass and solid brickwork
The site for Kurosaki Church was created in 1897 under the direction of Father de Rotz, and completed in 1920. It is also known as the setting for Shusaku Endo's novel ``Silence,'' and from where the church is built, you can see the dazzling blue sea of Sumonada.
The church is made of bricks laid one by one by the faithful as a result of their service and sacrifice. The simple structure of the one-story tile roof emphasizes the beauty of the brickwork. The deep interior has a ribbed vault ceiling, and the stained glass that shines through the gentle light will touch your heart. The attached bell tower was built to pray for the conversion of hidden Christians.
The statue of Saint Mary with outstretched arms gently welcomes visitors, making for an impressive sight.
Address | 851 Kamikurosakicho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 2324-26 | |
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Opening hours | [Preview hours] 9:00-17:00 *However, (1) Mass, ceremonial occasions, etc. may not be possible. ②It may be closed. |
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Days Off | Nothing in particular | |
Prices | Free (*Please donate to the donation box.) |
About 3 minutes by car
Day 2
[Lunch/Souvenir] Roadside Station Yuhigaoka Sotome
A sunset spot with a panoramic view of the majestic Kadoirada Sea
Lunch will be at a roadside station overlooking the ocean in Sotome Town! At the restaurant, which overlooks the magnificent Sumonada Sea, you can enjoy home-cooked meals made with plenty of local ingredients.
The roadside station ``Yuhigaoka Sotome'' has an observation deck where you can see the magnificent scenery of the islands in the magnificent Sumounada Sea and the Shitsu Bunkamura, and on clear days you can see the Goto Islands in the distance. It is a spot where you can enjoy the spectacular view. In particular, the view of the sunset from here is said to be one of the most beautiful in Nagasaki.
The product hall sells local seasonal agricultural, forestry and fishery products, specialty products such as de Rotz somen noodles, and crafts. There is also a takeout shop selling ice cream and soft serve ice cream.
Address | 851-2327 Higashishitsucho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 149-2 | |
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Phone | 0959-25-1430 | |
Opening hours | 物産販売所:(4~9月)9:00~19:00(10~3月)9:00~18:00 テイクアウト館:(4~9月)11:00~19:00(10~3月)11:00~18:00 レストラン:ランチ11:00~15:00(LO14:00)、ディナー(軽食に限る):(4~9月)15:00 ~19:00(LO18:30)(10~3月)15:00~18:00(LO17:30) |
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Days Off | Product sales office: January 1st to January 1rd, takeout hall and restaurant open every day |
About 3 minutes by car
Day 2
Former Izutsu Rescue House
A vocational and welfare facility established in the early Meiji era by Father de Rotz, who invested his personal funds to help villagers in extreme poverty.
Part of the facility has been designated as a national important cultural property as the remains of a valuable vocational and welfare facility from the early Meiji period.
In order to convey the thoughts of Father de Rotz, who devoted his life to Sotome and is still admired by the people, in addition to facility tours, there are now opportunities to experience cooking and farming. There is also a cafe-restaurant called Vossroll, which shares the same name as Father de Rotz's hometown, and serves home-cooked meals, homemade bread, and home-grown herbal tea.
Address | 851-2322 Nishishidetsu-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 2696-1 | |
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Phone | 0959-25-1002 | |
Opening hours | Tuesday-Saturday 9:00-17:00 日曜日、8月15日、11月7日、12月25日 11:00~17:00 *Final reception 16:30 |
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Days Off | Monday (the next day if Monday is a holiday), 12/29-1/3 | |
Prices | Fee * Adult: 400yen Junior high and high school students 250 yen Elementary school students and under: 200 yen *Group discount available *Persons with disabilities receive a 50 yen discount from the above price (please show your disability certificate) |
About 1 minutes on foot
Day 2
Nagasaki City Father de Rotz Memorial Hall
Built in 1885 (Meiji 18) by Father de Rotz to help the poor, it also houses a sardine net factory and school.
In 1879, Father Marco-Marie de Rotz, a French missionary who was appointed as the chief priest of the Sotome district, carried out social welfare, civil engineering, and architecture in the Sotome region with a spirit of deep love for humanity and a wonderful frontier spirit.・Contributed services to medical care, education, culture, industry, etc. He never returned to his home country and dedicated his life to the salvation of the souls and bodies of the people of Sotome who lived in poverty.
The memorial building was designed and constructed by the priest himself in 1885 as a sardine net factory, and was later used as a nursery school. It is a one-story wood-framed brick building with a western-style king post truss roof, making it unique among Western-style buildings from the Meiji era. In 2003, it was designated as a national important cultural property as part of the former Shitsu Rescue Center.
Inside, items related to the priest's various works in this area are displayed, including materials such as the colored woodblock print ``Salvation of Souls in Purgatory'', which is designated as a cultural property by the prefecture, as well as surgical instruments, and carpentry and plastering tools. , Somen and macaroni making tools, stockinette knitting machines, etc. are on display. You can get a glimpse of what was going on at the time, including religious matters, medical care, civil engineering, architecture, and industry.
Address | 851 Nishishigetsu-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 2322-2633 | |
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Phone | 0959-25-1081 | |
Opening hours | 9:00~17:00 | |
Days Off | 12/29-1/3 | |
Prices | Individual: General 310 yen / Elementary, junior high and high school students 100 yen Common admission fee with Nagasaki City Sotome History and Folklore Museum *Group discounts available |
About 5 minutes on foot
2nd day Advance notice required
Shitsu Church
A church built by Father de Rotz, a French missionary who dedicated his life to the open sea.
This church was built on a hill in the Shitsu village in the Sotome district in 1882, and was designed and directed by French missionary Marc-Marie de Rotz himself. Expansion and renovation in 1891 and 1909 completed most of its current appearance, giving it an impressive appearance with its pure white exterior walls and two towers.
The church, which Father de Rotz completed by investing his own money and working with his followers to improve the poor lives of the villagers, is one of the rare early churches built in the early Meiji period. This is a very valuable church, designed and constructed by the same priest from its construction to its two additions, and has been designated as a national important cultural property.
Built on a slightly elevated slope so that it can be seen from as many places as possible, the church is a one-story brick and tiled building with a low ceiling and a low ceiling to withstand the strong winds of the Sumonada Sea.The exterior walls are made of brick with white plaster. It is a simple but sturdy building. The ``Angelus Bell'' and the ``Statue of Mary'' that stands on top of the tower were brought by the priest from France, and they still support the area as a place of peace for believers, with the beautiful chimes of the bell echoing in the morning and evening.
On the premises there are busts of ``Father de Rotz'' and ``Paul Chikazo Nakamura,'' who was the right-hand man of successive priests.
*Advance notice is required for tours, regardless of whether you are an individual or a group.
Address | 851 Nishishidetsu-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 2322-2633 | |
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Phone | 095-823-7650(Hidden Christian Heritage Information Center in Nagasaki and Amakusa Region) | |
Opening hours | 9:00-17:00 (excluding 12:00-13:00) ※however ①It may not be possible during Mass, ceremonial occasions, etc. ②It may be closed. 【Note】 On the first and third Sundays of the month, you will not be able to tour the church until 1:3 due to the celebration of Mass. If you wish to take a tour, please contact us in advance. |
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Prices | Free *Please donate to the donation box |
About 9 minutes by car
2nd day Advance notice required
Ono Church
A small itinerant church built by Father de Rotz
This is a small itinerant church built in 1893 with personal funds by Father de Rotz, who was appointed as the chief priest of the Sotome area. It is said that he designed it himself and built it together with the believers for the 26 houses of the Ohno village.
The building resembles a private house, with stone walls and a tiled roof, and its distinctive feature is its outer wall. It was built by piling up local basalt and solidifying it with plaster mortar, and it is called the ``De Rotz Wall'' by locals because it was a construction method devised by Father de Rotz. Father de Rotz's architectural techniques can also be seen throughout, such as the brick side windows with semicircular arches at the top and the Western-style roof structure.
*Advance notice is required for tours, regardless of whether you are an individual or a group.
Address | 2619 Shimoonocho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture | |
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Phone | 095-823-7650(Hidden Christian Heritage Information Center in Nagasaki and Amakusa Region) | |
Opening hours | If you would like to tour, please contact the Hidden Christian Heritage Information Center in the Nagasaki and Amakusa regions in advance. *The inside is not open to the public. |
Immediately on foot
Day 2
CAFE OZIMOC
Take a relaxing break at an old folk house cafe with a spectacular view
"CAFE OZIMOC" is located on top of a small hill. The store, which is a renovated old folk house, has a stone and brick exterior and a quaint garden full of greenery, perfect for the Sotome atmosphere! The magnificent ocean and sky can be seen outside the large windows, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing moment while feeling the great outdoors. Homemade sweets and the owner's special coffee are also popular!
Address | 851 Shimoonocho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 2427-2542 | |
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Phone | 050-7583-2734 | |
Opening hours | 11:00~17:00 | |
Days Off | Tuesday-Thursday |
Approximately 1 hour by car (rental car return)
Day 2
Nagasaki Station
GOAL
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