Prayer, life, nature, history. “Sotome area” has many faces

The sparkle brought by the sunlight

Designs can be seen throughout the literature museum. As you enter the entrance hall, beads of light pour down. This is the work of stained glass called "Light of the Open Sea." The blue glass is inspired by the literary world of ``Silence'' and the open sea, and the white dots are scattered to represent the foam of the waves.
The light that comes through the glass changes its diffused reflection pattern depending on the weather, creating the illusion that you are floating at the bottom of the deep ocean.

Welcome to the entrance to the world of literature

``Silence'' is a literary work set in the Sotome area, with the theme of ``hidden Christians'' being the keyword of Nagasaki, which is full of exoticism. This area, which became a hot topic when it was made into a movie a few years ago, is home to the literary museum of the original author, Shusaku Endo.
The literary museum, which stands in this sacred place where fans come from all over the country to get a taste of the world of the work, actually has a wonderful space that is a little-known secret. Its name is ``Thought Space Enchanté''. A mysterious room that combines a calm atmosphere with a completely glass-enclosed location that offers the best sea view right in front of your eyes. It is a luxurious space designed for visitors to simply soak in the afterglow. You can read a book or just stare at the scenery. If you've come all the way to Sotome, the first thing you should do is go to this special seat.

"Enchanté" means "nice to meet you" in French.

　　It's the perfect place to start your journey.

[Thought Space Enchanté]
TEL: 0959-37-6011
77 Higashishitsucho, Nagasaki City (within the Endo Shusaku Literary Museum)
Closed: 12/29 - 1/3
Parking: Yes

A young girl is active! Production factory built in Shitsu village

The former Shitsu Relief Center was built with the purpose of helping poor people find new jobs. He taught the young girls of the village how to make bread, somen, and tea. We also make foods that Westerners like, such as pasta and macaroni, and aim to help women become independent.
In addition, the former Shitsu Aid Center, which is the home where the girls who became sisters live and a place to pray, has become an important presence that supports the entire community. Over time, Father de Rotz came to be affectionately known as ``Mr. de Rotz.''

[Former Shitsu Rescue Center]
TEL: 0959-25-1002
2696-1 Nishishidetsu-cho, Nagasaki City
Closed: Monday (the next day if Monday is a holiday)
Parking: Yes

A person named Bastian

Bastian was a legendary Japanese evangelist who once protected his faith and continued his missionary activities in this area. The people of Sotome, Urakami, and Goto talk about him as the person who left behind diary calendars (a liturgical calendar that allocates ceremonies related to the life of Christ throughout the year, designed to heighten faith throughout the year) and prophecies. I've been telling you.
This is the ruins of the mansion where Bastian is said to have hid to avoid being discovered by government officials. Passing through the stone wall of De Rotz that you encounter on the way, and winding your way deep into the mountain along a path, you finally arrive at a small building. Visitors will experience for themselves the meaning of the word "hidden Christian."

The depth of the faith of Hidden Christians as revealed by the ruins of their mansions

The area is filled with a quiet forest atmosphere, and you can hear the sound of the river flowing beside it. Tall trees that grow straight up cover the sky, and a small amount of sunlight leaks through. The narrow stone path beneath your feet is lightly moss-covered, and you can feel the damp air.
After reaching the open space, I looked up at the gentle slope of about 20 meters and saw the ruins of a mansion. As you climb step by step, you will finally come face to face with the sacred old hut that has been waiting for Christians. It was there that I first noticed the scale of the mansion ruins. The fact is that many believers have made this small place, which is only about the eye level of an adult man, their destination. Only when you walk down the path with your own feet and see it before your eyes can you really feel its significance.
The quiet ruins of the mansion speak to your heart, as if to testify to the depth of faith that was secretly shared between the missionary and the hidden Christians.

[Bastien mansion ruins]
TEL: 0959-24-0211 (Nagasaki City Sotome Regional Center)
1397-1 Shinmakinocho, Nagasaki City
Closed: None / Free tour
Parking: None

Touch the history of Sotome

Apparently, there is an old folk house cafe that was renovated over 15 years and is located on top of a hill in Sotome. If you hear such rumors, you can't help but go check them out. So, I came to cafe ozimoc.
It is a component property registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site, and its location right next to Ono Church, which was designed by Father de Rotz for believers, is also attractive.

Cafe lunch overlooking the sea

The exterior is surrounded by flowers and a green garden. The appearance somehow has the atmosphere of a church in Sotome, and my expectations are high.
The first thing you see when you enter the store is the overwhelming view. There was a space in another world that made you think that time only passed slowly here.
Enjoy the ``spicy keema curry'' while seated by the window, overlooking this soothing scenery. It's a very satisfying dish made with locally grown ingredients and vegetables bartered with neighbors.

[CAFE OZIMOC]
TEL: 050-7583-2734
2542 Shimoonomachi, Nagasaki City
Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Parking: Yes

Gaze at the horizon of Kakuriki-nada from Yuhi no Oka

Yuhigaoka Sotome, a roadside station with a wealth of local food, is located right next to the vast ocean and is also famous as a scenic spot bathed in the setting sun.
If you are drawn towards the widening sky, you will be able to see the panoramic view of the Sumonada Sea. On a clear day, you can even see the outlines of the Goto Islands on the horizon.
I think you can row a boat to get there. In the past, Christians may have felt the same way as they thought about the islands that appeared and disappeared across the sea. Time passes while I'm thinking about such things, blown by the wind.
Before you know it, you find yourself immersed in a world bathed in beautiful sunsets. Why don't you leave your memories with the scenery of the ocean that is so enveloping that it burns into your heart, so much so that you forget to take pictures?

Yuuko, a fruit that has been passed down in the Sotome since ancient times

We recommend souvenirs made with Yuko. Yukou trees are only found in two areas, the southern part of Nagasaki City and here in the Sotome area, and when mapped, it becomes clear that they are concentrated in areas where Hidden Christians lived. For this reason, it is said that ``Maybe it was introduced from Christians?'' and the citrus fruit is still shrouded in mystery. The fruit itself is expected to be harvested from late November to mid-January, but it is also available in homemade jams, dressings, cakes, and castella cakes, making it the perfect souvenir.
In addition, there are seasonal vegetables and fruits on display, so be sure to stop by.

[Roadside Station Yuhigaoka Sotome]
TEL: 0959-25-1430
149-2 Higashidezucho, Kurosaki, Nagasaki City
Closed: 1/1-1/3
Parking: Yes

The beauty of the sunset, which has always illuminated the open sea, and the strength of the ocean that envelops you.
The scenery you see after reliving the experience will tempt you beyond your imagination.
How about an immersive experience filled with unconscious emotion and deep knowledge?