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Sakitsu Church

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Sakitsu Church

A church by the sea standing in the faithful fisherman’s village.

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Last update :
Supervised by :  Amakusa Treasure Island Tourism Association

Sakitsu is a peaceful fishing village now, but this “hidden Christians’ village” survived the era of persecutions. Sakitsu Church is at the center of the village with a Gothic-style tower standing tall.

In the Meiji Period, anti Christian law was abolished in 1873, and residents went back to practicing Catholic faith. In 1888, a wooden Sakitsu Church was built. As the building got old, a French missionary, Father Halbout, led the building of a new western-style church which stands today. This is where the former village headman Yoshida’s residence used to stand. The government gave people a test here to step on a Jesus picture to find Christians, and the trial spot is where the altar is built. Nagasaki’s chief carpenter, Yosuke Tetsukawa, constructed it. Due to its coastal location, it is also called the “Cathedral by the Sea.”

The interior is adorned with stained glasses. The floor doesn’t have benches but rare tatami mattresses. Touring inside requires a reservation. When the church has events, a tour is not offered.

Sakitsu Village was registered as a World Heritage in 2018 as a “Latent Christians' heritages in Nagasaki and Amakusa region.”

Highlights

  • Sakitsu Village’s symbol, registered as a World Heritage “Latent Christians' heritages in Nagasaki and Amakusa region.”
  • The inside has rare tatami mattresses.
  • For a tour, make a reservation on the website’s form by 3pm the day before.
  • Mother Mary's statue by the church against the sunset is beautiful.
  • Remember your manners during a tour. Reference 1, Reference 2

Photos

  • During the anti-Christian era, hiding Christians gathered at Sakitsu Suwa Shrine on a village hill.

    During the anti-Christian era, hiding Christians gathered at Sakitsu Suwa Shrine on a village hill.

  • The gothic-style church has the floor of tatami mattresses. Photos inside prohibited

    The gothic-style church has the floor of tatami mattresses. Photos inside prohibited

  • In the peaceful fishing village

    In the peaceful fishing village

  • The statue of Mary on the cape near the church is the location for one of Amakusa’s eight best sunset views.

    The statue of Mary on the cape near the church is the location for one of Amakusa’s eight best sunset views.

  • Sakitsu Village is registered as part of World Heritage “Latent Christians' heritages in Nagasaki and Amakusa region.”

    Sakitsu Village is registered as part of World Heritage “Latent Christians' heritages in Nagasaki and Amakusa region.”

  • Begin your Sakitsu Village tour at Sakitsu Village Guidance Center

    Begin your Sakitsu Village tour at Sakitsu Village Guidance Center

Reviews

1

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Ken 蘇

    This small fishing village by the port gives you a glimpse into the history of Christianity in Japan. Transportation in the countryside isn't very convenient though.

Details

Name in Japanese
﨑津教会
Postal Code
863-1204
Address
539 Kawauramachisakitsu, Amakusa City, Kumamoto
Telephone
0969-78-6000 (Amatsu City Sakitsu Village Guidance Center)
Closed
Open every day (May be closed due to the church’s activities)
Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm (For a tour, make a reservation on the website’s form by 3pm the day before)
Admission
Free
Directions
From JR Kumamoto Station, ride the Express Amakusa Bus and get off at Hondo Bus Center. Switch to Sanko Bus bound for Ushibuka Shimin Byoin and get off at Itchoda Chuo Stop. Switch again to the Sanko Bus bound for Shimoda Onsen, get off at Sakitsu Kyokai Iriguchi Stop, and walk a little.
Official Website
Official Website (English)
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