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Oura Catholic Church

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Oura Catholic Church

The place where hidden Christians confessed to their beliefs. The oldest Japanese wooden brick church.

3.25 3

Last update :
Supervised by :  Oura Catholic Church

The Oura Catholic Church was built for foreigners staying in Japan. Its actual name is “26 Martyrs Church”, and was built in honor of 26 apostles who reached martyrdom in the year 1597. The church faces West Hill, which is where they were executed.

The church was designed by a French priest, Furet, and Father Petitjean. It was constructed by Hidenoshin Koyama in 1864. The church is designed with a gothic architectural style, with bricks, painted with plaster.

When Christianity was banned in March 1865, Christians who were hidden in Urakami visited the church to confess to Father Petitjean. The heart-moving event of a congregation that secretly maintained their faith for approximately 250 years is considered one of the miracles in the history of Christianity around the world.

On August 9th, 1945, the church was damaged by the atomic bomb, and after 5 years of reconstruction, it was rebuilt in 1953, marking itself as a national treasure. In 2018, it became a “Hidden Christian Site in Nagasaki Region”.

The oldest gothic church in Japan built of wood and brick is a must-visit if you ever find yourself in Nagasaki.

Highlights

  • The school and pavilion next to the church is the “Christian Museum”.
  • The statue of the Virgin Mary can be found on a small altar next to the podium.
  • The Virgin Mary statue at the entrance was given by the French to commemorate the discovery of the apostles.
  • The ceiling is designed in an arch-like structure with wooden pillars.
  • Father Petitjean is buried under the church, the pavilion also has a grave.

Photos

  • The white church stands in front of the blue sky.

    The white church stands in front of the blue sky.

  • Virgin Mary statue

    Virgin Mary statue

  • Statue of Petitjean ©Nagasaki Prefecture Convention and Tourism Association

    Statue of Petitjean ©Nagasaki Prefecture Convention and Tourism Association

  • Memorial plaque commemorating the discovery of apostles ©Nagasaki Prefecture Convention and Tourism Association

    Memorial plaque commemorating the discovery of apostles ©Nagasaki Prefecture Convention and Tourism Association

  • A view of Nagasaki from Oura Church

    A view of Nagasaki from Oura Church

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    Oura Catholic Church is a Gothic-style Catholic church with white walls in Nagasaki. It is also Japan's oldest wooden Western-style building and is designated a National Treasure. Its most distinctive feature is its blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, along with the elegantly colored stained-glass windows inside. It is also a sacred site that witnessed the historic miracle known as the “Discovery of the Hidden Christians” in Japan. During my visit, I could feel the solemn, tranquil atmosphere. Sunlight shining through the beautiful stained glass created an interplay of light and shadow that made me feel especially peaceful, and I was deeply moved by the profound history of this World Heritage site.

  • 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
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    When planning a trip to Nagasaki, I recommend choosing a leisurely morning like I did and combining a visit to Oura Catholic Church with nearby Glover Garden. On the walk from the streetcar stop, there are many distinctive souvenir shops and popular snacks along the way.

    As you stroll, you can try the fragrant local specialty kakuni, which is similar to Taiwanese gua bao, as well as smooth Minamiyamate pudding and soft-serve ice cream. The streets are also lined with many charming little shops selling beautiful stained-glass souvenirs that complement the romantic atmosphere of Oura Catholic Church.

    As Japan's oldest surviving wooden Gothic-style church, Oura Catholic Church bears witness to Nagasaki's deep history of faith. It's definitely a great cultural spot to slow down, stroll around, take a closer look, and experience the blend of history and international charm.

  • 夏婉欣
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    This is the oldest Catholic church! The Gothic architecture and the stunning stained glass windows are just breathtaking.

Details

Name in Japanese
大浦天主堂
Postal Code
850-0931
Address
5-3 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki
Telephone
095-823-2628
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
8:30am - 6:00pm
November 1st-End of February 8:30am - 5:30pm
Admission
Adults - 1,000 yen, Middle School and High School students - 400 yen, Elementary School students - 300 yen (includes museum admission)
Access
5 min walk from Ground Train Oura Church station
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa