Nagasaki Ōura Church

Nagasaki Ōura Church (Ōura Tenshudō) is the oldest existing Gothic-style church in Japan and one of the first officially recognized Catholic churches. Built in 1864, it boasts a history of 160 years. Located on the hillside of Minamiyamate in Nagasaki City, it stands alongside the nearby Glover Garden as a symbol of Nagasaki's historical and cultural heritage. In 2018, it was designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region." The church is most famous for a historical event in 1865 when French missionary Father Bernard Petitjean encountered several "hidden Christians" here. They discreetly approached the church, revealed their faith, and uttered the words, "Our hearts are the same as yours." This moment is considered a turning point in the revival of Christianity in Japan, earning Ōura Church the title "Miracle Site of Faith." The church features white exterior walls and a green spire, with stained glass and Gothic arches inside that create a sacred and tranquil atmosphere. Adjacent to the church is the "Ōura Church Museum," which showcases the history of Christianity in Nagasaki and the stories of martyrs. 📍Address: 5-3 Minamiyamate-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 🚶Access: About a 5-minute walk from "Ōura Tenshudō-shita" tram station, near Glover Garden 🕰️Opening Hours: 08:30–17:30 (Open year-round) 💰Admission: Adults ¥1,000, High School Students ¥400, Junior High and Elementary Students ¥300 (includes museum entry)