The long history of foreign settlements in the region has shaped the city of Nagasaki. The city stands out from the rest of Japan in various ways, and in particular, it has made Nagasaki the main centre for Christianity in the country. As a result, the city, and the prefecture at large, are embellished with captivating churches that pop up around town and on top of the mountains. Some of these churches are historical landmarks while others are just simply beautiful and worth the look. Religious beliefs aside, the churches in the region are very charming and deserve a look.
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01
Urakami Cathedral
Officially St. Mary’s Cathedral, this church is commonly know as Urakami Cathedral after the neighbourhood it is located in. It is one of the most (if not the most) important churches in the city, first for having been the biggest Christian structure in all of the Asia-Pacific region from the time it was built in 1925 to the time of its destruction in 1945. And second, for having been close to where the atomic bomb fell and thus destroyed by the impact, as a service was taking place inside. The church has since been rebuilt on the same pre-war hilltop and in close distance to the Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum, where some of its remaining structure can be seen.
![Urakami Cathedral]()
Urakami Cathedral
- Urakami Cathedral
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4.0
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- Nagasaki Pref. Nagasakishi Motomachi 1-79
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02
Oura Church
This is the church of the 26 Martyrs. It was built in 1865 as the prayer site for the martyrs executed at Nishizaka Hill, during Edo under orders of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Oura Church was built to line straight with the execution site across the city, where the 26 Martyrs Memorial exists today. Japan’s oldest wooden church sits in Minami-Yamatemachi along Glover Dori and it is thus part of a sightseeing itinerary around the Dutch settlement district.
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Oura Church
- Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan (Oura Cathedral)
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- Nagasaki Pref. Nagasakishi Minamiyamatemachi 5-3
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- 0958232628
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- 8:30-18:00 (Last entry 30 mi…
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SETRE Glovers House Nagasaki
2-28 Minamiyamatemachi Nagasaki
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03
St. Philip’s Church
Looking up at the towers of St. Phillip’s Church, you may be thinking you are in Barcelona. The church’s architecture resembles the work of Gaudi and stands out due to its colourful collages and sculptures. What makes this beautiful piece of architecture extra special are the adjacent memorial and museum commemorating the 26 catholic martyrs who lost their lives on the same hill. Although newer buildings are blocking the view, the Oura Church is said to be located in a straight line with St. Phillip’s Church. Behind the martyr memorial, you can visit a museum about the martyrs and Christianity in Japan.
![St. Philip’s Church]()
St. Philip’s Church
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04
Shitsu Church
Shitsu Church is not located in the city of Nagasaki. To reach it you’ll need to drive a good 55 minutes toward the north of Nagasaki Prefecture up to Shiroyama Mountain. Long drive aside, Shitsu Church is worth it not only for its rustic architecture more common in Europe than in Japan, but also for its scenic location. After you have visited Shitsu Church, drive back down the Endo Shusaku Literary Museum a couple of kilometres away, and watch as the sun sets across the ocean and over the Goto Islands in the distance.
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Shitsu Church
- Shitsu Church
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4.5
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- Nagasaki Pref. Nagasakishi Nishishitsumachi 2633
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- 0959250012
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05
Magome Church
This gothic styled church sprouts out of a hilltop on Okinoshima Island. It was built during the Meiji Period and designated as a Registered Tangible Culture Properties of Japan. You can reach this beauty by car in under 40 minutes from Nagasaki City. If seeing the church from a distance is enough, then keep an eye out for it during the boat tour to Gunkanjima Island, where the boat’s captain is quick to give out some details about the church.
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Magome Church
- 馬込教会
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- 長崎県長崎市伊王島町2丁目617
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