🗺️ Amakusa Christian Museum天草キリシタン館

The Amakusa Christian Museum focuses on the history of Christianity in the region, centered around the Shimabara Rebellion (Shimabara and Amakusa Uprising). It reopened in 2010 as the "Amakusa City Christian Museum." The exhibitions are divided into four sections: "History of Christianity in Amakusa," "The Introduction of Nanban Culture and Amakusa," "Shimabara and Amakusa Uprising," and "The Revival of Amakusa and Christian Faith after the Uprising." It showcases approximately 200 valuable items, including a painted scroll used to suppress Christians and a statue of Maria Kannon, which was hidden by Christians. Among the highlights is the "Amakusa Shirō Battle Flag (Ronzoko Chishoku Holy Eucharist Symbol)," which was actually used during the Shimabara and Amakusa Uprising and is designated as an important cultural property by the national government. The flag features a central depiction of a chalice and a disk representing the Holy Eucharist, flanked by two angels' flags, which bear blood and arrow marks. The museum is open for visits during specific periods (please check the official website for the opening dates).

It showcases around 200 precious items, including the踏繪 used to suppress Christians and the statue of Maria Kannon, which was secretly protected by Christians. The opening dates for the national treasure, the 天草四郎陣中旗 (Colored Holy Eucharist Image), can be confirmed on the official website. It is the oldest museum facility in the 天草 region.