🗺️ Sakitsu Church﨑津教会

The area where the Sakitsu Church is located is now a tranquil fishing village, but it was once the Sakitsu settlement of the "Hidden Christian Street" village that survived through turbulent times. The Gothic tower church standing at the center is the Sakitsu Church. Entering the Meiji era, after the lifting of the ban in 1873, the residents returned to Catholicism, and in 1888, the wooden Sakitsu Church was established. Due to aging and decay, it was relocated in 1934 under the guidance of missionary Father Halbe. The current solemn Western-style church is a later construction. The new church is situated on the site of the former Yoshida family residence, where the "Eita" (a traditional Japanese foot-dragging dance) was performed, and this location now serves as the altar. The construction was overseen by the renowned Nagasaki carpenter Tekkawa. Facing the harbor, it is known as the "Sea Church." Inside the church, there are beautiful stained glass windows, and the floors are laid with Japanese tatami mats instead of chairs, which is quite rare. Visits to the interior of the church require prior reservation, and it is not open to visitors during church events. The Sakitsu settlement, where the church is located, was registered as part of the "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Region" as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.

The registration of hidden Christian heritage at UNESCO World Heritage is a symbol of the Sakitsu settlement. It is quite rare to find tatami mats laid inside the church. If you wish to visit the interior, please fill out the reservation form on the official website by 3 PM the day before. The sunset overlapping with the statue of Mary near the church is exceptionally beautiful. Please adhere to the following rules during your visit: Rule 1, Rule 2.