🗺️ Tokyo Resurrection Cathedral (Nicholas Cathedral)

The Tokyo Resurrection Cathedral, also known as Nikolai-do, is a church featuring a circular roof design that stands 35 meters high. This "Resurrection Cathedral," built to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, was completed in 1891. The project was overseen by architect Josiah Conder, who also designed the Rokumeikan. Its official name is "Tokyo Resurrection Cathedral of the Japanese Orthodox Church," but it has been commonly referred to as "Nikolai-do" since the Meiji era, named after Nikolai Kasatkin, a Russian Orthodox missionary who spread Christianity in Japan. In 1917, the cathedral lost support from the Russian Orthodox Church due to the outbreak of the Russian Revolution. The Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 caused the dome to collapse, and the main structure was also destroyed by fire. A revival plan for Nikolai-do began in 1927, and it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1929.

Integrated into the scenery of Ochanomizu, it has become one of the local landmarks. Most countries designate important cultural properties as wooden structures, but the Tokyo Resurrection Cathedral is the oldest brick structure among important cultural properties. You can also visit the interior of the cathedral, known as the Enlightenment Hall. (Photography is prohibited, please adhere to the regulations during your visit.)