Catholic Tourist collection · Japan
Faith kept
in secret.
For more than two centuries, Japanese Christian communities sustained belief through persecution and isolation. These martyr sites, villages and churches make their witness visible.
10 sacred places12 UNESCO components250+ years of witness
A careful distinction
Hidden, then discovered.
UNESCO’s inscription includes twelve components—ten villages, the remains of Hara Castle and Ōura Cathedral. This collection presents the principal places currently supported by responsible access and sourcing.
BasilicaŌura CathedralNagasaki, JapanOpen pilgrimage guide →ShrineTwenty-Six Martyrs Shrine and MuseumNagasaki, JapanOpen pilgrimage guide →CathedralUrakami CathedralNagasaki, JapanOpen pilgrimage guide →Archaeological SiteRemains of Hara CastleMinamishimabara, JapanOpen pilgrimage guide →Parish ChurchShitsu Village and ChurchSotome, JapanOpen pilgrimage guide →Parish ChurchOno Village and ChurchSotome, JapanOpen pilgrimage guide →
The mapped collection
Martyrs, villages and churches
01
Ōura CathedralBasilica · Nagasaki
→02Twenty-Six Martyrs Shrine and MuseumShrine · Nagasaki
→03Urakami CathedralCathedral · Nagasaki
→04Remains of Hara CastleArchaeological Site · Minamishimabara
→05Shitsu Village and ChurchParish Church · Sotome
→06Ono Village and ChurchParish Church · Sotome
→07Kashiragashima Village and ChurchParish Church · Shinkamigoto
→08Egami Village and ChurchParish Church · Goto
→09Former Gorin ChurchArchaeological Site · Goto
→10Sakitsu Village and ChurchParish Church · Amakusa
→Plan with care
Some churches require advance contact.
Kashiragashima, Egami and Former Gorin are living sacred places in remote communities. Reserve access, confirm ferries and follow local photography and conduct rules.
Read the official access guidance ↗