OFFICIAL KUMAMOTO TOURISM GUIDE

Sightseeing

Amakusa area

Sakitsu Church

Facing the calm waters of Yokaku Bay, Sakitsu Village in Amakusa has a long Christian history beginning in 1569 when Luís de Almeida, a Portuguese missionary, brought the religion to the region. Due to a decree banning Christianity in Japan, the locals were forced to hide their faith for over 240 years. The village is considered one of the "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region" and a World Cultural Heritage Site.

The original Sakitsu Church was built from wood in 1888 at the base of Sakitsusuwa Shrine. This was 15 years after the prohibition on Christianity was lifted.

The current Gothic-style church was rebuilt in 1934, during the the time of Father Halbout, a French monk. 
The floors inside the church are made of tatami, which is unusual even in Japan. When the sunlight shines through the stained glass windows it creates a reverend and calming atmoshpere.

 

■Please Note
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The church may be closed to the public for some events.
The church is a place for everyone to come and pray. Please refrain from making excessive noise inside the building.
No photography is allowed
A reservation is necessary to visit the church
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Address
574 Kawauramachi Sakitsu, Amakusa City
Kumamoto Prefecture
Contact
Amakusa City Kawaura Branch Industry and Establishment Division
E-MAIL
sazanka@town.kawaura.kumamoto.jp
TEL
0969-78-6000
FAX
0969-78-6010
Fees
Free admission
Hours
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm
*Entry may be restricted if a wedding ceremony is taking place
Access
By Car: 2 hours 40 minutes from Kumamoto City
45 minutes from Amakusa Airport

Bus: Take the bus from Hondo Bus Center to Itchoda Chuo and transfer to the bus going to Sakitsu Church
From Tomioka Port take the bus to Hondo Bus Center, change to the bus to Itchoda Chuo and then transfer to the bus going to Sakitsu Church
Others
No photography allowed inside
 

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