Oura Cathedral, officially known as Oura Church of the Twenty-Six Martyrs, is one of Nagasaki’s most significant historical landmarks and Japan’s oldest standing Christian church. Designated as a National Treasure, this striking Gothic-style cathedral is a powerful reminder of Japan’s turbulent history with Christianity and its eventual resurgence in the 19th century. Today, Oura Cathedral is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone interested in Japan’s unique blend of cultures.
Christianity was introduced to Japan in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, most notably Saint Francis Xavier. However, by the early 1600s, Christianity was banned, and believers were forced into hiding, leading to centuries of secret worship by the Kakure Kirishitan (Hidden Christians).
Oura Cathedral was built in 1864 by French missionaries Bernard Petitjean and Louis Furet, at a time when Japan was reopening to the world after more than two centuries of isolation. The cathedral was constructed to serve Nagasaki’s foreign residents but became famous in 1865 when a group of Hidden Christians from Urakami village revealed their faith to Father Petitjean. This event, known as the “Discovery of Hidden Christians,” remains one of the most extraordinary moments in Japanese Christian history.
In 2018, Oura Cathedral was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing, “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region,” recognizing its role in Japan’s complex relationship with Christianity.
Oura Cathedral’s Gothic Revival architecture, with its pointed arches and stained glass windows, is a stunning sight. Inside, some of the original French stained glass from the 19th century remains intact. A bronze Virgin Mary statue at the entrance symbolises the perseverance of Japan’s persecuted Christians. Adjacent to the cathedral, the Christian Museum (Former Latin Seminary) showcases artifacts like old Bibles, rosaries, and fumi-e (persecution-era test plaques). Located near Glover Garden, the cathedral is a perfect stop while exploring Nagasaki’s historic foreign settlement.
Access:
Oura Cathedral is centrally located in Nagasaki and is easy to reach by public transport or on foot.
- By Tram – Take Nagasaki’s tram Line 5 and get off at Ouratenshudo-shita Station. From there, it’s a short uphill walk to the cathedral.
- By Bus – Several city buses stop near Glover Garden, which is adjacent to the cathedral.
- On Foot – If you’re exploring Nagasaki’s other historic sites, Oura Cathedral is within walking distance of Dejima, Glover Garden, and Chinatown.
- By Train – From Nagasaki Station, the cathedral is about a 20-minute walk or a short tram ride.
