Nagasaki Prefecture

Religious sites in Nagasaki Prefecture

Sacred Sites of Worship

Nagasaki Prefecture’s religious landscape reflects a unique fusion of global and local traditions. This collection features UNESCO-listed Catholic sites like Oura Church, which commemorates the 26 martyrs, and Urakami Cathedral, rebuilt after the atomic bombing. It includes Zen Buddhist temples founded by Chinese monks in the 17th century and Shinto shrines like Watatsumi, known for its marine torii gates. From the brick architecture of Hirado to the hidden Christian heritage of the Goto Islands and the Iki Shikoku pilgrimage, these sites represent centuries of spiritual resilience.

Sacred Sites of Worship — Map

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Oura Catholic Church

The Oura Church or Oura Cathedral, officially the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan, is a Catholic minor basilica and co…

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B

Urakami Cathedral

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral also St. Mary's Cathedral, often known as Urakami Cathedral after its location Urakami, is a Roman…

Fg2 / Public domain

C

Kofukuji Temple

This Zen temple is the oldest Chinese-founded temple in Nagasaki. It was erected in the 17th century, and serves as one of the most…

Atsasebo / CC-BY-SA-3.0

D

Tabira Church

A red-brick Catholic church completed in 1918. Designed by architect Tetsukawa Yosuke, it is a National Important Cultural Property featuring distinct Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements.

Goldend1979 / CC0

E

海童神社

A Shinto shrine on the Goto Islands distinguished by its unique torii gate constructed from whale jawbones, reflecting the local history of the whaling industry.

F

Watatsumi Shrine

An ancient Shinto shrine on Tsushima Island dedicated to sea deities. It is famous for its five torii gates, two of which stand in the sea and are submerged during high tide.

G

希望の聖母像

A memorial statue overlooking the sea in the Goto Islands, dedicated to the 'hidden Christians' who maintained their faith during centuries of religious persecution.

H

カトリック井持浦教会

This Catholic church on Fukue Island is notable for housing Japan's first Lourdes Grotto, established in 1899 using stones and water brought from the original site in France.

I

壱岐四国八十八ヶ所霊場３番札所（岩熊堂）

The third station of the 88-temple pilgrimage route on Iki Island.

J

壱岐四国八十八ヶ所霊場４番札所（寺原田堂）

The fourth station of the 88-temple pilgrimage route on Iki Island.

K

壱岐四国八十八ヶ所霊場２番札所

The second station of the 88-temple pilgrimage route on Iki Island.

L

壱岐四国八十八ヶ所霊場１番札所（神岳山金蔵寺）

The first station of the 88-temple pilgrimage route on Iki Island, located at Kinzo-ji Temple.

Other Lists

Nagasaki Prefecture: Essential Landmarks and Historical Echoes Editor's Choice: Nagasaki Highlights Nagasaki Museums & Galleries Nagasaki Heritage Sites Parks and Gardens Scenic Viewpoints and Towers