[2025 Nagasaki Attraction] Travel Guide for Urakami Cathedral (Updated Sep)

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 In 2012, Nagasaki was selected as one of the "World's New Three Cities with the Best Night Views" (commonly known as the World's New Three Cities with the Best Night Views) at the 2012 Night View Summit, along with Monaco and Hong Kong. Undoubtedly, Mount Inasa is the most popular spot for night view viewing, where you can have a bird's eye view of Nagasaki's Usugata city, but it will be quite far if you live in Glover Hill. In fact, the night view of Kanyama Park, which is about a 2-minute walk from the second gate of Glover Garden, is also one of the most beautiful night views in Nagasaki. You can see the night view of the Goddess Bridge, the port, and Nagasaki city from the side instead of a bird's eye view. It is not as crowded as Mt. Inasa, and you can enjoy the night view from the beautiful observatory that was renovated in 2014. You are also lucky enough to see the night cherry blossoms. Afterwards, we walked down the mountain and saw Glover Gardens, Oura Catholic Church and Urakami Church, and finally the beach.

Oura Cathedral was built in 1865 and is the oldest existing Catholic building in Japan. It is currently listed as a national treasure of Japan. In memory of the 26 saints of Japan, the church faces the site of their martyrdom - Nishizaka. When you arrive outside the gate of the church, you will see a "ticket sales area". Since this place has become a tourist attraction in "Nagasaki", and the monastery next to the church has also become a museum, you need to buy a ticket to enter. Maybe it is a bit public, so it lacks a bit of sacred and solemn atmosphere, and taking photos is not allowed, so it doesn't feel like a church at all. The Urakami Cathedral was completed in 1914, but was destroyed by the nuclear explosion in Nagasaki in 1945. It was rebuilt in 1959 and became the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nagasaki in 1962. It has now become a famous tourist attraction in Nagasaki. Due to the large number of tourists visiting the church, there are restrictions on entry. The square outside the "Twenty-six Saints Memorial Hall" and "St. Philip de Jesus Church" is the location of the "Twenty-six Saints Martyrdom Monument of Japan", which is exactly where these 26 believers were executed. First, visit the church next door. This church is named after St. Philip, one of the 26 martyrs. It was designed by the famous Japanese architectural designer Kenji Imai. It is designed in Spanish style and incorporates the characteristics of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia. The church is different from Oura Cathedral and Urakami Cathedral in that there are no special restrictions and visitors are welcome to visit and pray. The church also houses the remains of three martyred saints. After leaving the church, we visited the memorial hall next to it. Compared with the cultural relics room of the Hong Kong Diocese and the cultural relics museum of the Macau Diocese, the design, layout and introduction here are very planned and large-scale. We can see the development of the early Catholic Church in Japan, the situation during the ban on religion, and the martyrdom of the saints. As a Catholic, it is worth visiting here. #Nagasaki #Oura Catholic Church #Uragami Catholic Church #26 Saints Memorial Hall #圣フィリッポ‧デ‧ヘススChurch

Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki is the only Catholic cathedral in the world that was destroyed by an atomic bomb. It was rebuilt in 1959 and Pope John Paul II visited it in person in 1981. We went inside and felt a wave of pain. #Nagasaki #Kyushu #Catholic Church #bucketlist#tbt

Nagasaki's Urakami Cathedral is a beautiful brick Catholic church located on a hilltop, about a 15-minute walk from JR Urakami Station. ⛪️🕊️ With a history of being rebuilt after being destroyed by the atomic bomb, it has a "Symbol of Peace" theme. It's a sacred place of prayer and worship for many, with both locals and tourists visiting to quiet their minds. ♡ The church's greatest draw is its magnificent dome, beautiful stained glass windows, and the opportunity to leisurely stroll through the majestic space. ✨ In particular, a portion of the destroyed cathedral remains on the grounds as a relic from the atomic bombing, providing a renewed sense of the preciousness of peace. The quiet, solemn atmosphere is truly soothing. With a garden and plaza, you can enjoy it regardless of the weather, making it a convenient place for a break or meeting up. 🙆♀️ It's relatively easy to access from Nagasaki's tourist attractions, making it a great place to combine a visit to Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum. 🎶 📍Address: 1-79 Motoo-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 852-8112 🕰Hours: Varies depending on visiting hours and mass times. #TravelWithPochiKatsu

#holidayitinerary #Urakami Cathedral Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki stands as a powerful reminder of faith, resilience, and history. Once the largest Catholic church in East Asia, it was tragically destroyed during the atomic bombing in 1945. Today, the reconstructed cathedral welcomes visitors with its striking red brick façade and serene interiors, carrying both beauty and solemnity. Inside, you’ll find statues and relics that survived the blast, each telling stories of hope and endurance. The cathedral is not just a place of worship, but also a symbol of peace and forgiveness. Visiting Urakami offers a meaningful experience, blending history, culture, and the unwavering spirit of the people of Nagasaki.

#holidayitinerary ### **Why Visit?** Urakami Cathedral (浦上天主堂) is a **living testament to Nagasaki’s Christian history and atomic bombing tragedy**. Originally built in 1914 as the largest cathedral in East Asia, it was destroyed by the 1945 atomic bomb—only to rise again in 1959 as a beacon of hope. Today, its red-brick facade and haunting relics offer a profound journey through persecution, destruction, and rebirth . --- ### **Key Highlights** 1. **Atomic Bomb Legacy** - Located **500m from the hypocenter**, the cathedral was obliterated on August 9, 1945, killing priests and worshippers preparing for the Feast of the Assumption. Charred statues and a surviving bell (now displayed) bear witness to the blast . - The **collapsed 50-ton bell tower** still lies where it fell, rerouting a nearby river. A replica of the bomb-damaged wall stands as a memorial . 2. **Rebirth & Reconciliation** - Rebuilt in 1959, the cathedral was restored to its original Romanesque style in 1980. In 2025, a new bell—the *"St. Kateri Bell of Hope"*—was installed, replacing one lost in the bombing, symbolizing peace and forgiveness . 3. **Hidden Christian History** - Built on the site of forced *fumi-e* (image-trampling) ceremonies during Japan’s Christian ban (17th–19th centuries), the cathedral embodies the resilience of Nagasaki’s *Kakure Kirishitan* (hidden Christians) . --- ### **Solo Traveler Tips** 1. **Getting There** - **Tram**: Take Line 1 or 3 to *Peace Park Station* (10 mins from Nagasaki Station), then walk 10 mins . - **Nearby Sites**: Pair your visit with the **Nagasaki Peace Park** (5-min walk) and **Atomic Bomb Museum** . 2. **Etiquette & Timing** - **Hours**: 9:00–17:00 (free entry; donations appreciated) . - **Photography**: Respect worshippers; avoid flash inside. 3. **Hidden Gems** - **Atomic Bomb Relics Exhibition**: Features the surviving *"Atom-bombed Mary"* statue and pre-war photos . - **Temporary Church Site**: A 1946 wooden chapel marked the community’s first step toward recovery . --- ### **Final Thoughts** Urakami Cathedral is more than a church—it’s a **sacred dialogue between grief and grace**. Whether you light a candle for peace, trace the scars of history, or simply sit in its sunlit nave, this place whispers a universal plea: *Never again*. **#NagasakiPeace #HiddenChristians #TravelWithPurpose** *Pro Tip: Visit at noon to hear the surviving Angelus bell ring—a sound silenced in 1945, now reclaimed.* 🔔

#cityplaybook Nagasaki is a city full of quiet charm and deep history—where the ocean meets the hills, and every stop tells a story. From local food to panoramic views, there’s a calm beauty here that stays with you. I started my walk at Dejima Wharf, where sailboats sway gently and the sea breeze feels just right. I had lunch at Dejima Terrace, where I finally tried the local favorite: Turkish Rice. A wild mix of butter rice, Neapolitan spaghetti, pork cutlet, and salad—all on one plate, and all surprisingly good. In the afternoon, I headed up to Mt. Inasa. Even during the day, the 360° view over Nagasaki is breathtaking—you can even spot Battleship Island far out on the sea. It’s no surprise this view is ranked among the world’s new top three nightscapes. To end the day, I spent some quiet time at the Peace Park, Peace Statue, and Urakami Cathedral. Each site is moving in its own way, and walking through them gently reminds you of the strength in remembrance. Why I recommend Nagasaki: ・It’s a city that balances history, reflection, and natural beauty all in one stroll ・You’ll find meaningful moments—and delicious surprises—around every corner 📍Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan #Nagasaki #DejimaWharf #TurkishRice #MtInasaView #PeacePark #UrakamiCathedral #LocalJapan #ScenicWalks #SlowTravel #CityGuide

#0yentripFebruary2025 [Catholic Urakami Church (Urakami Cathedral)] 🕰️Business hours: 0900-1700 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 1-79 Motoomachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 852-8112 💰Price per person: 0~ 💞Reason for recommendation: Went there for sightseeing☺️ I had no plans to stop by anywhere, but the taxi driver who guided me recommended it, so I stopped by‼ ︎ I wasn't sure if I would be able to visit in time, but I made it in time💦 I'm glad I went♪ It's also great that you don't have to buy a ticket to go inside♡ Photography is prohibited inside‼ ︎

It is a Catholic church built by Christians in the Urakami area who once suffered from persecution. However, it was destroyed by the atomic bomb during World War II, and the current one was rebuilt with reinforced concrete. The bell tower that was destroyed by the atomic bomb has been preserved as it is near the current church. The chic brick exterior creates a solemn feeling. You can get close by bus, but you can also walk from the Atomic Bomb Museum. #Sakura2024 #Nagasaki #UrakamiCathedral

🏞[Destination Guide] Nagasaki Urakami Cathedral is the largest Catholic church in Japan in terms of the number of believers and the size of the building. The former site was located in the center of the atomic bomb explosion and suffered devastating damage when it was bombed. Some of the remains were preserved, and the current Urakami Cathedral was rebuilt and still plays an important role in the lives of Nagasaki citizens and believers. The church can be visited for free, and there is also a museum next to it that collects many remnants after the atomic bomb. The statue of the Virgin Mary is currently applying for World Cultural Heritage status and can also be visited for free. 🚉Transportation guide: Transportation to Oura Catholic Church in Nagasaki: You can take a bus and get off at the stop in front of Oura Catholic Church, or take the Nagasaki streetcar lines 1, 2, or 3 to Heiwa Park and walk for about ten minutes. It's a very worthy and nice place to check in!