Catholic Gorin Church

Japan’s Churches on Remote Islands Surrounded by Sea

Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture are archipelago group of islands, and one of them is called Mujin Island. Christian caves can be found here on this island.
Christianity was introduced to Japan in 1549.
However, in 1587 Christianity was banned by the shogun of that time,
and Christians were harshly suppressed for a period of 300 years.
Christians hid in the islands or caves to continue practice their religious belief.
Kusuhara Church. In 1797 Christians reclaimed this region and cultivated here.
The current church was constructed by Christians themselves in 1912.
Aosagaura Cathedral. It is said it was firstly built in 1878.
In 1910 Christians carried bricks to have made what it looks now. It is also an important Japanese cultural asset.
Hamawaki Church. This wooden church was built by Christians in 1881.
As the area is exposed in the sea breeze, the church suffered severe damages and was reconstructed in 1931.
Kyugorin Church. The old Hamawaki Church was relocated and renamed after original Hamawaki Church was rebuilt in 1931.
The Kyugorin region and its architectures are registered as world heritage, also important Japanese cultural assets.
Kashiraga Cathedral
Also being registered as world heritage, Kashiraga is a small island with a community of 16 people.
The original church here was built in 1887, and in 1919 Christians brought stones from nearby islands to rebuild the church.
It has been kept till today, also been Japan’s important cultural assets.
Imochiura Church and Lourdes. This church was built in 1897; in 1899 priest gathered Christians to collect rocks on the island and make the first Lourdes of Japan.
The spiritual water from the spring of Lourdes in France was brought and filled in here.
It has been a sacred place for Christians all over the country.
In 1899 Japanese Meiji government recognized Christian religion.
Today Japan is a country with freedom and equality of religion and human right.