Plan
Though Christianity was banned,
faith in it was not extinguished.
Nagasaki has been the central region for the adoption of Christianity in Japan,
to the extent that it has been called “Japan’s Little Rome.”
It took 300 years for this place where so many churches can now be seen to gain freedom of religion.
In Sotome・Shitsu the spirit and culture developed through this history of missionary work, martyrdom, and hiding can still be found.
This sustainable tourism will take you to these places with steadily dwindling populations to experience their history at first hand,
helping to maintain the Christian spirit and culture in Japan for future generations.
09:00
1597: The Day Freedom of Belief Was Lost
Learning about the tragedies and miracles that accompanied the arrival and spread of Christianity in Japan provides us with insights into Sotome・Shitsu.
11:00
Missionary work carried on in the secret depths of the forest for 250 years
Visiting these places where Christians continued to spread their beliefs while running from capture gives us a chance to contemplate these people.
12:00
The search for deliciousness
has always been free.
Enjoy making and eating local traditional food prepared in a style virtually unchanged from the past together with owners who grew up in Shitsu.
15:00
One of only three shrines in Japan for the worship of a Christian priest
Visiting this shrine dedicated to this Christian missionary and the nearby Prayer Rock, we will reflect on this faith that was maintained in hiding.
16:00
Dreaming of freedom across the sea, as the sun sets in the direction from which Christianity came to Japan.
Experience the conflicts that inspired Endo Shusaku, an Akutagawa Prize winner and one of Japan's preeminent novelists who left many works relating to Christianity in Japan, and see the sun set in splendor over the ocean.
19:00
A stay next to Oura Cathedral, the place where the existence of the hidden Christians was revealed.
Enjoy a stay at this hotel located right next to Oura Cathedral and Glover House, appreciating to the full dishes unique to Nagasaki that use locally sourced ingredients and tableware.
