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Hidden Christians of Nagasaki: A Journey Through Faith and Endurance
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Joined 2024
Explore Nagasaki’s Hidden Christian sites, where faith endured centuries of persecution. Discover sacred landmarks, blending Christian and local traditions, and uncover stories of resilience and devotion.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Somewhere in the city center
- If it is in the city center, I will come to pick you up (e.g., your hotel, JR Nagasaki Station, or the Nagasaki International Cruise Ship Terminal). On the day of your visit, I will be waiting at the meeting point holding a sign with your name on it. Two days before the tour, our phone numbers will be shared via GoWithGuide, and I hope we can also communicate on the day using apps like WhatsApp. * It costs approximately 1,000 to 1,500 yen per taxi to get to Nishizaka Hill from the cruise ship terminal
Nishizaka Hill / Museum of 26 Martyrs of Japan
Nishizaka Hill is the site where Christians were first executed by the ruling authorities in Japan, marking the beginning of Christian persecution in the country. It is home to a monument honoring their faith and the Museum of the 26 Martyrs of Japan, which displays relics, historical artifacts, and the history of Christianity in Japan.
The museum provides a clear and engaging explanation of Christianity and Hidden Christians in Nagasaki, making it an ideal starting point for your journey.
Admission Fees:
- Adults: ¥500
- High School and Junior High School Students: ¥300
- Elementary School Students: ¥150
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
***
Nakamachi Church is nearby and within walking distance.
(Optional) Nakamachi Church
The Catholic Nakamachi Church is a historically significant Catholic church located in Nagasaki City, originally built in 1897. Although it was destroyed by fire in the atomic bombing of 1945, leaving only the outer walls and spire intact, it was rebuilt in 1951 and still retains its beautiful appearance today.
Inside the church, a replica of the "Smiling Cross," associated with St. Francis Xavier, is displayed, leaving a profound impression on visitors. Additionally, the grounds feature a monument dedicated to St. Thomas Nishi and 15 martyrs, offering a glimpse into the history of Christianity in Nagasaki.
Admission: Free (*Donations are appreciated via the offering box.)
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
***
From Nakamachi Church to the St. Kolbe Museum, it takes approx. 10 minutes and costs about 1,500 yen per taxi.
St. Kolbe Museum
The St. Kolbe Memorial Museum is located on the grounds of the Immaculate Garden Monastery, established in 1931 in Hongouchi, Nagasaki, by Father Maximilian Maria Kolbe from Poland.
The Museum features exhibits such as the "Room of St. Kolbe," restored to its original condition, the priest's liturgical vestments, his handwritten diaries, and materials related to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Through these displays, visitors can learn about Father Kolbe's life, his activities in Nagasaki, and his profound faith and love.
Admission: Free (*Donations are appreciated via the offering box.)
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
***
From St. Kolbe Museum to a restaurant, it takes approx. 5 minutes and costs about 1,000 yen per taxi.
Lunch at Local restaurant
Let's enjoy lunch at a local restaurant!
* Lunch is approximately ¥1,000 to ¥1,500.
***
From the restaurant to Ōura Cathedral:
-> On foot and by tram: 150 yen per ride, about 45 minutes
-> By taxi: around 2,000 yen per vehicle, about 15 minutes
Ōura Cathedral
Ōura Cathedral, built in 1864 by French missionaries, is the oldest surviving wooden church in Japan and has been designated as a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Known for its stunning Gothic architecture, it gained global recognition as the site of the "Discovery of Hidden Christians," where believers revealed their faith during the era of Christian persecution. It is a symbolic landmark of Nagasaki's Christian history and attracts numerous visitors from around the world.
Admission Fees:
- Adults: ¥1,000
- Junior High and High School Students: ¥400
- Elementary School Students: ¥300
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
***
From the restaurant to Ōura Cathedral to Urakami Cathedral
-> On foot and by tram: 150 yen per ride, about 45 minutes
-> By taxi: around 2,500 yen per vehicle, about 20 minutes
Urakami Cathedral
Urakami Cathedral was built by the people of Urakami, who inherited the faith of Hidden Christians. Completed in 1914, it was said to have been the largest church in East Asia at the time, but it suffered catastrophic damage from the atomic bombing in 1945. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1959 and stands in its present form today. On its grounds, remnants of the bombing and restored stained glass windows can be found, serving as a symbol of peace and faith that attracts many visitors.
To reach Urakami cathedral, you can take a tram and then walk.
The tram fare is 140 yen per person.
Admission: Free (*Donations are appreciated via the offering box.)
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
Ending Point
Somewhere in the city center (I will take you to your desired destination.)
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Guide Fee
- Pick up Fee
- Taxi fare (Guide & Customers)
- Public transportation fees (Guide & Customers)
- Admission fees to facilities (Guide & Customers)
- Lunch (Guide & Customers)
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves some walking, so please wear comfortable shoes. If you have any difficulty with walking or stairs, please let me know—I’ll be happy to adjust the route and transportation accordingly!
*Approximate public transportation costs:
- Tram: 150 yen per ride
- Bus: 150–200 yen per ride
- Taxi:
-> Short distances: around 1,000–1,500 yen per vehicle (e.g., getting around central Nagasaki)
-> Long distances: around 2,000–2,500 yen per vehicle (e.g., from the cruise ship terminal to the Atomic Bomb Museum)
*In Japan, taxis typically accommodate a maximum of four passengers. Therefore, for tours with four guests, the group size becomes five including the guide, requiring the use of two taxis.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Shonosuke S.
Hi! I'm Sho! I live in the center of Nagasaki city and work as a YouTuber, podcaster, and tour guide specializing in sharing the charms of Nagasaki.
Actually, I was born and raised in Yokohama, near Tokyo, and worked for about 5 years in Tokyo. However, I fell in love with the culture and history of Nagasaki and moved here in 2020.
Nagasaki has a rich history of international exchange and friendship, established about 450 years ago as an international trading port in Japan. Since then, many people from all over the world with diverse cultures and values have visited this city. I love these stories and histories of Nagasaki.
Nagasaki is often associated with the sad history of the atomic bomb, which is, of course, an important part of this city's history, but Nagasaki has much more than that. I'm looking forward to introducing you to the many charms of Nagasaki!
Reviews
Soon G.
“Wonderful tour of Nagasaki with Sho”
We did a day trip from Fukuoka to Nagasaki by train. We chose Sho-san after looking at the various reviews. Sho-San was an amazing guide. He is a very knowledgeable and humble young man. He met us at the train station and ensured we were well taken care of throughout the tour. We learnt a lot from him about the history of the early Christians in Japan. The 26 martyrs museum was interesting and well curated, with exhibits and displays about Christianity in Japan. Sho-San then brought us to a charming cafe for a light lunch. After that, we visited the Peace museum, hypocentre and Peace Park. The fact that he lives in Nagasaki and is so passionate about Nagasaki’s history and culture made this tour a special one. I would strongly recommend Sho-san if you are looking for a guide for Nagasaki.
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Shonosuke S.
Hi, Soon! Thank you so much for your wonderful review, and for visiting Nagasaki—the city I truly love! I had such a great time chatting with you both about so many different topics during the tour, and it was especially interesting to learn more about Singapore as well. I’m also really glad I could take you to one of my favorite cafés! Thank you again for the tea you gave me—it’s absolutely delicious, and I’ve been enjoying it every evening after work. I truly hope your time in Nagasaki became one of your special memories in Japan. I’d love to welcome you back again someday!
Marilyn B.
“One of the best days of our Japan trip”
We had been to Nagasaki on a cruise 2 years ago and had seen the A-bomb sites, taken the Mt. Inasa ropeway to the Observatory and visited Glover Garden. So this time we wanted to see local life in Nagasaki and Sho was the abolutely perfect guide for that. Sho met us at the cruise terminal and we hopped in a taxi to go up into the hills to the Suwa Shrine. First we walked through the neighborhood where Sho lives, even stopping by his house, as he told us about life there. At the shrine, we happened upon a special performance of music and dance. This was apparently sponsored by another cruise ship that was also in Port as an excursion for their guests, but Sho had known about it so we got this nice surprise treat! We also met one of his friends who is a geisha, dressed beautifully for this event. We enjoyed the walk in this area, edpecially as Sho planned it so we were going downhill. Most of the places we went were not filled with tourists and crowds so we got to experience more of local life. Kofukuji temple was beautiful and we had a relaxing stop for matcha in peaceful surroundings. The observation deck at City hall provided great views with only a handful of other visitors - a few toddlers from the local nursery school. Sho took us to a place for delicious ramen, strolled us through local shopping streets and Chinatown, helped me find some high quality sencha green tea, and engaged us is interesting conversation throughout the day. As my husband said, this day we got to see the real Japan. And in the company of a fun, friendly, delightful young man.
Shonosuke S.
Thank you for your amazing review and for visiting Nagasaki, the city I truly love! I was so happy to show you around my local neighborhood and share some of my favorite places and what makes Nagasaki so special to me. I really enjoyed our conversations throughout the day, and it was lovely to see how close you both are! it truly came through :) It also became a very special memory of guiding in Nagasaki for me, and I truly hope it will be one of your wonderful memories from your trip to Japan as well. Thank you so much for the cruise bag and the chocolates from New York. I’m really looking forward to enjoying them!!! Please come visit Nagasaki again for your third trip! I’d love to see you both again :D
Paul M.
“Nagasaki with a local”
Wonderful morning walking through the old Residential part of city arriving at an elaborate shrine with steps down in to the city. Tram rides and observation deck with everything explained in really clear English. Really good way to see Nagasaki through the eyes of a local
Shonosuke S.
Hi Paul! Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for visiting Nagasaki—the city I truly love. I’m really glad I had the chance to show you my neighborhood and a glimpse of real local life here. I hope your time in Nagasaki becomes one of your favorite memories in Japan, and I’d love to see you again someday! :)
$346/ per group
More tours by Shonosuke S.
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One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Peace Memorials and Hidden Gems
Let’s enjoy a one-day tour in Nagasaki! We’ll start with must-see spots like the Atomic Bomb Museum, Hypocenter, and Peace Park, then explore some hidden gems around the city. The tour is flexible, especially after lunch—food, cafes, shopping, museums, scenic views, or hidden spots, just let me know your interests! “Optional” stops are included only if time allows or if you’d like to visit them.
One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Peace Memorials and Hidden Gems
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One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Historic City Center and Hidden Local Gems
This is a walking tour that takes you through the city center of Nagasaki, covering both iconic landmarks and hidden gems you wouldn't discover without a guide. The city center of Nagasaki is compact, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Of course, if you get tired, we can always take a taxi or tram! This tour does not include a visit to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. If you would like to visit, please check out my other tour, "One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Peace Memorials and Hidden Gems."
One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Historic City Center and Hidden Local Gems
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Dive into Local! / Half-Day Nagasaki Walking Tour
Let's explore Nagasaki's local and hidden areas that are unreachable without a local guide! In 3~4 hours, we'll mainly walk around the following 3 areas: 1) Tateyama District: Walking down the slopes of the hillside residential areas in Nagasaki. 2) Suwa Shrine: Discovering the most famous shrine in Nagasaki. 3) Nakadori Shopping Street: Exploring the oldest shopping street in Nagasaki with a 400-year history. *The tour can be flexibly adjusted according to the customer's requests.
Dive into Local! / Half-Day Nagasaki Walking Tour
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Dive into Local Life: Visit My 60-Year-Old Hillside Home in Nagasaki
I’d love to invite you to my 60-year-old home built on the hillside in Nagasaki! Nagasaki is known as the “City of Slopes,” with many houses lining the mountainsides. From the hillside, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Nagasaki. You’ll also get a glimpse of authentic local life that you can only experience here. Would you like to discover the real Nagasaki — a place you could never reach without a local guide? *This tour includes some uphill and many downhill stairs.
Dive into Local Life: Visit My 60-Year-Old Hillside Home in Nagasaki
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Nagasaki
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Full Day Tour Exploring Nagasaki
A highly personalized day tour (6-8h) in which you get to explore the many intriguing ins and outs of Nagasaki's rich culture and history. Visit several of the unique city highlights and many beautiful hidden gems at your own pace. I'll make sure you get to experience the things you like most and the best that Nagasaki has to offer you.
Full Day Tour Exploring Nagasaki
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Private Nagasaki Peace Tour with Local guide
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Private Nagasaki Peace Tour with Local guide
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Half a Day Tour Exploring Nagasaki
A highly personalized tour in which you get to explore the many intriguing ins and outs of Nagasaki's rich culture and history. Visit several of the unique city highlights and beautiful hidden gems at your own pace. I'll make sure you get to experience the things you like most and the best that Nagasaki has to offer you.
Half a Day Tour Exploring Nagasaki
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Hidden Christian Pilgrimage ⑨: GOTO (3rd／4 days)
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Hidden Christian Pilgrimage ⑨: GOTO (3rd／4 days)
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