Hidden Christians of Nagasaki: A Journey Through Faith and Endurance
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).
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.
(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.
Nakamachi Church is close to Nishizaka Hill.
Admission: Free (*Donations are appreciated via the offering box.)
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
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.
*From Nakamachi Church to the St. Kolbe Museum, it takes approx. 10 minutes and costs about 1,500 yen per taxi.
Admission: Free (*Donations are appreciated via the offering box.)
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
Lunch at Local restaurant
Let's enjoy lunch at a local restaurant!
*From St. Kolbe Museum to a restaurant, it takes approx. 5 minutes and costs about 1,000 yen per taxi.
* Lunch is approximately ¥1,000 to ¥1,500.
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.
*To reach Ōura Cathedral, you can take a tram and then walk.
The tram fare is 140 yen per person.
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.
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
*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.
* This tour involves some walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* Please let me know in advance if you have difficulty walking, use a wheelchair, or have similar needs.
* 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
Irene G.
“A fantastic time in Nagazaki”
We had so much fun with Sho and even talked about the tour till now. So much memories mase and he made it so personal. We saw some parts of Nagasaki we would not see with a different guide or if we would have done it ourselves. The restaurant he took us for lunch was absolutely superb. Had some sake tasting too! Thank you for such a wonderful time.
Shonosuke S.
Hi Irene! Thank you for your lovely review! I also had a great time thanks to you and your family! I'm so glad you enjoyed one of my favorite local restaurants and got to try some Nagasaki sake. I hope the rest of your stay in Japan was wonderful—and that you had fun shopping and playing crane games too! :D. Please come visit Japan and Nagasaki again sometime!
Meg M.
“A day well spent in Nagasaki.”
Two couples, the four of us, spent a wonderful day with Shonosuke two days ago in Nagasaki. He showed us highlights of the city and some hidden gems that we otherwise would not have known about. Time with him is well spent and worthwhile. We highly recommend his as a guide.
Shonosuke S.
Hi Meg! Thank you so much for visiting Nagasaki, the city I love, and for writing such a lovely review. I’m really glad I had the chance to show you not only the famous sights, but also some hidden gems and a bit of my daily life. I hope the tour became one of your special memories from your trip to Japan. Enjoy the rest of your journey! :D
Rosemarie E.
“Amazing private tour around Nagasaki”
We want to thank Shonosuke for an amazing day trip around Nagasaki. He shared all the important sightseeing spots, local spots and allowed us to see parts of his daily life. It was a pleasure meeting him. He hast a great love and passion for his job and the city of Nagasaki. We definitly recommend you to book a private tour with him. Thank you very much. Greetings from Germany.
Shonosuke S.
Hi Rosi! Thank you so much for visiting Nagasaki—the city I truly love—and for the amazing review! I really enjoyed the tour and chatting with all of you. Thanks to you, I even managed to master three German phrases: “Danke,” “Guten Morgen,” and my favorite, “Moin”! I’m so glad I got to share a glimpse of my daily life in Nagasaki with you, and that you enjoyed it. Wishing you many more wonderful memories on the rest of your journey! Danke!
$385/ per group
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