Why "Christian Pilgrimage" in Japan?

Amitai Travel
6月11日
読了時間: 2分

When most people think of Japan, images of ancient temples, cherry blossoms, and samurai might come to mind. But few realize that Japan also holds a deeply moving and largely hidden Christian history—one that speaks of courage, perseverance, and faith under persecution.

Christianity was first introduced to Japan in 1549 by the Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier. At first, the new religion was welcomed, and it quickly gained converts among both common people and samurai. But this acceptance was short-lived. By the early 17th century, Christianity was banned by the Tokugawa shogunate, and believers were forced to practice in secret.

These hidden Christians—known as Kakure Kirishitan—kept their faith alive for over two centuries, disguising Christian symbols within Buddhist or Shinto imagery and passing down prayers orally across generations. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that religious freedom returned to Japan.

(More details are on: https://www.amitai-travel.com/pilgrimage-tour )

Virgin Mary in the form of the Buddhist Kannon

Pilgrimage Sites Worth Visiting

Today, you can trace this extraordinary history through several pilgrimage routes and sacred sites across Japan.

Nagasaki: Often called the “cradle of Christianity in Japan,” Nagasaki is home to the Oura Church (Japan’s oldest surviving Christian church), and the Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument, which honors those who were executed for their faith in 1597.
Amakusa Islands: These islands were a stronghold for hidden Christians. Today, several churches and museums commemorate their legacy.
Goto Islands: These remote islands became a refuge for persecuted Christians and are dotted with beautiful, often secluded chapels and churches.
Urakami Cathedral: Rebuilt after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, it stands as a powerful symbol of both faith and forgiveness.