The history of Christianity in Japan gives hope for the West now. For 150 years, people lived their faith creatively without any clergy. They welcomed the Western clergy back when oppression was over. So the Japanese faith is deeper and older than this Western-styled church.
The oldest church in Nagasaki built in 1965 as dedication to 26 martyrs of Japan. A beautiful exterior with very much european style. It has the statue of Our Lady of Japan in front of the church. Wooden dominating interior adds the sacred feeling. It's an old painting of 26 martyrs being crucified in one side of the altar. It survived the atomic bomb blast with very much eveeything in tact except for the window glasses.
The ticket fee is ¥1000, which is absurd.
As with most historical churches in Japan, pictures are forbidden in the church interior.
That being said, Oura Church is the oldest extant church in Japan. It is quite beautiful. It is dedicated to the 26 Martyrs of Japan, and a museum next to the church gives a brief overview of the tumultuous history of Christianity in Japan.
Included with the ticket is a booklet giving a more detailed history of Christianity in Nagasaki.
Oura Church is one of the most interesting and beautiful attractions in Nagasaki, but the price is shameful.
