What other travelers are saying about Urakami Cathedral
Destroyed after the bombing of Nagasaki, only a few decades after its completion of being built. This church is a testament to the faith of the Catholics of Nagasaki and their resilience. It has now been rebuilt and has a nice gift shop with lots of memorabilia from the time of the bombing. The church itself has a gorgeous blue light shining in from the stained glass windows.
Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki, Japan, is a historic Roman Catholic church with deep significance. Originally built in the late 19th century, it was the largest cathedral in East Asia at the time. The cathedral became a symbol of resilience after it was destroyed during the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945, as it was located near the bomb’s hypocenter. The reconstructed cathedral, completed in 1959, stands as a memorial to the victims and a testament to peace. Its blend of Western and Japanese architectural elements reflects the history of Christianity in Japan, especially during periods of persecution. The cathedral also houses artifacts from the bombing, offering a somber reminder of the past.
Visited for Christmas Eve mass. What a wonderful experience, we felt most welcome. The cathedral was destroyed by the Atomic Bomb and has been rebuilt. It is legacy to the power of the human spirit. Worth a visit.
Disappointing. This was my second attempt to go inside the church. The first time, in March, it was closed. This time, it was open, but no photos are permitted; the pews are roped off, so you cannot sit down and pray without asking for permission; and you cannot walk around inside to view the sanctuary. I would skip it except to view the outside statues that remain from the atomic bomb.
