Urakami Cathedral

4.3 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Church・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki is a powerful symbol of faith and resilience. Originally built in the late 19th century by local Christians who had practiced their faith in secret for centuries, this cathedral was once the largest church in East Asia. Its grand design and beautiful stained glass reflected the joy of Christians finally able to worship openly.

Tragically, in 1945, the cathedral was almost entirely destroyed by the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki. The explosion happened just 500 meters away, reducing this magnificent structure to ruins and taking many lives. However, the spirit of the community was not broken.

In the years following World War II, Urakami Cathedral was rebuilt on the same site. The new structure, completed in 1959, retains elements of the original, including some of the surviving statues and a remnant of the original wall. Today, it stands not just as a place of worship but as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit and the power of hope and renewal.

Hours:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fee:

Free

Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 95-844-1777

Website

uracathe.sakura.ne.jp

The area

Address

1-79 Motoomachi, Nagasaki, 852-8112, Japan

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What other travelers are saying about Urakami Cathedral

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.

Muhammad Abubakar Hassan

Sep 5, 2024

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.

Lori A.

Aug 1, 2024

Taking pictures is not allowed inside the church. A bit of a walk from the peace park. Museum is on the right side and the fallen part of the bell tower is on the left side part of the hill. A toned down version of its original structure.

leo lobarbio

May 13, 2024

Beautiful rebuilt Catholic church located within walking distance from the atomic bomb museum. Inside, there's a statue of Mary that survived the atomic blast, and outside the cathedral is one of the original bell towers that hasn't been moved since the explosion.