Roadside Station Sakiatsu

Church bells echoing in a quiet fishing port
Remembering the Christian in hiding

In April 2018, "Amakusa City Sakizu Village Guidance Center" was registered as a roadside station. It is a sightseeing window to "Amakusa's Sakizu Village," registered as a World Heritage site, and therefore sells only a limited number of products. There is also an exhibition room that introduces the history of Christianity in hiding. It is a 5-minute walk to the Sakitsu Tenshudo. If possible, learn about the etiquette of visiting churches in advance. Rental bicycles (200 yen per day) are also recommended. There are no eating and drinking facilities.

Map of Roadside Station Sakiatsu

Around Michi no Eki Sakiatsu

Sakijin Association and Sakijin Village

If you want to have fun in the area

The current building was constructed in 1934. The current building was constructed in 1934 by Yosuke Tetsukawa, who has been involved in the construction of many churches in Kyushu. The exterior is in a Gothic style with a strong presence, and the interior is covered with tatami mats. The altar in front of the building is said to have been the site of a severe trampling ceremony during the time of the church's prohibition.
In 1996, the fishing port area where the church stands was selected as one of the 100 best places on the shores of Japan as the "Christian Village of Sakitsu," and in 2001, the area was selected as one of the 100 most beautiful sceneries in Japan as "Kawaura Sakitsu Tenshudo and the Sea," and in 2011, the fishing village landscape was selected as an "Important Cultural Landscape" of Japan.

Oe Tenshudo

If you want to have fun in the area

In 1892, a French missionary, Father Garnier, was assigned to Oe. He spent his whole life in Amakusa, and completed the present Oe Tenshudo in 1933 with his private fortune. It took him nearly 40 years to complete the building. It was also designed by Yosuke Tetsukawa. The Romanesque-style chalk church is beautiful against the blue sky. Visitors are free to view the church, but please be respectful and quiet. As with other churches, taking pictures inside is prohibited. Closed on Mondays.