Otometoge Maria Church

Overview

Otometoge Maria Church is a Christian church located in Tsuwano town, Shimane Prefecture. It holds historical significance related to the Kakure Kirishitan of the late Edo and early Meiji periods. In the first year of Meiji (1868), 153 Kakure Kirishitan exiled from Nagasaki to Shimane refused to convert, enduring severe torture, resulting in the martyrdom of 37 individuals. The church, built in 1951, serves as a place to commemorate their unwavering faith and tragic history. The church is enveloped in a quiet and solemn atmosphere, bringing peace to visitors. On the grounds, you'll find a statue of the Virgin Mary and stone monuments that tell the story of that time. The church's stained-glass windows depict the martyrdom, offering a poignant visual representation of the tragedy. Every year on May 3rd, the "Otometoge Matsuri" is held to commemorate the martyrs. Believers carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary process from the Tsuwano Catholic Church, 2km away, to Otometoge, where an open-air mass is held. Otometoge Maria Church is a place where you can feel the weight of history and faith. The church, standing silently, deeply moves visitors. We encourage you to visit and experience this powerful history and faith firsthand.