Guide
Nozakijima Village, located in Ojika Town, Kita Matsuura District, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a component of the UNESCO World Heritage site, "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Region." While the island was once known as a sacred site for Shintoism, it holds a unique history: since the 18th century, settlers from the outer sea region lived as Shinto followers on the surface while secretly maintaining their Christian faith. The remnants of ancient settlements and churches stand quietly within the lush, natural landscape, offering a profound sense of historical weight.
The history of Nozakijima is ancient, with archaeological evidence dating back to the Paleolithic and Sengoku periods. Settlement began in 1716 by merchants from Ojika Island. Around 1800, "Hidden Christians" fleeing from the Omura domain settled in the Nokubi area. To protect their faith, they lived as devout followers of the Shinto shrine, Okinokami-shima Jinja, using Shintoism as a cover for their Christian practices. When religious freedom was finally granted during the Meiji era, formal churches were constructed, ending the era of concealment. However, due to the rapid urbanization and depopulation during Japan's high-growth period, the once-vibrant community has largely vanished, leaving behind preserved ruins that tell its story.
The island is dotted with significant historical structures. The "Former Nokubi Church" is a particularly striking site, serving as the former spiritual center for local believers and still standing in beautiful form. The "Sato-michi" (village paths) are also vital heritage assets, representing the