Hoki Church

Hoki Catholic Church occupies a commanding position on a hillside overlooking the eastern coast of Hirado, standing as one of the region’s most architecturally distinct houses of worship. Completed in 1898, the structure was built by a master carpenter from Ukushima, drawing upon the deep cultural and religious ties shared with the Christian community of nearby Kuroshima. While the church was once characterized by a whitewashed exterior, its facade now features a striking red-brick finish that provides a bold contrast against the surrounding greenery and the blue of the Hirado Strait.

The building is particularly noted for its idiosyncratic architectural fusion. It retains a unique side veranda which reflects an adaptation to the local climate while adding an understated elegance to the profile. The interior is equally remarkable, featuring a three-aisle layout and a wooden rib-vaulted ceiling. The use of stained glass, which filters soft light across the wooden pews and polished floors, enhances the sense of historical continuity and quiet dignity that defines the site.

As one of the oldest brick churches in the Nagasaki prefecture, Hoki Church serves as an authoritative example of the transition from clandestine practice to the establishment of permanent, public landmarks. Its preservation offers a transparent look at the craftsmanship of the late Meiji era and the enduring legacy of the families who settled this rugged coastline.