Discover Tsuwano Catholic Church and Japan’s Hidden Christian Heritage
Tsuwano Catholic Church, built in 1929, is one of the most historic and visually striking churches in western Japan. Known for its elegant stained-glass windows and unique blend of Japanese and Western architectural influences, the church also stands as a powerful symbol of the hidden Christian history of Tsuwano.
Otome Pass Festival (May 3)
Every year on May 3, Tsuwano hosts the Otome Pass Festival, a memorial event honoring the Christian martyrs who were exiled from Nagasaki during the early Meiji period. Despite imprisonment, torture, and persecution, many believers remained steadfast in their faith and ultimately lost their lives in Tsuwano.
The pilgrimage begins at Tsuwano Catholic Church and proceeds approximately 2 kilometers to Otome Pass, led by a statue of the Virgin Mary. Pilgrims and visitors from across Japan walk together in prayer and reflection. At noon, a solemn outdoor Mass is celebrated at Otome Pass in memory of the martyrs, with hymns echoing through the mountains and creating a deeply moving atmosphere for both worshippers and visitors alike.
Otome Pass Autumn Pilgrimage (November 3)
In the Catholic tradition, November is observed as the Month of the Dead, and Tsuwano’s Autumn Pilgrimage is held annually on November 3 as a special time of remembrance for the Christian martyrs.
The pilgrimage departs from Tsuwano Catholic Church and follows the historic mountain route toward Otome Pass and the martyr cemetery at Kabusaka. Participants pray together while walking the “Way of the Cross” through the autumn landscape, surrounded by vibrant seasonal foliage.
This tradition dates back to November 2, 1947, when Father Nebel organized the first pilgrimage to the Kabusaka Martyrs’ Cemetery. Since then, the annual pilgrimage has become an important spiritual event, combining outdoor Mass, silent prayer, rosary recitations, and remembrance of the believers who suffered persecution after being exiled from Nagasaki.