Aosagaura Church
| Aosagaura Church is a masterwork of brick architecture by Yosuke Tetsukawa and a National Important Cultural Property, serving as the historical heart of the Kamigoto Catholic community. |
| Aosagaura Catholic Church is a landmark of architectural precision and communal devotion, situated on a hillside overlooking the tranquil waters of the Kamigoto inlet. While the local Christian presence traces back to at least 1878, Aosagaura’s status was solidified in 1899 when it became the central parish for the Kamigoto region. The current structure, completed in 1910, represents the third church built on this site and is one of the most celebrated designs by the prolific master builder Yosuke Tetsukawa. The church is renowned for its sophisticated brick masonry, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that the local parishioners hand-carried every brick up the steep hillside to the construction site. Its Romanesque exterior features multi-layered brick arches and a striking rose window, while the interior is defined by a majestic rib-vaulted “bat-wing” ceiling and vibrant stained glass. In 2001, the Japanese government recognized its immense value by designating it a National Important Cultural Property. |
