Atotsugi Church

Atotsugi Catholic Church is a beautifully positioned house of worship that blends the region’s spiritual history with its industrial milestones. The congregation’s roots in this mountain village date back over a century, with the first church established in 1914 using materials repurposed from a local elementary school. After a second iteration in 1932, which utilized high-quality timber from the original building, the current church was completed in 1984. Its brilliant white exterior creates a vivid contrast against the lush green mountainside just off the national highway.

The church is particularly famous for its commanding views. From its elevated position, visitors can look out over Aokata Bay and see the sprawling offshore oil storage base. As evening approaches, the church and the surrounding bay are bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, making it one of the most photographed sunset spots on the island.