Sotome Village

Sotome Village in Nagasaki, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Hidden Christians preserved their faith for centuries during Japan’s ban on Christianity.

Nestled along the rugged northwestern coast of Nagasaki, Sotome Village is one of Japan’s most fascinating Christian heritage destinations. In 2018, it was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage property, Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region, recognizing the remarkable story of Japanese Christians who secretly preserved their faith during centuries of persecution.

Sotome is comprised of two historic settlements, Shitsu and Ono, where generations of Hidden Christians maintained their religious traditions throughout the Edo Period, when Christianity was strictly prohibited in Japan.

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Shitsu Village: Faith and Community by the Sea

Shitsu Village is home to several important landmarks that tell the story of resilience and faith.

Shitsu Church
Overlooking the coastline, Shitsu Church is a beautiful white church designed to withstand the powerful seasonal winds that sweep across the region. Its low-profile architecture and simple wooden construction reflect both practicality and the humble spirit of the local Christian community.

Former Shitsu Aid Center
The Former Shitsu Aid Center was established by Father Marc Marie de Rotz, a French missionary who dedicated his life to improving local living conditions. The center provided vocational training and employment opportunities for women, helping them achieve economic independence while supporting the surrounding community.

Father de Rotz Memorial Hall
Visitors can learn more about Father de Rotz’s extraordinary contributions at the Father de Rotz Memorial Hall. Exhibits highlight his efforts in education, social welfare, agriculture, and community development, making him one of the most respected figures in the history of Nagasaki’s Christian communities.

Ono Village: A Small Community with a Remarkable Church
Located in a quiet rural setting, Ono Village was once home to only about 190 residents. Despite its small size, the village possesses one of the most distinctive churches in the region.

Ono Church
Built as a mission church for local believers, Ono Church features the unique “de Rotz Wall” construction method, which combines local basalt stone with plaster. Its simple appearance blends beautifully with the surrounding countryside and reflects the modest lifestyle of the Hidden Christian communities who worshipped there.