Osera Church

Osera Catholic Church is a small, striking church located in the Osera settlement of Shinkamigoto. It is perched atop a massive stone wall that strongly resembles a mountain castle or fortress, a design choice that gives this modest building a grand and dignified presence. The church was established in 1950, serving a community of descendants of Hidden Christians who were late to formally rejoin the Catholic Church. Before this permanent structure was built, the local believers used a repurposed private house for their services.

The interior is noted for its “coved” (folded) ceiling, which creates an airy sense of space despite the building’s small footprint. Unusually for a chapel of this size, it also features a music gallery located above the entrance, reflecting the importance of liturgical music to the community. Visitors often describe the atmosphere as rustic and unadorned, providing a peaceful contrast to the more ornate brick cathedrals found elsewhere on the island.