Christian Japan

Hidden for centuries. Open to pilgrims today.

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Otome-tōge Chapel (Tsuwano)

ChugokuRediscovery (1865–1873)verified

History

Urakami Hidden Christians arrested in the 'Urakami Yonban Kuzure' were exiled here and tortured. Otome-tōge Maria Seidō, dedicated 1951, is a memorial to 37 Christians persecuted in Tsuwano. In 1868, 114 Urakami leaders were sent to Hagi, Tsuwano and Fukuyama; in 1870 a further group, 3,394 in total, went to 20 domains. 613 died in exile.

Getting there

Walk from Tsuwano Station.

Sources

From the library

  • Martyrs of the Meiji Era — full text read; mentioned on PDF pp. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7…

Coordinates 34.471, 131.768 (approximate)