[Karematsu Shrine] Christian shrine in Sotome, Shitsu Church and Former Shitsu Aid Center [Hidden Christian Village]

I visited Sotome, the home of hidden Christians.

Karematsu Shrine is a facility that maintained a hidden faith even after the ban was lifted.

It is a shrine built in the Meiji era, located about 200 meters up the mountain from Sotome Comprehensive Park.

There is a Christian graveyard on the grounds, but it is a little hard to find as the gravestones are lying around, so be careful not to step on them. (I almost stepped on them, thinking they were stepping stones.)

At the entrance to the shrine, there is a very large rock called the Rock of Prayer, where Christians gathered to recite prayers in the gap between the rock and the ground.

It is recommended to visit the facilities related to the hidden Christians in Sotome, such as the Ono Church, Shitsu Church, the former Rescue Center, the Father de Rotz Memorial Museum, and the Kurosaki Church!
You can gain a deeper understanding by first learning about the history of Christians in Sotome at the Sotome History and Folklore Museum, and then visiting Shitsu Church and other places.

⛪️ Visiting the church is free, but you can make a donation to help maintain the church if you feel like it.

🗓️ Itinerary management: Sample course (example)

Sotoumi History and Folklore Museum

Walk🚶🚶♀️ or drive🚗

Shitsu Church (6th photo)

Father de Rotz Memorial Museum

Shitsu Former Rescue Center (7th and 8th photos)

Drive🚗

Oono Church (9th and 10th photos)

Drive🚗

Karematsu Shrine (1st to 5th photos)

When I visited, the residents gave me a detailed explanation at each facility except for Karematsu Shrine.

At the former rescue center, I listened to a sister play the organ.

If you want to take your time to explore the village of Sotomi, it may take about half a day.

📍Location: About 1 hour by car from central Nagasaki to Sotomi
　　　　　　Karematsu Shrine is about a 2-minute walk from Sotomi General Park

💞Recommended reason: Karematsu Shrine
Karematsu Shrine is highly recommended for those interested in hidden Christians. It is a valuable place where you can experience hidden faith.

💞Recommended reason:
By visiting the facilities related to hidden Christians in Sotomi, you can get a good understanding of the lives of the people of Sotomi as Christians after the ban on Christianity was lifted.

#HiddenChristians #ampmhk #Sotoumi #WorldHeritage #ShitsuChurch #FatherdeRo #Nagasaki #NagasakiTrip