Urakami Catholic Church

Urakami Cathedral is a grand Romanesque-style brick basilica that was consecrated in 1914 and was once known as the largest brick church in the East. On the two front towers, the Angelus bells sent from France had been installed, but due to the damage from the Nagasaki atomic bombing in August 1945, the twin towers were destroyed and the bells and belfry were lost as well. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1959 as part of postwar reconstruction. During restoration work in 1980, brick tiles were added, and the structure was restored in a way that closely evokes the original basilica, leading to its present form. Access to Urakami Cathedral by car is via the Nagasaki Expressway: exit at “Nagasaki Tarami IC,” continue via the Nagasaki Bypass, exit at “Kawahira IC (Peace Park / Showa-machi area),” then drive about 5 minutes toward the city center. By public transportation, take the tram bound for Akasako from JR Nagasaki Station, get off at “Atomic Bomb Museum” stop, then walk about 8 minutes. The “Nagasaki Sightseeing Route Bus” operated by Nagasaki Bus is also very convenient for tourism, as it circulates major city attractions such as Glover Garden, Oura Cathedral, Oranda-zaka, Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Dejima, Peace Park, and the Atomic Bomb Museum.