Tsuwano Catholic Church

Tsuwano Catholic Church is a church in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture, whose building is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property. The Gothic-style stone church is associated with the sorrowful history of hidden Christians: those brought to Tsuwano’s Otome Pass suffered persecution, and 37 became martyrs. Later, the Otome Pass Memorial Chapel was built as a sacred site. The church was built in the mid-Meiji period by Father Villion (Birion). Inside, tatami flooring reflects the atmosphere of the time, and the vivid stained glass is said to carry the memory of that tragic history. Although called “Otome Pass,” today it is also used as a hiking route. The Otome Pass Festival continues even now: each year, about 2,000 Christians form a procession from Tsuwano Catholic Church to Otome Pass. Together, Otome Pass, the memorial chapel, and the church form a notable sightseeing set. Access: about 15 minutes on foot from JR Yamaguchi Line Tsuwano Station.