Shukugawa Catholic Church

Shukugawa Catholic Church is the first Catholic church in the Hanshin region and has a history of nearly 100 years. It is also well known for its magnificent Gothic Revival–style cathedral (St. Thérèse Cathedral). Access is about a 5-minute walk from Shukugawa Station on the Hankyu Railway, or about a 15-minute walk from Sakura-Shukugawa Station on the JR Kobe Line. When there are no Masses or events, visitors—whether Catholic or not—are said to be able to tour the church. The high ceiling, beautiful stained glass, and the statue of St. Thérèse enshrined behind the altar create a simple yet solemn atmosphere that evokes medieval European churches. The church is also famous as a concert venue for Baroque music. Sadly, it was damaged in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and its valuable pipe organ was lost. The historical and cultural value of the sanctuary and bell tower has been recognized, and it has been designated both a “Nishinomiya City Urban Landscape Designated Building” and a “Hyogo Prefecture Important Landscape Building.” As a symbolic presence in Shukugawa, it attracts many visitors.