Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Church

Yamaguchi Catholic Church Xavier Memorial Chapel was built in 1952 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of missionary work in Yamaguchi by Francis Xavier, a Spanish Basque missionary. The existing chapel was rebuilt in 1998; the original building from 1952 was destroyed in a fire that occurred in 1991. The design was created by Italian priest Constantino Ruggeri and architect Luigi Leoni, and its 53-meter tower is especially eye-catching, engraved with messages of peace and happiness. The chapel’s bells also play a role in marking the time throughout Yamaguchi City, with pleasant chimes resonating across the city. The stained glass and pipe organ inside the chapel are also highlights you’ll want to see. Access to the Xavier Memorial Chapel: by public transportation, take the JR Yamaguchi Line from JR Sanyo Shinkansen “Shin-Yamaguchi Station” to “Yamaguchi Station,” then walk about 15 minutes. By car, it’s about 15 minutes from Chugoku Expressway “Yamaguchi IC,” or about 20 minutes from Sanyo Expressway “Ogori IC.”