Oura Catholic Church

Oura Cathedral is a Catholic church and one of Japan’s examples of Western-style architecture. It was designated a National Treasure in 1933 (Showa 8), but it was damaged by the atomic bomb in 1945 and later restored. It was then re-designated as a National Treasure in 1953. Incorporating Gothic style, Oura Cathedral features breathtaking stained glass inside. The original stained glass was lost due to atomic bomb damage, but during postwar restoration, new glass was commissioned from the Roger Company in Paris. Another highlight is the two-story bronze bell installed behind the cathedral. Donated in 1865 by French believers, it has marked time every day at 12:00 and 18:00 since the cathedral was founded. Access to Oura Cathedral by car is about 8 minutes from the “Dejima” interchange via routes including National Route 324 after exiting at “Nagasaki Mangatsuka IC” on the Kyushu Cross-Island Expressway. By public transportation, take the Nagasaki Electric Tramway from JR Nagasaki Station: ride Line 1 bound for Shofukuji for about 8 minutes, transfer at “Shinchi Chinatown” to the tram bound for Ishibashi, get off at “Oura Cathedral,” then walk about 5 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.