Church of Saint Francis Xavier

Hirado Xavier Memorial Church was established in 1913 (Taisho 2) as “Catholic Hirado Church,” and was completed and consecrated in April 1931 (Showa 6) under Bishop Hisanosuke Hayasaka. Before that, it served as a visiting site of Kamikozaki Church. The church is named in commemoration of St. Francis Xavier, the revered saint who spread Catholicism across the East including Japan, and who is said to have visited Hirado about three times; a memorial statue was installed, and the church is also called St. Francis Xavier Memorial Cathedral. It is one of Hirado’s representative spots and attracts many pilgrims and tourists from across Japan daily. Sunday Mass is held every Sunday at 6:00 and 8:30. Because it is a sacred religious facility for devoted believers, visitors should follow the posted rules and etiquette. Access by public transportation: get off at Matsuura Railway “Tabira-Hiradoguchi,” walk about 11 minutes (about 850 m) to Tabira Port, take the “Ferry Oshima” to Hirado Port (about 12 minutes), then walk about 10 minutes (about 700 m). Buses to “Hirado Pier” also operate via Saihi Bus from Matsuura Railway “Matsuura Station.” By car, from Imari-Matsuura Road Matsuura IC, take National Route 204 for about 22 km (around 33 minutes).