Sakitsu Village, a world heritage site in Amakusa, Kumamoto

After visiting Oe Catholic Church, we headed to the nearest spot, Sakitsu Village (崎津集落 -shuraku). This is one of the World Heritage site which is newly added in Japan, designated as "Hidden Christian sites in the Nagasaki region".

We came here at 3 o'clock. Although this day was Friday, but it was crowded with tourists! We were going to the Sakitsu Catholic Church first, then walking around the village.

Sakitsu Catholic Church. In 1934, it was built on the ground where the footprints were done during the ban on Christianity in Japan. An alter is set up in the place of picture tramp.

The outside is Western style but the inside is a tatami floor.

The lady of Lourdes fountain. Bernadette worships Virgin Mary who is standing. There are lots of koi (鯉) carp in the pond. 

Minato-ya (みなと屋) is a museum that refurbished the inn at the early Showa era. You can take a look at the history of hidden Christian in the village.

A small path that leads to the church.

The fishing port of Sakitsu. It is so narrow that we can swim to the other side. There was no land route until the Five bridges of Amakusa was opened to traffic in September 1966, but only by the sea.

Before going back to home, I dropped by Sakitsu Suwa Shrine. Established in 1647, the shrine is prayed for big catch of fish and voyage safety.

A view of Sakitsu Church from the Ni-no Torii of Suwa Shrine. It is a mysterious place where the west meets the east.