Otome Pass Mary Cathedral
4.3 (104)
Japan, 〒699-5605 Shimane, Kanoashi District, Tsuwano, Ushiroda, 乙女峠
The Otome Toge Maria Chapel stands at Otome Pass, a site where Christians were martyred, in the beautiful of Tsuwano, which is known as San-in’s Little Kyoto. The Virgin Mary is even said to have appeared at the chapel. In 1868, 153 clandestine Christians were sent to Tsuwano from Nagasaki, and efforts were made to convert them. However, 37 of the believers who refused to comply were martyred by torture. The chapel was built as a memorial to them.
Duration: 00h15min
+81 856-72-0251
outdoor
indoor
free
24h
daytime
nighttime
traditional
Opening hours
Mondays: See website
Tuesdays: See website
Wednesdays: See website
Thursdays: See website
Fridays: See website
Saturdays: See website
Sundays: See website
review(s)
104 review(s)
The 9 months ago
Martyr Yastutaro’s words to Takagi Senemon and Moriyama Jinzaburo “ I am not lonely at all in this Sanjakuro for just after midnight a lady appears, clothed in a blue gown and wearing a blue veil just like yhe image of Santa Maria. She tells me stories so I am not lonely at all. But pls do not tell anyone about this while I am still alive.” The Blessed Virgin appeared to martyr Yasutaro every night from the seventh to the ninteength of January in the second year of Meiji (1869)
Jim Chen 11 months ago
A serene place to mediate and be peaceful with one self. With its rich history, it makes it more purposeful if you are a Christian. I strongly suggest everyone complete the journey by visiting the monument deep inside the bamboo forest as well. It makes you feel the agony and treachery that the Christians went through then to preserve their faith. A good 20 mins hike though, so be prepared.
Atsuko Hisano 2 years ago
I recommend that you visit not only the church, but also the memorial monument in the mountains. It takes about 20 minutes to get there.
Allison 3 years ago
I hike to the chapel on a semi-regular basis. (About 15 minutes up and 10 minutes down). While it's quite steep (I don't recommend wearing heels/anything shoes that slip easily) the chapel itself and the monuments at the clearing are really beautiful and well-kept. There are explanations written in both English and Japanese about the Christian martyrs who died in Tsuwano/Japan during the Edo period. It's definitely worth a stop for those interested in Japan's religious history or for those who just want a pleasant excursion into the mountains. In the spring, the Chapel is surrounded by Sakura. In the fall, the entire trail is lined with Japanese maples, so it's beautiful.
Shizuka Mori 4 years ago
A nice, peaceful place for meditation. The path is a little slippery but the handrails are convenient. If you are Catholic, a very awe-inspiring sight.