Xavier Park

Xavier Park features a bronze bust of Francis Xavier, stone remnants from a war-destroyed Catholic church, and commemorative monuments honoring the Jesuit missionary's historic arrival in Japan during the 16th century.

Francis Xavier landed in Kagoshima in 1549 and spent approximately one year conducting missionary activities, marking the beginning of Christianity's introduction to Japan and establishing the foundation for cultural exchange between East and West.

The park serves as a memorial to Japan's first encounter with Christianity, displaying statues of Xavier alongside his Japanese companions Yajiro and Bernard, representing the cross-cultural religious dialogue that shaped Japanese history.

Located an 8-minute walk from Takamibaba tram stop, the park offers free admission year-round with no parking facilities, making it accessible via public transportation from Kagoshima's central district.

The park preserves actual stone fragments from the original Xavier Church that was destroyed during World War II air raids, creating a tangible connection to Japan's early Christian heritage.

Location: Kagoshima

GPS coordinates: 31.59117,130.55119

Latest update: July 25, 2025 09:12