Egami Church, Catholic church in Egami Village, Goto, Japan
Egami Church is a house of worship with white-painted walls and blue-tinted window panes located in the southern part of Gotō island. The interior features a rib-vaulted ceiling decorated with hand-painted cherry blossom designs throughout its wooden surfaces.
The building was completed in 1918 after the ban on Christianity in Japan was lifted. It stands as a testament to the religious freedom achieved by Hidden Christians who had settled in this area.
The church blends Western architectural traditions with local craftsmanship that local believers developed over time. Visitors can see how hand-painted cherry blossom patterns are woven into the wooden interior, mixing Western building forms with Japanese materials and techniques.
The church sits on flat reclaimed land and remains open to visitors throughout the day. Access is straightforward with no barriers, allowing you to walk directly to the building and step inside to view the interior.
The structure uses specially designed ornamental vents to manage the high humidity levels caused by natural springs nearby. This thoughtful engineering reveals how the builders tackled local environmental challenges with creative solutions.
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