Nakaenoshima, Sacred island off Hirado, Japan
Nakaenoshima is an uninhabited island off the coast of Hirado in northwestern Japan, located about 2 kilometers from Kasuga settlement. The island, roughly 400 meters long and 50 meters wide, remains closed to visitors today but can be viewed from chartered boats departing from Hirado port.
The island became significant during the persecution of Christians in the 1600s under the Matsura clan's rule. This period marked a turning point in how the region treated religious minorities.
Hidden Christians performed sacred water rituals on the island, gathering water that seeped through the rocks as part of their religious devotion. These acts reveal how the community honored sacred places within their daily spiritual practices.
The island is not open to walk on, but private boat charters operate from Hirado port for viewing it from the water. The experience of seeing it from a boat provides a meaningful perspective on this cultural location without requiring a landing.
Local people know the island by three different names: Sanjuwan-sama, Gosantai-sama, and Omukae-sama, each reflecting its religious importance to the community. These names demonstrate how deeply the spiritual connection runs between the island and those who live nearby.
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