Ebukuro Church, Catholic church building in Shin-Kamigotō, Japan
Ebukuro Church is a wooden structure built on a hillside overlooking the ocean, notable for its plain design and simple interior. The building features restored wooden components that maintain its original construction style.
The building was completed in 1882 by carpenter Kumekichi Kawahara and served as a gathering place for Christians who had endured persecution during the Edo period. The church stands as a testament to faith continuing through difficult times.
The village around the church keeps traditional practices alive, such as stacking stones and making kankoro, which reflect local customs of the Nagasaki region. These everyday habits show how residents hold onto their past through daily activities.
Access is available daily, but visitors should remove their shoes and hats before entering the building. The hillside location provides a nice view but requires some effort to reach.
A fire in 2007 destroyed the building, but it was reconstructed in 2010 using wooden pillars and components from the original structure. Donations from across the country made this careful reconstruction possible using salvaged materials.
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