Holy Annunciation Cathedral, Orthodox cathedral in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
The Holy Annunciation Cathedral is an Orthodox church building with a mint-green facade and copper-topped roof located in a residential area of Kyoto. The structure combines Eastern and European architectural features in a building that has stood in the city for over a century.
The cathedral was completed in 1903 during a period of intense Japan-Russia relations. The building served the Russian community and also Russian prisoners of war during the military conflict between the two nations in the early 1900s.
The cathedral holds a collection of Russian imperial-era icons that reflect the faith brought by the early Russian community to Kyoto. These religious artworks show how Orthodox Christianity found a place in the city during a period of close Japan-Russia connections.
The cathedral can be visited at specific times, though weekday visits require advance planning. Visitors should check opening hours beforehand to make sure they can see the building during their stay in the city.
The cathedral survived World War II and was later recognized as a city cultural property, which led to restoration work. This recognition shows how the building is valued as part of Kyoto's diverse heritage.
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