PORT INFORMATION

Facing the mythical island of Kyushu, between the Yatsushiro and Ariake seas, the island region of Amakusa both surprises and captivates. Composed of some one hundred verdant islets surrounded by stunning seabeds, the Japanese archipelago was once a refuge for many Christians fleeing the ban on Catholicism in the 17th century during the Edo period. Christian heritage can be found in every village in the region. In Sakitsu, a charming fishing port, immerse yourself in this Christian heritage, particularly when you visit the emblematic church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sakitsu, a small coastal village in Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a rare and remarkable place where history and diverse religious cultures quietly intertwine. During Japan’s Edo period, when the country was closed off to the outside world and Christianity was strictly prohibited, this village became a hidden sanctuary where Buddhism, Shintoism, and Christianity managed to coexist. That legacy still lives on in the streets and atmosphere of Sakitsu today.

Visitors are first welcomed at the local fishermen’s cooperative, where warm hospitality comes in the form of a simple, heartfelt welcome drink prepared by the locals. It’s a small gesture, but one that gently opens the door to a deeply immersive experience that goes beyond sightseeing—it feels like stepping into the rhythm of everyday life in this historic town.

As you wander through the village, you’ll encounter subtle yet powerful traces of prayer and devotion. There are shrines where Hidden Christians once secretly offered their prayers, Gothic-style churches that stand tall and serene, and statues of the Virgin Mary facing out to sea, as if watching over the fishermen. These landmarks are quiet testaments to a time when faith had to be practiced in silence.

One of the most striking sites in Sakitsu is the Sakitsu Church, which was rebuilt in 1934 on the site where efumi—the forced act of stepping on Christian images—was once conducted. Its interior is a harmonious blend of Western and Japanese traditions: Gothic architecture with a tatami-matted floor. It’s a unique and sacred space that could only exist here, born from the merging of different cultures and histories. Photography inside the church is not permitted, encouraging visitors to capture its solemn beauty with their eyes and hearts instead.

Another memorable experience in Sakitsu is making a “shimenawa,” a sacred rope typically used in Shinto rituals to mark holy spaces. While usually only displayed during the New Year season, in Sakitsu, these ropes are kept up year-round. It is said that during the ban on Christianity, locals used shimenawa as a way to hide their faith under the guise of local custom. Through this humble tradition, you can sense the deep resilience and creativity of the people who lived here centuries ago.

Sakitsu is not a place of flashy attractions or loud entertainment. Instead, it offers something more enduring—quiet, heartfelt encounters with history, faith, and the warmth of a community that has carefully preserved its story. It’s a place where you don’t just learn about the past—you feel it. A visit to Sakitsu is not just a trip; it’s an invitation to step into a living legacy of belief and belonging, gently waiting to be discovered.