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Urakami Cathedral
Urakami Cathedral
Urakami Cathedral
Urakami Cathedral
Urakami Cathedral
Urakami Cathedral
Nagasaki

Urakami Cathedral

4.3 (1887)Tourist AttractionChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment
Last updated May 17, 2026

Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki is a powerful symbol of faith and resilience. Originally built in the late 19th century by local Christians who had practiced their faith in secret for centuries, this cathedral was once the largest church in East Asia. Its grand design and beautiful stained glass reflected the joy of Christians finally able to worship openly.

Tragically, in 1945, the cathedral was almost entirely destroyed by the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki. The explosion happened just 500 meters away, reducing this magnificent structure to ruins and taking many lives. However, the spirit of the community was not broken.

In the years following World War II, Urakami Cathedral was rebuilt on the same site. The new structure, completed in 1959, retains elements of the original, including some of the surviving statues and a remnant of the original wall. Today, it stands not just as a place of worship but as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit and the power of hope and renewal.

Hours:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fee:

Free


Hours
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 95-844-1777
Website
uracathe.sakura.ne.jp


The area

Address
1-79 Motoomachi, Nagasaki, 852-8112, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 95-844-1777

Website

uracathe.sakura.ne.jp

Top ways to experience Urakami Cathedral

A lifebuoy labeled "Nagasaki" is attached to a post on a waterfront promenade, overlooking a marina with boats, buildings, and distant green hills under a partly cloudy blue sky.
3 hours
Nagasaki Highlights: 3-Hour Introductory Walking Tour

What other travelers are saying about Urakami Cathedral

Moving to see the rebuilt cathedral after seeing part of the originals remnants at the peace park. There is a small exhibition space and shop and you can see the inside of the cathedral although you are restricted from walking around it.

Nearby attractions to see

Sofukuji Temple

Sofukuji Temple

An abandoned island with ruined concrete buildings surrounded by blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky. The island's rocky land and derelict structures are prominent against the water.

Gunkanjima Island

Unzen Yokayu

Unzen Yokayu

A stone arch bridge spans a calm river lined with stone walls and walkways, surrounded by modern buildings and lush green trees, with mountains in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

Meganebashi Bridge (Spectacles Bridge)

Nearby attractions to see

Sofukuji Temple

Sofukuji Temple

An abandoned island with ruined concrete buildings surrounded by blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky. The island's rocky land and derelict structures are prominent against the water.

Gunkanjima Island

Unzen Yokayu

Unzen Yokayu

A stone arch bridge spans a calm river lined with stone walls and walkways, surrounded by modern buildings and lush green trees, with mountains in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

Meganebashi Bridge (Spectacles Bridge)


More about Urakami Cathedral from our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

The construction of Urakami Cathedral began in 1895 and was completed in 1914, reflecting the growing community of Christians in the area.

Urakami Cathedral was designed in the Romanesque architectural style, characterized by its grand scale, rounded arches, and robust appearance. The rebuilt cathedral maintains many elements of this style.

Yes, visitors can tour Urakami Cathedral and observe not only its architectural beauty but also learn about its rich history and the impact of the atomic bombing on its congregation and the wider community.

One of the most poignant relics in Urakami Cathedral is the head of the Virgin Mary statue, which survived the atomic bomb blast. It remains a powerful symbol of resilience and faith amidst destruction.

Urakami Cathedral hosts annual memorial services to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing, pray for peace, and reflect on the tragedy that occurred. These services are attended by people from around the world.
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Nagasaki Peace Park
8 hours
Full-Day Personalized Nagasaki Walking Tour
Profile
Robert Burgos
Jul 26, 2025
Urakami Cathedral, the first grand Catholic church in East Asia, stands as a symbol of both deep faith and resilience. Surrounded by its quiet beauty and profound history, we sat in silence and prayed for over 30 minutes, feeling the weight of its past and the hope it continues to inspire.
Profile
nguyenthianhlinh
Aug 6, 2025
Cool to see the charred statues, but if you're not religious, you may want to skip as the cathedral has been rebuilt and is still an active religious site. It is walkable from Peace Park but did not really feel like a worthwhile detour.
Profile
ItzMe
May 30, 2025
Destroyed after the bombing of Nagasaki, only a few decades after its completion of being built. This church is a testament to the faith of the Catholics of Nagasaki and their resilience. It has now been rebuilt and has a nice gift shop with lots of memorabilia from the time of the bombing. The church itself has a gorgeous blue light shining in from the stained glass windows.
Profile
M Z
Jan 28, 2025
Note to tourists and Catholics, taking pictures is not allowed inside the cathedral ( or maybe only the time I visited, I am not sure for the other days).Also the benches are restricted for visitors, so If you want to pray, you can just stand behind the main door.
Profile
Jant Cres Caigoy
Oct 30, 2025
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