Churches in Japan: 12 Iconic Religious Sites to Explore

Japan might be best known for its temples and shrines, but it’s also home to some of the most beautiful churches in Japan that showcase a fascinating blend of Western and Japanese architecture. Despite Christians making up less than 1% of the population, the country has over 7,700 churches scattered across its islands each with its own story, design, and history.

From historic cathedrals in Nagasaki to hidden chapels on remote islands, this guide highlights the most remarkable Christian churches in Japan that every traveler should visit.

12 Best Churches in Japan to Visit

1. St. Mary’s Cathedral (Tokyo)

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St. Mary’s Cathedral, Tokyo Often ranked among the most beautiful church in Japan, St. Mary’s Cathedral is a masterpiece of modern religious architecture. Designed by the legendary architect Kenzo Tange in 1964, the church replaced a wooden structure destroyed during World War II.

Its gleaming stainless-steel exterior forms the shape of a cross when viewed from above, making it one of the best church in Japan to visit for both architecture lovers and spiritual travelers.

Type: Roman Catholic Cathedral
Location: 3-16-15 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Distance from Nearest Airport: About 30 km from Haneda Airport
Timings: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily
Mass Timing: Sunday at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m.; Saturday at 6:00 p.m.; Mon-Sat at 7:00 a.m. (in Japanese)
Contact Number: +81 3-3941-3029
Website: https://catholic-sekiguchi.jp/
Highlights: The cathedral features a dramatic cross-shaped layout with soaring concrete walls that rise to form a cross when viewed from above. The interior is bathed in light that enters through strategically placed windows. The main hall houses a large pipe organ and can seat approximately 600 people.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning on weekdays for quiet reflection, or Sunday to experience a Mass service
Accessibility: A 5-minute walk from Edogawabashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
Visitor Tips: Photography is allowed outside but limited inside. Dress modestly when visiting. The cathedral often hosts classical music concerts—check their bulletin board for schedules.

2. Harajuku Protestant Church (Tokyo)

Harajuku Protestant Church, Tokyo Located in the heart of Harajuku’s fashionable district, this church represents a perfect harmony of faith and modern design. Created by French architect Ciel Rouge Creation, the building features symbolic arches and softly curved walls that radiate tranquility.

Among the list of churches in Japan, this one stands out for its contemporary aesthetic and welcoming environment for visitors of all faiths.

Type: Protestant
Location: Harajuku, Shibuya, Tokyo
Distance from Nearest Airport: About 25 km from Haneda Airport
Timings: Variable; check ahead for visiting hours
Mass Timing: Sunday worship services (times vary seasonally)
Highlights: The church features modern architecture with curved walls and symbolic arches. Located in one of Tokyo’s most fashionable districts, the congregation is known for being welcoming to international visitors and hosts various community events.
Best Time to Visit: Sunday mornings for worship services or during announced community events
Accessibility: A short walk from Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line
Visitor Tips: The church welcomes people of all backgrounds. Check their event schedule if you’re interested in concerts or community gatherings. The area around the church is famous for shopping and people-watching, making it easy to combine a visit with other Harajuku activities.

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3. Yokohama Union Church (Kanagawa)

Yokohama Union Church Established in 1863, this is Japan’s oldest Protestant church serving the international community. It has stood as a cornerstone of Christian worship since Yokohama opened its port to foreign trade.

For travelers researching historic churches in Japan, Yokohama Union Church offers deep cultural and historical insight into Japan’s early ties with the West.

Type: Protestant (Interdenominational)
Location: 66-2 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Distance from Nearest Airport: About 25 km from Haneda Airport
Timings: Office hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mass Timing: Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. (in English)
Contact Number: +81-45-651-5177
Website: https://yokohamaunionchurch.org/
Email: [email protected]
Highlights:Japan’s first English-speaking Protestant church, the church features a diverse congregation from over 30 countries. The current building dates from 1931 and showcases beautiful stained glass windows.
Best Time to Visit: Sunday mornings for services or weekdays during office hours
Accessibility: A 10-minute walk from either Ishikawa-cho Station or Motomachi-Chukagai Station
Visitor Tips: Parking is available for those attending services. The church hosts community events throughout the year, including bazaars and concerts. The surrounding Yamate area has other historical Western buildings worth exploring.

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4. Yokohama Kaigan Church (Kanagawa)

Yokohama Kaigan Church Recognized as the first Protestant church built specifically for Japanese worshippers, Yokohama Kaigan Church was founded in 1872 and remains an active place of faith today. It’s often mentioned in every list of churches in Japan for its historical value and enduring role in promoting Christian worship within the country.

Type: Protestant (Reformed/Presbyterian)
Location: Near Yamashita Park, Yokohama
Distance from Nearest Airport: About 25 km from Haneda Airport
Timings: Variable; check ahead
Mass Timing: Sunday at 10:30 a.m. (in Japanese)
Highlights: The church building features a distinctive red brick exterior and houses an original church bell that survived the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. The church remains a symbol of the early spread of Christianity in modern Japan.
Best Time to Visit: Sunday morning to see the church active, or weekday afternoons for quiet visits
Accessibility: Near major tourist sites in Yokohama; accessible by several bus routes and train stations
Visitor Tips: Services are conducted in Japanese. The church is close to Yokohama’s Chinatown and Yamashita Park, making it easy to include in a day of Yokohama sightseeing.

5. Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Tamatsukuri Church, Osaka)

Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Osaka Known for its grand architecture and serene atmosphere, this cathedral is one of the biggest church in Japan. Serving as the mother church of the Osaka Diocese, it blends Western and Japanese architectural influences beautifully.

The cathedral was built on the site of a former feudal lord’s residence, adding layers of local history to its spiritual significance.

Type: Roman Catholic Cathedral
Location: Osaka
Distance from Nearest Airport: About 50 km from Kansai International Airport
Timings: Variable; check ahead
Mass Timing: Services in multiple languages including English, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Korean
Contact Number: +81-6-6941-2332
Website: https://tamatsukuri.ostk.catholic.jp/en
Highlights: The cathedral features important paintings and monuments commemorating Japanese Christian martyrs. Its architecture blends Western and Japanese elements while the multilingual parish serves diverse communities.
Best Time to Visit: Sunday for multilingual Mass; check the schedule for English services
Accessibility: Accessible by public transport; near Tamatsukuri Station
Visitor Tips: The cathedral offers masses in multiple languages, making it especially welcoming for international visitors. The surrounding area has several historical sites worth exploring.

6. Miyazu Catholic Church (Kyoto Prefecture)

Tucked away in the coastal town of Miyazu, this charming church is one of the oldest continuously operating Catholic churches in Japan. Its unique architecture combines Western church design with distinctly Japanese elements.

Type: Roman Catholic
Location: Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture
Distance from Nearest Airport: About 120 km from Kansai International Airport
Timings: Variable; call ahead
Mass Timing: Regular Japanese services; schedule varies
Contact Number:+81-772-22-3127
Website: https://www.miyazu-catholic-jp.net/
Email: [email protected]
Highlights: The church features traditional Japanese elements including tatami mat floors, alongside Western Christian imagery and stained glass windows. It’s located near the famous Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s three most scenic views.
Best Time to Visit: Spring or autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Accessibility: About 2 hours by train from Kyoto City
Visitor Tips: Combine your visit with a trip to Amanohashidate, a natural sand bar covered in pine trees that stretches across Miyazu Bay. The church offers a peaceful retreat from the more touristy areas.

7. Fukuoka International Church (Fukuoka)

For Indian tourists visiting Kyushu, Fukuoka International Church offers services and community events in English, making it a welcoming space for international visitors. It’s one of the most accessible worship places for Christians in Japan on the southern island.

Type: Protestant (Bilingual)
Location: Fukuoka City
Distance from Nearest Airport: About 5 km from Fukuoka Airport
Timings: Variable; check ahead
Mass Timing: Weekly worship in English and Japanese
Website: https://jbcfic.com/
Highlights: The church hosts a diverse international congregation from over 30 countries. It regularly organizes community banquets and seasonal celebrations that welcome visitors.
Best Time to Visit: Sunday for worship services or during announced special events
Accessibility: Located in central Fukuoka with good public transport access
Visitor Tips: The church provides a welcoming community for travelers and expatriates. Staff can often provide advice about local attractions and services in English.

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8. Church of St. Philip (Nishizaka Church, Nagasaki)

The Church of St. Philip stands at one of the most significant sites in Japanese Christian history.

Located near the Martyrs’ Museum, this church commemorates the 26 Christians crucified in Nagasaki in 1597, making it one of the most historically significant Christian churches in Japan.

Type: Roman Catholic
Location: Near 26 Martyrs Museum, Nagasaki
Distance from Nearest Airport: About 40 km from Nagasaki Airport
Timings: Open outside of Mass times for prayer and visits
Mass Timing: Daily Mass in Japanese; English Mass on Sunday afternoons
Highlights: The church houses relics of three of the 26 Martyrs of Japan. Its location adjacent to the historical museum provides important context for understanding Christianity’s difficult history in Japan.
Best Time to Visit: Sunday afternoons for English Mass or weekday mornings for quiet reflection
Accessibility: Accessible by tram from Nagasaki Station
Visitor Tips: Combine your visit with the 26 Martyrs Museum next door to gain a deeper understanding of Christian persecution in feudal Japan. The church is a short walk from other important Christian sites in Nagasaki.

9. Karuizawa Kogen Church (Nagano)

Set among the forested mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa Kogen Church offers a peaceful retreat and stands as one of the most picturesque churches in Japan for special occasions. Its woodland setting makes it especially popular for weddings.

Type: Protestant
Location: Karuizawa, Nagano
Distance from Nearest Airport: About 150 km from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport
Timings: Variable; check ahead
Mass Timing: New Year’s Day worship; other services as scheduled
Contact Number:+81-267-45-3333
Website: https://www.karuizawachurch.org/
Email: [email protected]
Highlights: The church is a popular wedding venue for Japanese couples. In December, it hosts a special forest illumination event that attracts visitors from throughout Japan.
Best Time to Visit: December for the illumination event, or New Year’s Day for special worship services
Accessibility: Accessible by train from Tokyo (about 1 hour on the Hokuriku Shinkansen)
Visitor Tips: Reservations are typically required for the December illumination event. The surrounding area offers excellent hiking in summer and skiing in winter.

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10. Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Urakami Church, Nagasaki)

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The Urakami Cathedral stands as a powerful symbol of resilience among famous churches in Japan. Located just 500 meters from the hypocenter of the 1945 atomic bombing, the original cathedral was completely destroyed.

Today’s rebuilt structure serves as both a place of worship and a monument to peace.

Type: Roman Catholic Cathedral
Location: Urakami, Nagasaki
Distance from Nearest Airport: About 40 km from Nagasaki Airport
Timings: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mass Timing: Regular services in Japanese; check for schedule
Contact Number: +81-95-844-1777
Website: https://uracathe.sakura.ne.jp/
Highlights: The current cathedral was rebuilt in 1959 after the original was destroyed in the atomic bombing. Some remnants of the original building are preserved on the grounds. The cathedral is the largest Catholic church in Japan.
Best Time to Visit: Any time, but especially meaningful around August 9 (Nagasaki atomic bombing anniversary)
Accessibility: Accessible by tram from Nagasaki Station
Visitor Tips: Visit the nearby Nagasaki Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum to understand the full historical context. The cathedral features statues of the Virgin Mary that survived the bombing.

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11. Holy Resurrection Cathedral (Nikolai-do, Tokyo)

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Holy Resurrection Cathedral (Nikolai-do), Tokyo With its striking green domes and distinctive Byzantine design, this Orthodox cathedral ranks among the most beautiful churches in Japan. Built by St. Nicholas of Japan, it remains a key landmark in Tokyo and a top pick on any list of churches in Japan. Its grand architecture and serene ambiance make it a must-see for those exploring Christian heritage in Japan.

Type: Eastern Orthodox
Location: Chiyoda, Tokyo
Distance from Nearest Airport: About 25 km from Haneda Airport
Timings: Variable; check ahead
Mass Timing: Sunday and major Orthodox holidays
Website: https://nikolaido.org/
Email: [email protected]
Highlights: The cathedral features a distinctive green dome that stands out in the Tokyo skyline. It was founded by St. Nicholas of Japan (Ivan Kasatkin) who introduced Orthodox Christianity to Japan in the 19th century.
Best Time to Visit: During Orthodox holidays for special services with traditional choral music
Accessibility: Near Ochanomizu Station, easily accessible by JR and subway lines
Visitor Tips: Listen for the distinctive sound of the church bells. The interior features a beautiful iconostasis and Orthodox imagery. For Indian tourists, the church offers an interesting comparison to Eastern Christian traditions in India.

12. St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (Kawaramachi Church, Kyoto)

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kyoto_catholic_cathedral.jpg

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Kyoto Named after the first Christian missionary to arrive in Japan, this cathedral is one of the most prominent Catholic churches in Japan. Located in Kyoto’s historic heart, it attracts both locals and tourists interested in the spread of Christianity across Japan.

It’s one of the best churches in Japan for those seeking cultural and spiritual depth.

New Creation Church Japan Among modern worship spaces, New Creation Church Japan stands out for its lively community, contemporary design, and uplifting sermons. While smaller compared to historic cathedrals, it’s a growing symbol of modern faith expression in urban Japan, attracting both locals and international believers.

Type: Roman Catholic
Location: Kawaramachi, Kyoto
Distance from Nearest Airport: About 100 km from Kansai International Airport
Timings:9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (may vary, check ahead)
Mass Timing: Regular services in Japanese; some English services
Contact Number:+81-75-231-4785
Website: http://catholickawaramachi.kyoto/noticias/
Highlights: The cathedral is named after St. Francis Xavier, who first brought Christianity to Japan in 1549. It serves as the mother church for the Diocese of Kyoto and maintains an active parish life.
Best Time to Visit: Sunday mornings for services or weekday afternoons for quiet visits
Accessibility: Located in central Kyoto, easily accessible by bus or subway
Visitor Tips: The cathedral is within walking distance of many other Kyoto attractions, making it easy to include in a day of sightseeing. The surrounding neighborhood has many shops and restaurants.

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FAQs

How many churches are in Japan?

There are approximately 7,700 churches in Japan across Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox denominations. Though Christians make up only 1% of the population, churches in Japan are found nationwide, especially in cities and Nagasaki.

Can Christians pray in public in Japan?

Yes, Christians can pray in public in Japan. The Constitution guarantees religious freedom. While public prayer is allowed, very demonstrative practices may attract attention, as such displays are relatively uncommon in Japanese culture.

Can Christians get married in Japan?

Yes, Christians can get married in Japan, often in church weddings. Christian-style ceremonies are popular even among non-Christians. Famous churches in Japan and hotels with chapels frequently host these aesthetically appealing weddings.

What are the 4 largest churches in Japan?

The four largest churches in Japan by building size are:

1. St. Mary’s Cathedral in Tokyo
2. Immaculate Conception (Urakami) Cathedral in Nagasaki
3. Holy Resurrection Cathedral (Nikolai-do) in Tokyo
4. Tamatsukuri Church (Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary) in Osaka

Are there any Catholics in Japan?

Yes, about 440,000 Catholics live in Japan, making up 0.35% of the population. Catholicism began in 1549 with St. Francis Xavier, with the largest communities found in Nagasaki and other parts of Kyushu island.

Can tourists attend church services in Japan?

Yes, tourists can attend churches in Japan with mass timings. Most welcome visitors of any faith. Some churches in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama offer English services or translations; respectful participation is encouraged.

Do I need permission to visit a church in Japan?

You generally don’t need permission to visit churches in Japan. Many are open to the public, though some may be locked when not in use. For historical churches in Japan, checking hours in advance is recommended.

Is there parking available at churches in Japan?

Parking at churches in Japan varies. Urban churches often have limited or no parking, so public transport is recommended. Suburban and rural churches in Japan usually offer parking, and some provide temporary options during services or events.