Ono Village, Umi no Kuni

Overview

Ono Village, Umi no Kuni, located in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, offers a captivating journey into the history and culture of the Kakure Kirishitan (hidden Christians). During the Edo period, when Christianity was forbidden, persecuted Kakure Kirishitan found refuge and built a community here. The village boasts numerous historical structures, including the Ono Church, designated as an Important Cultural Property. These buildings stand as testaments to the unwavering faith of the Kakure Kirishitan. Ono Church, constructed in 1877 by Father De Roches, a French missionary, was built with the cooperation of the villagers. Its walls, known as "De Roches walls," are made of locally sourced stone, giving it a unique style distinct from other churches in Nagasaki. The unique landscape of Ono Village, where churches and shrines stand side-by-side, is a sight unseen elsewhere. This reflects the Kakure Kirishitan's practice of disguising Christian churches as Shinto shrines. Ono Village embodies the resolute spirit of a people who persevered in their faith over many years. Registered as a World Heritage site in 2018, Ono Village is part of the "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region." It's a precious place to experience history, culture, and learn about a significant chapter in modern Japanese history.