Photo By: Laura Payne
Region
Chugoku
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Matsue
Population
761,499

Otome Toge Saint Mary’s Chapel

Whether for religion or to learn history, the chapel and its grounds have something to teach.

By Laura Payne

In the late 19th century, this location in the woods outside of Tsuwano served as a prison for Christians from Nagasaki, who were persecuted and abused because of their religion. This former prison has been repurposed today as a pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Whether one visits for religious reasons or to learn about history, the chapel and its grounds have something to teach.

Christianity’s history in Japan

Photo by: Laura Payne A dark past with a long-lasting legacy.

Catholic missionaries first began spreading Christianity to Japan in the 1500s. However, in the late 1500 and early 1600s, political tensions and fear prompted Japan’s shogunate to expel missionaries and ban Christianity. Converts who refused to renounce their faith were tortured until they were recanted or executed. To avoid persecution, Japanese Christians began worshiping in secret.

About two centuries later, edicts that restricted foreigners’ access to Japan were lifted, and a limited number of churches were built to serve foreign residents. These events prompted some Japanese Christians to emerge quietly from hiding. However, the ban on Christianity had not been lifted yet, so those who revealed themselves were arrested.

Then, 153 Christians from Nagasaki were imprisoned in Tsuwano for “reeducation.” At first, jailers attempted to change the Christians’ faith through lectures, but starvation and torture were used when these failed. Thirty-seven of those sent to Tsuwano died due to their treatment, and today these 37 are known as the Martyrs of Tsuwano.

Those who survived imprisonment were released in 1873 after the ban on Christianity was lifted.

The chapel grounds

Photo by: Shimane Prefecture Tourism Division The chapel is especially pretty in autumn.

Anyone can enter Otome Toge Saint Mary’s Chapel today to pray or view the art. Stained glass windows and a mural depict stories of individual martyrs.

Outside stands a statue of the Virgin Mary and Yasutaro, one of the most famous martyrs. It is said that the Virgin Mary visited him several nights before Yasutaro’s death and kept him company. This is why the chapel is dedicated to Mary today.

Nearby, a trail through the woods leads pilgrims through the Stations of the Cross before reaching the martyrs’ gravesite.

The chapel grounds are also the site of the Otome Toge Festival, one of Tsuwano’s major annual events. On May 3, a procession carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary starts at Tsuwano Catholic Church and ends at Saint Mary’s Chapel. This procession is followed by an outdoor Mass that honors those once imprisoned.

Things To Know

Visiting the chapel and museum

Otome Toge Saint Mary’s Chapel is located in the woods surrounding Tsuwano and is accessible via a short trail. It is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes when using this trail.

When entering or leaving the chapel building, close the door tightly behind you to avoid letting in bugs or wild animals.
When walking in the woods, be alert. It is possible to encounter snakes and other animals.

More information about Otome Toge Saint Mary’s Chapel and the Martyrs of Tsuwano can be found at the free museum next to Tsuwano Catholic Church. Books about this history written in English and Japanese are for sale in the museum shop.

If no one is in the museum shop at the time of your visit, please leave money for purchased items in the cash box.

How To Get There

Address

By train

Otome Toge Saint Mary’s Chapel is about a 20-minute walk from Tsuwano Station.

Where To Stay

Tsuwano Onsen Yutorelo Tsuwano
  • 82-3 Ushiroda, Kanoashi-gun Tsuwano-cho, Shimane, 699-5605 Japan
  • ¥7,700 - ¥14,300
  • 4.18/5 (209 reviews)
  • 0.5 km
Condominium Tsuwano Sou Vacation Rental
  • 84-4 Morimura, Kanoashi-gun Tsuwano-cho, Shimane, 699-5604 Japan
  • ¥20,000 - ¥24,000
  • 1.6 km

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