Virgin Mary Statue from France Marks "Discovery of Christians" at Oura Cathedral
Built in 1864 by French priests Louis Furet and Bernard Petitjean, Ōura Cathedral, officially known as the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan, stands as a testament to faith and endurance in Nagasaki. This Catholic church was erected to honor the 26 martyrs executed in 1597 and quickly became a landmark. It was Japan’s first Western-style building to be designated a National Treasure in 1933, and it remains the oldest surviving Christian church in the country.
Originally a small wooden church, it was expanded into a grand Gothic-style brick basilica by 1879. A pivotal moment in its history occurred in 1865 when hidden Christians from Urakami revealed their faith to Father Petitjean, an event known as the “Discovery of Christians.” This remarkable revelation came after more than 250 years of secrecy due to Japan's ban on Christianity. The cathedral miraculously survived the atomic bomb attack in 1945, was subsequently restored, and its National Treasure status was reaffirmed in 1953. Its profound significance in the history of hidden Christians led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.
Ōura Cathedral: A Beacon of Faith and Resilience #japan #travel #nagasaki (YouTube link)
Photo Gallery
The photographs taken on April 7, 2025, beautifully capture this essence, serving as a visual testament to the church's historical allure.
Diamond Princess Cruise Sighted En Route to Oura Cathedral
Hagi City , Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime and historical significance, particularly from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration . This coastal town captivates with its well-preserved samurai districts, pine-lined roads, clear waterways, and serene ambiance, evoking a nostalgic journey back in time. Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy. Cycling, boat trips, temple visits, and local specialties like summer tangerines and Hagi ware highlight Hagi’s charm. Hidden gems like Tokoji Temple make it a must-visit for an authentic, enriching experience. Japan’s Timeless Beauty – 2 Days in Hagi, a World Heritage Town (YouTube link ) Things to Do Boat Trip: A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour provides a unique perspective of Hagi, with reflections on the town’s historical significance during the ride. Bicycle Rental: You can rent a bike at the station, which is a recommended way to explore Hagi. C...
This is a passageway leading to Nankai-Namba Station. Be aware that underground passages in Japan can be quite complex for visitors. When you arrive at Kansai International Airport (symbol: KIX) and try to reach your destinations via trains, sometimes you need to make connections at Namba Station (see Fig. 2). Namba Station is one of the main connection points (the other two are Umeda and Tennoji Stations). But, Namba Station actually means 4 different stations on Google map (see Fig. 3&4) : Namba Station (Subway): This station provides access to the Osaka Metro lines: Midosuji (see Fig. 4), Sennichimae , and Yotsubashi . These lines can take you to popular destinations like Osaka Station, Koreatown, Honmachi, and Nippombashi. JR-Namba Station: This smaller station has only four tracks and two platforms. It's located within the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building, and the entrance can be easy to miss. Thankfully, it's connected to the ...
TL;DR: T‑10 is gone — Barcelona now uses the T‑mobilitat system. The best tourist ticket is the T‑Casual (10 rides, Zone 1), but it does not cover the Airport Metro (L9 Sud) or the Aerobús. If you land at T1, skip buying transit tickets at the airport and take the Aerobús into the city first. Once you reach the city center and drop your bags, buy your T‑Casual from any Metro station vending machine and start using it for all your Barcelona travel. How to Buy and Use Barcelona's NEW Contactless Transport Cards (YouTube link) Barcelona has officially retired the old T‑10 paper ticket . Since 2020, the city has transitioned to T‑mobilitat , a modern contactless system used across the metro, buses, trams, FGC, and RENFE trains. If you’re reading older guides, you’ll still see references to the T‑10 — but as of 2026, the T‑Casual and other T‑mobilitat tickets have fully replaced it. For most visitors, the T‑Casual remains the easiest and most affordable way to get around Barcelona. Th...
