Tsuruoka Catholic Church｜A hidden architectural gem in Shonai where Japanese and Western styles meet

Built in the Meiji period (1868-1912), this church is a beautiful blend of Japanese and Western architecture, incorporating traditional Japanese design into a Western-style building. It is a valuable place to experience the history and culture of Shonai.

What is Tsuruoka Catholic Church?

Tsuruoka Catholic Church is a wooden Gothic-style church built by French missionaries in 1903. The official name of the church is “Catholic Church of Tsuruoka, Tenshudo.

Located in Baba-cho, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, just a short distance from the Chido Museum and Tsuruoka Park. The location is perfect for sightseeing routes.

▶Access

• 5 minutes by bus from JR Tsuruoka Station, 3 minutes walk from Chido Museum-mae bus stop.

• Easy access within walking distance from the guesthouse “Watabagi”.

Architectural beauty speaks of a “fusion of Japanese and Western styles.

The most attractive thing about this church is its unique architectural design.

◎ The exterior is Gothic, but the roof is tile!

It is a European-style Gothic building with a spire...but the roof is made of Japanese tiles. Upon closer inspection, one can see that it has an atmosphere reminiscent of a temple or shrine.

◎ Inside is like a temple? A world of vaulted ceilings

When you step into the hall, you will see the “Oriage Goutenjo” ceiling, a design found in traditional Japanese architecture, The ceiling is covered with the “oriage-gotenjo” ceiling, a design found in traditional Japanese architecture.

Yet, the stained glass windows on the walls give the room a solemn Christian atmosphere. This “cross-cultural mix” of spaces is very rare in Japan.

Stained glass windows and the presence of the “Black Mary

◎ Sacred performance created by light

Light shining through the stained glass above the altar gently illuminates the interior. The light is most beautiful from mid-morning to midday, which is also a good time for photography 📸.

The only “Black Mary” statue in Japan

And the statue of the “Black Mary” enshrined here is the one to look out for. Commonly called the “Black Madonna,” it is a mystical presence that has become an object of worship in many parts of the world.

This is the only church in Japan where a black statue of Mary can be seen. It is also a place for spiritual journey and prayer, and people visit from all over Japan.

Faith and local culture nurtured by history

During the Meiji era (1868-1912), when prejudice against Christianity was still deeply rooted, this church began its journey with the community.

The fact that it has maintained its appearance for more than 120 years in the severe wind and snow of Shonai is itself proof of its deep ties with the community. Once you visit, you will realize that “prayer” has become a part of the local atmosphere.

â- You can also enjoy sightseeing in the surrounding area.â

After church, we recommend visiting the surrounding attractions.

• Chido Museum The museum is lined with samurai residences and historical buildings of the Shonai Clan, where visitors can learn about the culture of Shonai.

• Tsuruoka Park
  Famous for its cherry blossoms. In spring, the whole area becomes a world of pink🌸.

• Shuhei Fujisawa Memorial Museum
  Visitors can experience the world of Shuhei Fujisawa, a great writer born in Shonai.

• Guest House Watabagi After a day of walking around the retro town, stay in a relaxing machiya-style guest house. With a kitchen, it's also perfect for consecutive nights.

Summary｜Please visit the best spots for sightseeing in Tsuruoka!

Tsuruoka Catholic Church is a hidden tourist attraction with its historical exterior, beautiful interior with a blend of Japanese and Western styles, and the only black statue of Mary in Japan, It is a hidden tourist attraction filled with many charms, such as its historical exterior, beautiful interior with a blend of Japanese and Western styles, and the only “black statue of Mary” in Japan.

It is perfect for those who want to spend a slightly deeper and quieter time in downtown Tsuruoka, where there are many sightseeing spots.

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