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Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Cathedral

山口県

general.prefecture.

A solemn cathedral associated with the missionary Xavier.

The two towers that can be seen from afar are a landmark of Yamaguchi City. The first floor introduces the footsteps of Xavier and the history of Christianity, while the second floor is a cathedral where you will be struck by the beauty of the stained glass. It is a space where you can enjoy a quiet atmosphere.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic Rainny dayCulture

Highlights

Point 1

Learn About Christianity

The Xavier Memorial Church is a Catholic church where you can learn in detail about Christianity. With numerous courses available, you can learn about Christianity in depth or broaden your perspective on various topics. Additionally, there is a library called the "Lorenzo Library" that holds a collection of religious-related specialized books, and borrowing is possible with the necessary procedures. It's attractive that there are various ways to learn, whether it's listening to lectures or reading books on your own.

Point 2

Overwhelmed by the Stunning Stained Glass

When you enter the Xavier Memorial Cathedral, the most impressive thing that remains in your memory is the beautiful stained glass. This stained glass depicts the life of Xavier and makes you want to take your time to appreciate it. On sunny days, the sunlight passes through the translucent stained glass, making it even more beautiful and sparkling. You'll want to sit in a chair in the cathedral and lose track of time while gazing at it.

Point 3

Meditate to the Sound of the Organ

Inside the cathedral, there is a pipe organ placed to praise and play for God, allowing you to hear rich and beautiful sounds. Almost every month throughout the year, an "Organ Meditation" is held, allowing you to meditate while listening to majestic music. In addition to just listening to concerts, lectures on pipe organs are also held, so it's a good idea to apply and experience it if you're interested.

Point 4

Attend a Mass

At the Xavier Memorial Cathedral, anyone, regardless of whether they are a believer or not, can attend a Mass. On Sundays, Mass is held at the Xavier Memorial Cathedral from 9:30 am, and from Monday to Saturday, it is held at the small chapel on the first floor of the Xavier Memorial Cathedral's parish hall. Even if it's your first time, you can participate with peace of mind as they kindly guide you. However, it's important to note that you must stay until the end, so be sure to participate until the end while observing proper etiquette.

Point 5

Have a Wedding in a Church

At the Xavier Memorial Cathedral, you can have a wedding. Even if you're not Catholic, you can still have a wedding, so there's no need to worry. However, it's mandatory to attend a marriage seminar conducted by a priest, regardless of whether you're a believer or not, so please make sure to attend it. It seems like having a wedding in the magnificent and beautiful cathedral will make it a memorable one.

Fee

Visit by Making a Donation

When entering the "Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Cathedral," it is necessary to make a donation. The fee is 200 yen for adults (junior high school students and above), 100 yen for elementary school students, and free for infants. There are no group discounts available. Inside, you can see beautiful stained glass and numerous materials related to Christ. Please make a donation and take a tour of the beautiful church interior!

Access

Recommended Access by Car or Bus

Due to its location in the center of Yamaguchi City, accessing the Xavier Memorial Cathedral is easy. If taking the bus, board at the north exit of Shin-Yamaguchi Station and get off at Chugoku Denryoku-mae, which is a 5-minute walk away. If taking the train, it's a 15-minute walk from JR Yamaguchi Station. If coming by car, it's about 20 minutes from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station and about 15 minutes from the Yamaguchi IC or Yuda Smart IC. There are also parking lots in the surrounding area, so you can rest assured.

Basic Information

	Address	4-1 Kameyama-cho, Yamaguchi-shi, Yamaguchi 753-0089
	Business Hours	10:00～16:00
	TEL	083-920-1549
	Web Site	http://www.xavier.jp/

Average Review

5 Reviews

子どもの頃、再建される前に1度見た記憶があります。まえの聖堂は1991年に焼失したそうです。今の聖堂は1998年に建てられたもの。三角形のフォルムと2本の塔が印象的です。 1階から入場します。1階はザビエルについての展示や日本のキリスト教についての展示がされています。焼失した旧聖堂についても少し。展示を見終えて、階段で(エレベーターもあったようです。)2階へ。ステンドグラスが美しいです。パイプオルガンが自動で演奏されていました。厳かな雰囲気に満ちていました。

「２００円」「フランシスコ・ザビエルが布教した地」「山口教会」「ザビエルの聖遺骨展示」「日本クリスマス発祥の地」ザビエルが日本で初めてキリスト教の布教活動をした場所のひとつです。後任の同僚によって布教の拠点となった大道寺が、山口教会として再興、現在の記念聖堂へと歴史が繋がっています。当時はザビエルを記念してお城のような建物だったそうですが、焼失により再建されたのが現在の聖堂です。館内にはザビエルの絵画の複製が多数展示されています。日本人が知っている絵は日本人絵師によるものですが、ヨーロッパのザビエルはイケメン揃いです。また、ザビエルの聖遺骨や聖遺品が展示されています。現代的なデザインのステンドグラスは聖書がテーマとなっています。また日本のキリスト教屏風絵の複製なども展示されています。ほとんど複製展示ですが、見どころはたくさんあります。日本のキリスト教といえば無理解と弾圧の歴史であり、ザビエルの活動は困難を極めました。山口でも弾圧が激化し、その後信徒は萩市の紫福へ逃れました。それでも人口の１０％が信者になったそうで、布教に成功した地といえるかもしれません。大道寺があった場所は近所の「サビエル記念公園」で、日本のクリスマス発祥の地とされています。【駐車場】十分な広さ【バリアフリートイレ♿】まあまあの清潔感【アクセシビリティ♿】車椅子貸出、盲導犬同伴可 #letsguide

1階の窓口で200円を納め、資料館から見学し、階段で2階の聖堂に上がる順路。聖堂のみの見学であれば無料とのご案内をいただきましたが、それはオススメしませんよ～。資料館を見学してる途中で上階から美しいパイプオルガンの音が！収録したものを再生しているのかも勝手に思っていました。しかし、よく見るとオルガンが動いてる。まさか生演奏が聴けると思わず、とても感動しました。教会を包み込む、重厚な音色は心に響き渡ります。ぜひ、ご自身の耳で聴いてみてください。真っ白な聖堂に映えるステンドグラスも美しいです。 ※写真撮影は条件付きで許可されてます。

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