Otome Toge Maria Chapel

The Otome Toge Maria Chapel (乙女峠マリア聖堂, Otome Tōge Maria Seidō), located west of Tsuwano Station, was built in 1951 as a tribute to the Japanese Christians who suffered persecution during the Meiji Period. Nestled within tranquil woods, the small chapel offers visitors a peaceful space for reflection. During the Edo Period, Christianity was banned in Japan, and many Christians were forced to practice their faith in secret. After the Meiji Restoration, these faithful were sent to Tsuwano and pressured to renounce their beliefs. A nearby monument commemorates the story of one Christian who endured torture but remained resolute in their faith, finding strength through nightly visions of the Virgin Mary.

The chapel is a poignant reminder of the strength and perseverance of Japanese Christians, standing in memory of the 36 individuals who suffered and died rather than abandon their beliefs. The chapel and the accompanying monument serve as a significant historical site, symbolizing the courage and devotion of those who lived through Japan’s era of religious persecution. Visitors can reflect on the hardships faced by early Christians in Japan and honor their enduring spirit in this peaceful, sacred location.