Tainoura Church

Tainoura Church (カトリック鯛ノ浦教会) stands quietly along the scenic coast of Nakadori Island, offering visitors a powerful link to both local and national history. What makes this church especially significant is its bell tower, built using bricks salvaged from the ruins of Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki—the largest Catholic church in East Asia before it was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. These weathered bricks, now repurposed into a tranquil island chapel, speak volumes about resilience, remembrance, and the enduring strength of the Christian community in the Goto Islands. Surrounded by gentle hills and overlooking the bay, the church’s setting invites quiet reflection on both the past and the determination that shaped it.

Adjacent to the historic structure stands a modern chapel, where services are still held by the local congregation. This seamless blend of old and new creates a living heritage site where visitors can admire the original craftsmanship while experiencing the continued vibrancy of faith in the region. With its compelling history, serene setting, and symbolic architecture, Tainoura Church offers a thoughtful stop for those exploring the deeper spiritual and cultural layers of the Goto archipelago.