What other travelers are saying about Dozaki Catholic Church
Worth the hike out, very idyllic location, museum is very informative. Fascinating place. ❤ Just beware that the buses that go there do not leave frequently!
While Dozaki Church itself can typically be visited without reservations, some UNESCO-listed Hidden Christian sites in the Goto Islands do require advance booking through dedicated online reservation systems. It's recommended to check the official UNESCO Hidden Christian Sites website or contact local tourism offices before your visit to confirm current access requirements. The church operates as both an active place of worship and museum, so visitors should be respectful of any ongoing religious services.
To reach Dozaki Church, you must first travel to Fukue Island in the Goto Islands. Take a jetfoil from Nagasaki Port to Fukue Port, which takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. From Fukue Port, the church is about 15 minutes by car or taxi. Rental cars are available on the island, and some tour buses also include Dozaki Church in their itineraries. The journey requires planning as ferry schedules can be affected by weather conditions.
The church interior features traditional stained glass windows, ribbed vault ceilings, and wooden construction that creates a serene atmosphere. The attached museum displays artifacts related to Christianity in the Goto Islands, including items significant to the Hidden Christians who practiced their faith in secret. Visitors can see historical documents, religious objects, and exhibits explaining the unique blend of Christian, Buddhist, and Shinto practices that characterized Hidden Christianity during the persecution period.
Admission to both Dozaki Church and its museum is free of charge. The typical operating hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though the church may be closed on certain days for maintenance or special religious observances. Since this is an active place of worship, visitors are expected to maintain appropriate church etiquette, including speaking quietly and dressing modestly. Photography may be restricted in certain areas, so it's best to ask permission before taking pictures inside the church.
Amazing to see how these young priests came to help, build an orphanage and cared for people 😍 just overly noisy with tour guides more interested in the history of the place than in the power of prayer 🙏
