What other travelers are saying about Holy Zion’s Park St. Valentine
Not a Cathedral and should not be listed as such. Strictly a wedding venue. A facade. So tacky when buildings that are supposed to be for the reverence of the union of two people in the eyes of God are reduced to a “theme park”. Shame.
Yes, you can view the church's exterior and grounds, but access to the interior is limited as this is primarily a private wedding venue. The building is best appreciated from the outside, and you can also get excellent views of the church from Fukuyama Castle, which is only a 10-15 minute walk away.
Holy Zion's Park St. Valentine stands out as a striking example of European-style Catholic architecture in the heart of Japan. The church creates an unexpected visual contrast within the Japanese urban landscape of Fukuyama, and its prominent location makes it visible even to passengers on the shinkansen bullet train traveling between Okayama and Hiroshima.
The church is located at 2-7-1 Nishimachi, Fukuyama in Hiroshima Prefecture. Take the train to Fukuyama Station on the JR San'yo Main Line or Shinkansen network. The church is positioned east of Higashi Fukuyama JR station and is within walking distance of Fukuyama's city center, making it easily accessible on foot.
No, Holy Zion's Park St. Valentine functions primarily as a wedding venue rather than a traditional parish church for regular religious services. It represents the popular trend of Western-style Christian wedding ceremonies in Japan, catering specifically to couples seeking this type of ceremony.
The most notable nearby attraction is Fukuyama Castle, located approximately 10-15 minutes walking distance from the church. The church's central location in Fukuyama city center also provides easy access to other local attractions and amenities within the urban district, making it convenient to explore multiple sites during your visit.
