What other travelers are saying about St. Mary's Cathedral, Tokyo
Easy walk from the Gokokuji station. This designated Jubilee 2025 Holy Door pilgrim church of the Archdiocese of Tokyo is a huge (specially by Tokyo standards) imposing complex of a bell 🔔 tower, the main church with basement, several offices of the diocese and parish with many parking spaces.
All is of modern architecture with clean lines and the interiors quite ascetic in its simplicity. We came at 4:30pm (30 minutes to closing time) on a Monday on the birthday of the Blessed Mother.
All was quiet and solemn, almost sepulchral because of the dark except for the lighted images and displays of a beautiful rendition of Michelangelo’s Pieta, a very modern baptistery with a font that is practically a work of art, first class relics of a bone of St Faustina, the blood of Pope John Paul and a fascinating relic of the Biblical Magi (a gift from the Cathedral of Cologne).
There is a lovely replica of Bernadette’s grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in the grounds.
Would love to visit again when all the lights are on.
This is one of the most beautiful cathedral that I have ever seen here. The architecture of the building is modern and unique. The church is accompanied by a bell tower with four bells that has sound embracing the culture of Japan, and a also the replica grotto of Lourdes. Inside the church is an office, large place to have a mass, Mary's statue on the left, Pieta statue on the right, and also relics of well known saints, such as St. Francis Xavier, St. Faustina Kowalska, and St. Pope John Paul II. The location of the place is relatively quiet. It is cozy to pray in this place. The most important thing is the pipe organ from Mascioni. It is huge and the sounds suits the architecture. I felt the tranquility when I was inside this place.
A little off the beaten track, but absolutely worth it. The sweeping concrete curves and moody light inside are stunning, even if you’re not religious, the architecture speaks for itself. Plus, the quiet neighbourhood and park it sits in is a lovely bonus.
✨ International Jubilee Mass 2025 ✨
St. Mary’s Cathedral, Tokyo (also known as Sekiguchi Catholic Church).
Joined by communities from Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Myanmar, Indonesia, Nigeria, and many other countries. That’s a wonderful memory and experience!
Tokyo Cathedral St. Mary's Cathedral is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with free admission. The cathedral welcomes visitors for prayer, sightseeing, and architectural appreciation. Mass times vary, so check the official schedule if you plan to attend religious services.
St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo is easily accessible via JR Edogawabashi Station on the Yurakucho Line (5-minute walk) or Gokokuji Station on the Yurakucho Line (8-minute walk). From major Tokyo stations, take the JR Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro, then transfer to the Yurakucho Line.
Tokyo St. Mary's Cathedral, designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, features striking modernist architecture completed in 1964. The cathedral's distinctive stainless steel exterior and geometric concrete design replaced the original Gothic cathedral destroyed in WWII, making it a significant example of contemporary Japanese religious architecture.
Yes, tourists can visit Tokyo Cathedral St. Mary's Cathedral for photography and sightseeing. The modernist architecture, designed by Kenzo Tange, offers excellent photo opportunities both inside and outside. Visitors should be respectful during religious services and follow photography guidelines posted within the cathedral.
Non-Catholic tourists are welcome at St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo. Dress modestly, maintain quiet behavior, and respect ongoing religious activities. The cathedral offers informational materials about its architecture and history. Free admission makes it an accessible cultural and architectural attraction in Tokyo's Bunkyo district.
