Unique Places in Yamaguchi-ken

In the later part of 19th century, many Japanese Catholics were taken to former site of Korinji Temple as criminals, where as many as 36 of those people were martyred.
The Otome Toge St. Mary Chapel was built on the Otome toge ( means Otome pass) in 1951 in memory of the martyrs.

In the Otome Toge festival held on May 3, many Catholic believers from all over Japan go in procession from the church to the chapel where a solemn mass is held.

[Back to Tsuwano]

Father Villion came to this town Tsuwano to propagate Christianity in 1892, and soon Tsuwano Catholic Church was built at the heart of Tsuwano.

The present church building was rebuilt in 1931 due to a fire.

[Back to Tsuwano]

1 more image

Kakuozan Yomeiji Temple, is the family temple for the successive federal lords of Yoshimi, Sakazaki and Kamei and was built in 1420.

The temple was one of the Japan’s two greatest Sotoshu sect temples in Edo Period.

[Back to Tsuwano]

Tago Karou Mon is an old gate of the Tago family house.

Tago was the family of successive chief retainers served for Kamei, the daimyo of Tsuwano.

[Back to Tsuwano]

Hanko Yorokan is an educational facility like a general university built in the last day of Edo Period(1603-1867).

It provided students with various subjects such as math, Confucianism, ancient Japanese through, medical science, military science, art of etiquette, martial art.

The graduates are Amane Nishi, Ougai Mori, and other famous figures.

[Back to Tsuwano]

3 more images

Taikodani Inari Shrine located in Tsuwano is counted among Japan’s big five Inari Shrine, and was built to pray for the peace and security of Tsuwano Castle as well as for the happiness of Tsuwano people.

Now people from all over Japan visit the Shrine to pray for good harvest of rice, prosperity of business, improvement of fortune, or protection from evil.

[Back to Tsuwano]