Walk the Old Road of Pilgrimage

Unzen Jigoku Martyrdom Site

Severe tortures used to be given to Christians for the purpose of forcing them to renounce their faith and 33 believers in total were martyred in the Unzen Jigoku area between 1627 and 1631.
The cross standing on the hill overlooking the area commemorates the faithfulness of the martyrs still today.
This large cross has the names of six martyrs carved into it by the Catholic Archdiocese of Nagasaki.
The other is the monument, “Sei-ka Moyu (or Holy Flame Burns)” by Tokutomi Soho and has the calligraphy by the author carved into it.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Nagasaki holds an event called “Unzen Junkyo Sai (Unzen Martyrdom Festival)” and organizes a pilgrimage tour every year on the third Sunday of May to commemorate the faithfulness of the martyrs who lost their lives in this area.

Unzen Christian Road of Martyrdom

This is where the two roads each leading from Obama area and Minami-Shimabara area meet. It is said that hidden Christians from Nagasaki and Minami-Shimabara took this road when they were taken to Unzen.
An old stone pillar which served as a directional post back at the time is installed here. The words carved into the pillar read “About 1.8 kilometers to Unzen,” “Left: To Minami-Shimabara” and “Right: To Obama.”

Unzen Catholic Church

Unzen Catholic Church, housed in a red brick building, is located on the hill of Fudanohara, where the route 57 splits into the prefectural road and Nishiarie road, at the western foot of Mt. Unzen. It was established in 1981 to pay respect to the souls of Anthony Ishida and his companions, who were martyred here in the Unzen Jigoku area, as well as to commemorate the Pope’s visit to Nagasaki.
*Usually Closed for Itinerant Church Activity

Mimitori

Hidden Christians from Nagasaki had to cross the water, land on the Obama area and go over the mountain when they were taken to Unzen. Their ears were cut off in order to prevent them from running away during night camping on the way. It is said that local villagers collected such ears and built tombs for them.

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