Japan Guide
Western Honshū
St Francis Xavier Memorial Church
The twin towers of this modern church are easily spotted atop Kame-yama-kōen on the northwest side of the city. The church was named after the pioneering Spanish missionary Francis Xavier who, having already had success in Goa and Malacca, landed in Japan on August 15, 1549, and in the following year was granted leave to preach in Yamaguchi. When he left, the city had a community of more than five hundred Christians, many of whom later died for their beliefs under the less tolerant Tokugawa government. In 1991, the original church, built in 1952 to commemorate the four-hundredth anniversary of Xavier's visit, burnt down. It has recently been completely replaced by a striking contemporary structure incorporating a pyramid-like main building, and twin square towers topped by metallic sculptures, one hung with nine bells. Opening time: Mon– Sat 9am–5.30pm Price: ¥100