The church is formally known as Hirado Xavier Memorial Church.
St. Francis Xavier visited Hirado three times during his mission in Japan to seek permission to preach from the local daimyo, Matsuura Takanobu.
The current structure is the third Catholic church built in Hirado; the previous two were located in different parts of the town.
The lime-green paint color was chosen during a renovation in the 1970s, making it a unique landmark in the city skyline.
The hill upon which the church stands is often called 'Temple Hill' because it sits near several Buddhist temples, symbolizing the historical intersection of different faiths in Hirado.
St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church is a prominent neo-Gothic Catholic church located in the historic port town of Hirado, Nagasaki. The current structure was completed in 1931 to commemorate the missionary work of Saint Francis Xavier, who arrived in Hirado in 1550. It is physically distinguished by its bright lime-green exterior walls which contrast sharply with the surrounding traditional Japanese architecture. The site occupies a hillside position overlooking the Hirado Strait and the historic port area. Inside, the church features simple wooden pews and stained glass windows depicting religious iconography. The location serves as a symbol of the 'Hidden Christian' (Kakure Kirishitan) history that persists throughout the Nagasaki region. The building is part of a cluster of churches in Hirado that highlights the synthesis of Western religious architecture and local Japanese urban design.
From the lower approach road looking up, which captures the contrast between the green church and the traditional Japanese rooftops nearby.
Walk the narrow streets leading up to the hill to see the unique mix of temple and church architecture.
Visit the small museum space on the grounds to view historical artifacts related to the Christian history of Hirado.
Respect the signage requesting silence, as this remains an active place of worship.
Avoid driving directly to the entrance, as the surrounding streets are extremely narrow and residential with limited parking.
Maintain a quiet tone, remove hats, and refrain from photography inside the main sanctuary.
