Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Church

The Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Church was erected in 1952 (Showa 27) in honor of the 400th anniversary of Francisco Xavier's arrival in Japan. Xavier was the pioneering Jesuit missionary who made his way to Japan in 1550, reaching Yamaguchi in early November of that year. The task of spreading Christianity in Japan was an extremely difficult one, made even more challenging with the replacement of the Ouchi clan by the Mori clan, which led to persecution of the religion. However, as the Meiji government came under criticism from foreign countries for its lack of recognition of religious freedom, the persecution gradually waned.

The church also houses a Christian museum that is open to visitors. The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and there is an admission fee to enter.