The 12 Components of World Cultural Heritage
The Impetus for Going into Hiding
1 Remains of Hara Castle
The final battleground of the Shimabara Rebellion.
Objects of Veneration
2 The village of Kasuga and Sacred Places in Hirado (Kasuga and Mt. Yasumandake)
The villagers venerated the mountain.
3 The village of Kasuga and Sacred Places in Hirado (Nakaenoshima Island)
The villagers venerated the island, a martyrdom site.
4 The village of Sakitsu in Amakusa
The villagers venerated everyday objects like abalone shells.
5 The village of Shitsu in Sotome
The villagers venerated holy pictures of Mary and other religious figures.
6. The village of Ōno in Sotome
The villagers venerated shrines.
Where Hidden Christians Migrated to Maintain their Faith
7 Villages on Kuroshima Island
The villages were built on the old horse farms of the Hirado domain.
8 Remains of Villages on Nozaki Island
The villages were built on a site sacred to Shinto.
9. Villages on Kashiragashima Island
The villages were built in a place where the sick were quarantined.
10 Villages on Hisaka Island
The villages were built on undeveloped land in the island.
Typical Church Marking the End of the Hidden Era
11 The village of Egami on Naru Island (Egami Church and its surroundings)
The Site of the “Discovery of the Hidden Christians,” Which Brought Major Change
12 Oura Cathedral