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26 Martyrs Museum
26 Martyrs Museum
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles186 reviews
Excellent
88
Very good
67
Average
30
Poor
1
Terrible
0

Kimitaka S
Taichung, Taiwan15,193 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Solo
Behind 26 martyrs monument, there is a museum about Christian culture and history in Nagasaki. Even Mother Theresa once came to visit this place. Many old documents are displayed, and it is a little bit tiresome to read all of them. However, to get a general idea about Christianity in Nagasaki, it is worth visiting.
Written 22 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

J&S_Singapore
Singapore, Singapore5,609 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2017 • Couples
Our first stop upon reaching Nagasaki, after 1.5 hrs from Hakata..
We walked a 15 mins slight uphill to the site, like a plaza, an open space area. Can be quite a challenging hike I would say, so be a little prepared.
Both the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument were built on Nishizaka Hill in 1962 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the canonization by the Roman Catholic Church of the Christians executed on the same site on February 5, 1597. The Martyrs Memorial St. Philip's Church (Nishizaka Church) is just behind them.
Entry fee is 500 yen. The Museum showcases the History of Christianity in Japan, focusing on the Events /Incidents leading to the Death of the 26 as well as many more Christians during the religion- oppression by the Shogunate. Be ‘lost’ in reading and viewing the many relics, letters and stories surrounding the persecuted Christians.
The 26 people, a mixture of 20 native Japanese Christians and 6 foreign priests had been arrested in Kyoto and Osaka on the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, for preaching Christianity.
The museum's collection also includes important historical articles from both Japan and Europe (such as original letters from the Jesuit priest St Francis Xavier),
There were plenty of English explanations which is helpful to us. We spent a good 1.5 hours appreciating the exhibits and the most touching part for me is reading the brief description of each of the martyrs; right up to the moment they were lanced at the cross. It is really moving!
An excellent Museum. I am a free-thinker but to read about their stories and conviction really moves me.
And what a time to review this visit and article when Christmas is barely 2-days away!!
Written 22 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Letsgoonatriphoney
Prince William County, VA416 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
We recently had the profound privilege of visiting the 26 Martyrs Museum in Nagasaki, Japan, and the experience left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. This museum is a testament to the courage, resilience, and enduring spirit of the 26 Christian martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their beliefs in the 17th century.

The museum's location, overlooking the tranquil Nagasaki Bay, sets the stage for an emotionally charged and historically significant experience. The meticulously designed exhibits walk you through the tragic events of February 5, 1597, when 26 individuals, both Japanese and foreign, were martyred for their Christian faith.

The museum's architecture is captivating, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary elements. Upon entering, you're immediately immersed in a space that pays homage to the martyrs, effectively conveying the depth of their sacrifice through carefully curated displays, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.

One of the most moving aspects of the museum is the vivid depiction of the martyrs' stories. The narrative unfolds through a combination of detailed visuals, multimedia presentations, and heartfelt testimonials from their descendants. These personal accounts breathe life into the history, evoking a strong sense of empathy and connection.

The chronological arrangement of the exhibits helps visitors grasp the timeline of events leading to the martyrdom, offering valuable insights into the cultural, religious, and political climate of that era. The preservation of original artifacts, such as personal belongings, writings, and historical documents, adds an authentic touch to the museum's presentation.

The museum's ambiance is serene and contemplative, inviting visitors to reflect on the resilience of the martyrs and the role they played in shaping Nagasaki's unique cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the 26 Martyrs Museum is a must-visit when in Nagasaki. It is a powerful reminder of the human capacity for bravery and conviction, leaving visitors with a lasting appreciation for the sacrifices made by these remarkable individuals. The museum's dedication to preserving their memory is commendable, and the emotional impact of this experience is truly transformative.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sammy N
Los Angeles851 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2018 • Family
Have you seen the motion picture SILENCE? Please watch at least once before visiting the Hill & Museum .. .. Martin Scorsese used the museum as source for making SILENCE and made copies of the irreplaceable letters stored here to be used as a gift for POPE FRANCIS who asked to watch the movie TWICE!

Fascinating, emotional, and informative, almost every exhibit is also explained in English so don't be afraid to visit .. ..

TIP > Although the Museum is almost across the street from NAGASAKI STATION, the hill is steep so don't be afraid to hail a cab for the short 500Y trip up the hill .. .. Try to have a map (in Japanese) to show the cab driver because not everyone knows (or heard of) the museum .. ..

AN AMAZING EXHIBIT OF FAITH & DEVOTION!!
Written 9 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John E
Sendai, Japan63 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2017 • Solo
I'm glad I spent the 500 yen to go into the museum. There were plenty of English explanations. The presentations went way beyond the 26 martyrs to a broader history of Christianity in Japan. For me, the brief description of each of the martyrs was most surprising and moving. (Several were children.)
Written 23 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hfot2 🌸🍁🌸
Vermont7,620 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2014 • Couples
Be sure to visit St Philip Church across from the 26 Martyrs Shrine.
Designed by Kenji Imai, it will bring to mind the work of Gaudi in Barcelona.
An easy uphill walk from the JR station - you can see the unusual spires of the church on the hill top as you approach.
Written 29 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

I_S_B_L
Singapore, Singapore2,150 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
To me, it was a worthwhile trip to learn about the history of Christianity in Japan; its rise and fall. The informative is well-categorised and easy to move from place to place.
Written 9 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

thomas c
Modesto, CA57 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019 • Friends
very humbling place. a well documented place towards the persecution of christians in the region. as well as the part of the museum about the silent christians who passed on the knowledge by mouth to future generations. video highlights this. about 20 minutes I believe. on steep hillside cab recommended if walking issues.
Written 9 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nicholas N
Singapore, Singapore18 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2019 • Couples
The museum is a bit small but one can learn about the Christian persecution in those dark days here. The museum has several interesting exhibits. Just outside the museum is a beautiful park. As I visited during Sakura season, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and it was a nice place to just sit and enjoy the view.
Written 13 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

altair06
Chiba, Japan81 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2018 • Solo
If you have limited time in Nagasaki or just wants a summary of the Catholicism and/or the history of Catholic persecutions in Nagasaki, then this is the place to be. The museum display is very well chosen and easy to understand even if you are not a Catholic. The museum is very near Nagasaki station, though be prepared to "trek" and please bring water, you will surely need it. St. Philip/Nishizaka Church is just beside the museum.
Written 9 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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26 MARTYRS MUSEUM (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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