Hirado Xavier Memorial Church & Temple Next Door

**Historical irony:** Kōmyōji Temple's monks initially sheltered Xavier and allowed him to preach from their grounds — a tolerance that ended violently 60 years later during the Tokugawa persecution. The temple's role in both protecting and (later) reporting Christians is documented in the church museum's historical exhibit. **Photography composition:** From the lane between the two buildings, both structures fit in a single frame — the juxtaposition of cross and pagoda roof is Hirado's defining image. Morning light (8:00–10:00) illuminates both facades evenly. **Combined visit:** Climb the temple's hillside path (200m behind main hall) to a stone Kannon statue with panoramic views over Hirado town and strait — this vantage point was likely Xavier's first view of the town when arriving by ship.