Oura Catholic Church — Japan's Oldest Surviving Church

**Hidden Christian Museum:** The adjacent museum contains artifacts from the 250-year underground period — hand-carved crosses disguised as Buddhist implements, secret baptismal records, and Maria Kannon statues (Buddhist Kannon figures secretly venerated as Virgin Mary). This collection is the most comprehensive documentation of Kakure Kirishitan faith practice in Japan. **Mass attendance:** Catholic mass is held Sundays at 7:00 (Japanese) and 9:30 (multilingual). Non-Catholics may attend respectfully — the service in the original French-designed sanctuary, with light through 19th-century stained glass, is a genuine historical continuity. **Stained glass timing:** The western-facing windows (martyrdom scenes) receive direct afternoon sunlight 14:00–16:30, illuminating the glass at maximum intensity. This is the optimal photography window.