What to know
The Twenty Six Martyrs Monument and its adjacent museum (Nijūroku Seijin Kinenkan) in Nagasaki honor the 26 Christians executed here on February 5, 1597. The group included foreign missionaries and Japanese laypeople. At the time, missionary work was banned, and ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered the execution as a deterrent.
The monument sits in a small hilltop park a short walk from Nagasaki Station, offering nice city views. A straight red line runs from the monument across the plaza, pointing toward Oura Church—also dedicated to the martyrs—on the far side of the city.
The museum behind the monument focuses on the martyrs and the broader history of Christianity in Japan. Its interior resembles a church, with stained-glass windows that create an atmospheric setting for the exhibits. Displays include artifacts such as old documents, statues, and jewelry, with English explanations for many items.
The Twenty Six Martyrs Monument and museum are a ten-minute uphill walk from Nagasaki Station.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 17:00
- Closed
- December 31 to January 2
- Admission
- 500 yen (~$3.2)
- English name
- Twenty Six Martyrs Museum
- Original name
- Twenty Six Martyrs Monument
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.