Tsuruoka Catholic Cathedral is well-known among the local people with its distinguished white building and red roof. Its construction in 1903 on the site formerly occupied by the residence of the Shonai domain chief counsellor was funded by the donation and the assets of the French missionary, Father Dalibert. This 23.7 meter high Three Corridor Basilica Style building was designed by Father Papinot who designed many churches in Japan, including Ryotsu-Church in Sado island, the former Saint Francisco Xavier’s cathedral which was reconstructed in the Museum Meijimura. Tsuruoka Catholic Cathedral is renowned as the masterpiece of Meiji-Romanesque architectural style and recognized as an Important National Cultural Asset. *Automated commentary is available for visitors In the Cathedral, there is a “Black Statue of Virgin Mary” which is rare throughout the world. It also has Japan’s only stained glass windows which were beautifully created using a special technique.

7-19 Baba-cho, Tsuruoka City TEL 0235-22-0292 [Open hours] Tuesday to Saturday 7.00-17.00 [Entry Fees/ ￥] Free [Access] From Tsuruoka Station, 10 minutes by bus on the Yunohama route to the Municipal Office stop, then 5 minutes on foot