The Church of Christ in Japan

Overview

Yokohama Kaigan Church is a Protestant church in Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. Founded on March 10, 1872 as the Yokohama Kokai (Nihon Kirisuto Kokai), it is regarded as the first Protestant church in Japan. It now belongs to the Church of Christ in Japan and is known as Yokohama Kaigan Church.

Highlights

• ●The first Protestant church in Japan, founded in 1872
• ●Said to have had 11 believers at its founding
• ●A church building rebuilt after being lost in an earthquake
• ●The present building, which survives to the present day

History

It was founded on March 10, 1872 as the Yokohama Kokai (Nihon Kirisuto Kokai). The church building was constructed in 1875 but was lost in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake; the present church building was rebuilt in 1933. Since 1950 it has belonged to the Church of Christ in Japan. In 2015 a major repair was carried out for the first time in 82 years.

Map

35.4469, 139.6439 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1View the exterior of the church building rebuilt in 1933
2. 2Learn its history as the first Protestant church in Japan
3. 3Review the account of its rebuilding after the earthquake
4. 4Visit the interior on the monthly public opening day

Did you know?

💡 The Yokohama Kokai is said to have had 11 believers at its founding.

Nearby spots