Xavier Memorial Park

"The birthplace of Christmas in Japan" "The site of Daidoji Temple where Francisco Xavier stayed" It is said that when Xavier returned from Kyoto and carried out missionary activities in Yamaguchi, he turned the site of Daidoji Temple, where he stayed as a base of activities, into a park. The predecessor of the current Yamaguchi Church, it can be said to be the birthplace of Christianity in Yamaguchi. It is also said to be the place where Xavier's colleague Father Torres celebrated Christmas with the Japanese for the first time. Therefore, it can be said to be the birthplace of Christmas for the Japanese people. In the center stands a huge stone tower with a cross. Although it is a park, it has a different atmosphere than a children's playground. [Parking] About 3 cars at the entrance #letsguide #birthplace

It feels like a ghost will appear The only play equipment is a swing, so let's all take turns playing together.

I've been aware of its existence for a long time, but I've never been there and just visited for the first time the other day. I visited at dusk, so please forgive me if the photos look a little lonely. Although the site is small, there are many trees. Although none of them can be called giant trees, they are magnificent. The recommended time to visit the park is spring, as there are several fine old cherry trees. There is a monument diagonally opposite the entrance, and it is very large and impressive compared to the site area. It is said that in the past, this is where the missionary Xavier's residence (Daidoji) was located, which was given permission by Yoshitaka Ouchi, the shugo daimyo of Yamaguchi, which boasted great power in western Japan. Although you can't feel any vestiges of the past, monuments and Yoshitaka Ouchi's letter of approval still tell us about the past. Since it is not a major tourist destination, there may not be anything worth seeing, so it is not recommended for tourists from far away. Recommended for individuals and small groups who love history.

“Japanese Christmas starts from Yamaguchi” In 1552, Japan's first Christmas Mass was held here in Yamaguchi. "In December, Yamaguchi City becomes a Christmas city." We need to spread this historical fact more. . . . In Yamaguchi, they say "Xavier", which is similar to the Spanish pronunciation, instead of "Xavier". At the back of the park, there is a monument with ``Ouchi Yoshinaga's letter of approval''. This monument is a bronze plate of a letter from Yoshinaga Ouchi granting permission to Xavier's disciple Torres to build a temple. Yamaguchi Prefecture, Yoshiki District, Suo Province Daidoji Temple: A monk who came to the Josei region in the morning Buddhism Shoryuka Souken Kenji Family's Reason Purpose of appointment, request for appointment, and status of court approval August 28, Tenbun 21 (1552) Suōsuke Gohan

There is a toilet ♪ The only play equipment is a swing ♪ There is no bench, but there are places to sit ♪ (2023/10)