Kujukuri Church

Kujukuri Church: A Meiji-Era Treasure in Chiba's Countryside

Tucked along Route 126 in the quiet town of Matsuo in Sammu City, Chiba Prefecture, Kujukuri Church stands as one of Japan's earliest surviving Protestant church buildings. Built in 1887 (Meiji 20), this humble wooden chapel is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, cherished for its unique architectural character and its deep ties to James Curtis Hepburn — the American missionary-physician who gave his name to the Hepburn romanization system used for Japanese to this day.

Historical Background

The story of Kujukuri Church begins around 1877, when a local farmer named Watanabe Ijūrō came into contact with Christian evangelists Yasukawa Tōru and Toda Tadaatsu, who were active in the Higashi-Katsushika area. In 1882, Watanabe was baptized by Yasukawa, and the following year twelve people received baptism at his home. A preaching station was established in the Nangō area and given the name Kujukuri Church. The official founding date is November 1, 1883.

By 1884, former samurai retainers of the Matsuo domain also expressed a desire for baptism, and the congregation grew. In 1886, the idea of building a proper church arose, and construction was completed in November 1887. James Curtis Hepburn, who had visited the area for evangelistic support, personally contributed approximately one-third of the total construction funds and is believed to have been involved in the design. The actual construction was carried out by a Japanese carpenter named Shiina.

Why It Was Designated a Cultural Property

Kujukuri Church was registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property on August 23, 1999. The building is valued for its distinctive architectural style that differs markedly from the wooden Gothic churches built in later decades. Its single-story wooden frame, tiled gable roof, and clapboard siding present an unadorned appearance, yet the plastered eaves and the entrance porch topped with a hip-and-gable (irimoya) roof give the structure a character all its own — blending Japanese building techniques with early Western church design in a way that later Meiji-era churches did not replicate.

Its association with James Curtis Hepburn, one of the most influential foreign missionaries in Japanese history, further elevates its cultural significance.

Architectural Highlights and Charm

The church building covers approximately 100 square meters. Unlike the pointed arches, stained glass windows, and bell towers commonly associated with Christian churches, Kujukuri Church is strikingly modest. There are no stained glass panels, no soaring spire, and no ornate carvings. Instead, the building speaks of the rural community that built it — farmers and former samurai who pooled their resources and brought timber to construct a place of worship with their own hands.

The entrance porch with its irimoya-style roof is the most eye-catching element, lending a distinctly Japanese flavor to what is fundamentally a Western religious building. The plastered (nurikome) treatment of the eave areas provides a refined contrast to the simple clapboard walls, demonstrating a thoughtful fusion of local building traditions with the requirements of a Christian worship space.

Weekly Sunday services and monthly prayer meetings on the first Thursday of each month continue to this day, making this not just a monument but a living place of faith.

James Curtis Hepburn and His Legacy

James Curtis Hepburn (1815–1911) was an American Presbyterian medical missionary who arrived in Japan in 1859. He is best known as the creator of the Hepburn romanization system, the compiler of the first Japanese-English dictionary (Waei Gorin Shūsei), and a co-founder of Meiji Gakuin University. His medical work in Yokohama, including treating the wounded from the Namamugi Incident of 1862, made him one of the most respected foreigners in Meiji Japan.

Hepburn's connection to Kujukuri Church reflects his personal commitment to spreading Christianity beyond the treaty ports and into rural Japan. His generous financial support and design input for this small countryside chapel demonstrate a hands-on involvement that went far beyond administrative oversight.

Visitor Information

Kujukuri Church is located about a 10-minute walk from JR Matsuo Station on the JR Sōbu Main Line. From the station, head north to Route 126 and walk east. The small church sits along the national highway and is easy to spot. As it is an active place of worship, visitors are kindly asked to be respectful of services and church activities. It is advisable to check worship times in advance if you wish to visit during a service.

Surrounding Attractions

Sammu City and the broader Kujukuri area offer a variety of experiences for visitors. The Kujukuri Beach, one of Japan's longest sandy coastlines stretching approximately 66 kilometers, is a popular destination for surfing and seaside relaxation. Narita International Airport is located about 15 kilometers to the northwest, making the area easily accessible for international travelers. The Sammu area is also known for its strawberry picking farms, especially in winter and spring. Nearby, the historical port town of Chōshi offers dramatic coastal scenery and fresh seafood.