A Timber Chapel of 1937 on the Old Tokaido
The United Church of Christ in Japan Oiso Church Chapel (日本基督教団大磯教会礼拝堂) is a timber chapel built in 1937 in the old Tokaido post town of Oiso, Oiso Town, Naka District, Kanagawa Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on February 25, 2016 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a single-storey timber building with a sheet-iron roof and a building area of 61 square metres, renovated in 1950; registration number 14-0221, owned by the religious corporation Oiso Church.
Why It Was Registered
The Oiso Church Chapel was registered as a structure that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs calls it a timber church that adds to the modern townscape of the old post town.
What to Look For
It stands toward the front of a long, narrow plot in the former Oiso post town, facing north. Gabled bays project at the centre and both sides of the front, the entrance has a pointed arch, and the walls are weatherboarded (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Inside is a single nave, with a Gothic-style arched altar at the far end (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
Oiso Church is a working church, and no official information on visiting hours or interior access has been found. The gateposts, fence and the exterior of the chapel can be seen from the old Tokaido road. Please take care not to disturb services.
The address is 1348-1 Chayamachi, Oiso, Oiso Town (Agency for Cultural Affairs). An overview of the church is in the group article Oiso Church.
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Q&A
- When was the Oiso Church Chapel built?
- In 1937; it was renovated in 1950 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What does the front look like?
- Gabled bays at the centre and sides, a pointed-arch entrance and weatherboarded walls (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What is the interior like?
- A single nave with a Gothic-style arched altar at the end (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Can I visit it?
- No official visiting information has been found; the exterior can be seen from the old Tokaido.
- When was it registered?
- On February 25, 2016.
Basic Information
| Name | United Church of Christ in Japan Oiso Church Chapel (日本基督教団大磯教会礼拝堂) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1348-1 Chayamachi, Oiso, Oiso Town, Naka District, Kanagawa Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2016/02/25 (Heisei 28) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, single storey, sheet-iron roof, building area 61 square metres |
| Owner | Oiso Church, United Church of Christ in Japan (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Exterior seen from the street (no visiting information) |
References
- Oiso Church Chapel (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00010948
Last verified: 2026.10.14
