October 2026

Pleasant autumn weather continues into early October with daytime temperatures of around 22°C (72°F) and humidity of around 71%. After the long, rainy days of September, the pleasant weather feels refreshing. October is one of the best times to visit Japan, and we welcome many tourists.

At the request of my guest, who is interested in Tokyo’s architecture, we visited St. Mary’s Cathedral.

The cathedral was destroyed by fire during World War II and rebuilt in its present form in 1964. It was designed by Kenzo Tange, a renowned architect. Both the interior and exterior are so modern that it is hard to believe the cathedral was built more than 60 years ago.

Outside

The bell tower stretches high into the sky, and its four bells were imported from Germany. The bells produce a sound suited to Japanese sensibilities.

The Grotto of Lourdes, modeled after the original grotto in Lourdes, was built by French missionaries to demonstrate their devotion to the Virgin Mary.

Inside

Near the entrance, you will see the baptismal font, which has a sharp, modern design. The Pietà is a full-scale replica of Michelangelo’s original in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

When you look up, you will see that the ceiling is shaped like a cross. The altar represents the table used at the Last Supper. Christians gather around it to celebrate Mass and receive the blessings of Christ.

I was most impressed by the Holy Cross. Standing 16 meters high, it symbolizes hope and endurance and points the way to heaven. Soft light filters through the marble behind it.

A statue of Mary stands to the left of the main altar. The pipe organ, made in Italy and installed in 2004, is said to be the largest pipe organ in a Japanese church.

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ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL
3-16-15 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0014
Open to visitors: 9:00 – 17:00