St. Ignatius Catholic Church — Attraction in Tokyo

Of modern architecture, this church has a distinctive circular structure and is quite the landmark in Yotsuya. It is probably the biggest Catholic Church in Tokyo. It is easily reachable by a 3 minute walk from the Yotsuya station and seems to be part of the Sophia University campus.

The church is very busy on Sundays with masses in Japanese, Spanish and English. English mass is at 12noon on Sundays and is very well attended by many different nationalities. Despite the modern architecture, the Sunday mass is very solemn and traditional with most of the pomp and practices of Catholic masses with full complement of altar servers dressed in traditional garb. Printed colored pamphlets contain church news and points to ponder for each week. And a black and white pamphlet for the current mass readings and responses is also distributed before the mass. There always seems to be scheduled bible discussions on Sunday afternoons in one of the many rooms in the building adjacent to the church. Schedules and topics in the distributed pamphlets.

The interior design is awe inspiring with the beautiful lotus lamp in the ceiling, and the beautifully incorporated stained glass accents.

There is a daily mass in Japanese at 6pm and this church seems to be open daily until 7pm which is so encouraging to visit almost anytime to find peace and solace. Despite the massiveness of the structure, the inside is quiet, very peaceful and conducive to meditation. Although the Sunday noon mass can be very well attended, ushers are always around to point one to empty seats. They are also there to guide one in the direction of accepting Holy Communion thereby ensuring an orderly process.

A small store is located in the grounds selling little religious knickknacks and is open on Sundays. A life sized statue of the Virgin Mary stands silently inside the church and another in a grotto in the church grounds.

This church is a wonderful place of refuge for Catholics and would also be an interesting spot for non...

Today I came with my son to attend the 12pm mass and to see two of my friends that I haven't seen in years and they just came from Philippines for a few days. They kept 2 seats for me and my son at the left side of the church. When I arrived, one of your officials stopped me walking towards them and talk with no good manner that I should sit on the right side where the seat for family with kids. I told her I came here many times and I need to see my friends. She kept stopping me and talk in Japanese about the same thing. So I asked her, who can sit here then? She didn't answer and kept telling me I must sit over there on the family seats. And she went to see other official to help to talk to me. I mean, my friends were just a few steps away. And what is her right to stop me seeing them first at least? she was really inappropriate.

Another time was when I joined Japanese mass at 6pm. Me, my husband and my son was in kids room (nakibeya). He was accidentally banged the glass with his car toy. Two of your officials stared at my son and me from outside, many times. I did let my son know not to do it again. He tried his best. But then one of the lady came to nakibeya and told us not to make noises.

Why are these so very important to you? Why do you all make it even harder to have our kids going to the church to pray? Don't you know it's stressful already for us parents to bring our kids to the church and they way you all treated us is huge downer. Church is supposed to welcome believer, unbelievers and kids with open arms. But what are these rules you have created? Is it so wrong to have kids and bringing them to the church? I donated through your church, I was baptised here, so as my husband and my son. The way you have treated me is not acceptable. In fact, you should not do these TO ANY OTHER MOTHERS with KIDS who come here and pray. Please treat us with respect, not as if we are...

St Ignatius Church in Yotsuya is within the area of Sophia University run by the Jesuits. The name of their congregation is Society of Jesus. This church has a serene and peaceful design that adds to its prayer atmosphere. The center piece is a statue of the Risen Christ, the altar table set at the center of the sanctuary enhances the focus on the Eucharistic celebration. Vertical narrow stained glass intersperses its surroundings.

On the second level a huge organ is present to elevate sacred music to angelic levels.

The English mass is set on Sundays at 12:00 noon. A commentator stands on the right side of the altar table with a mic and lectors on the left take turns to read the First Reading, the responsorial and the Second Reading. The priest presider then follows and proclaims the Gospel.

In preparation for communion the commentor signals the Agnus Dei. As the organist hits the first musical note the choir explodes with the Filipino "Kordero ng Diyos" making one stand so proud to be a Catholic and a proud Filipino at that.

St Ignatius Church is truly...