I love wandering around Tokyo. The city is so large and developed you can spend decades here and still not be able to explore it all, as I have.
While out looking for blooming sakura trees last Sunday I found this Catholic church in Shimokitazawa. At first I didn't actually know where the church was. I saw some paintings that indicated a church was here at the entrance to a grassed over parking lot.
The lot led to what looked like it might have been a church in the back so I walked in.
What I didn't realize at the time was that the actual church was up, to my left behind what looked like a house, but is actually an administrative office.
As I continued back I saw a few people going into a building that I thought was the church. However there was a path that lead up to the left and I could see there was definitely a garden belonging to the church so I followed it up.
The garden held a sakura tree in full bloom as well as an altar to pray at.
It was pretty surreal to find. I definitely think there was some divine intervention going on as I wasn't able to find hardly any other trees in bloom the whole day and none this large and beautiful.
I was welcomed by the pink petals of the blossoms snowing down with the wind.
Looking back I then realized the church was behind me and decided to go in.
I was actually at the back of the church so I walked around to the front to find the entrance.
One of the great things about Catholic churches is they are often open for anyone to go in.
The church was totally empty, which to be honest was refreshing.
I sat quietly and said my peace while taking everything in.
Apparently this church was built in the 1920's. I'm not sure if it survived the fire bombing of Tokyo in WWII or if it was rebuilt, but you could tell the interior & design is fairly old.
After poking around for a few minutes I took it all in and decided to head out.
While not as brilliant as the European churches it definitely had it's charm. The back yard area was a very nice addition to the church itself. It is one of the things American churches are missing. They spent so much time on the interiors of the churches, but forgot about the majesty of nature outside the walls.
I'm very glad to have found this church and I am looking forward to explore the many other churches, especially the Catholic ones around the city. I should note I am non-denominational at the moment so I can come and go anywhere that will have me.
If you are looking for a church around Tokyo, Catholic Setagaya Church may be the place for you.