Oura Catholic Church was the oldest church in Japan and built by French missionaries in 1864. The original church was much smaller and the present structure was completed in 1879.
The first churches like this were not made for the Japanese, however. They were made after Japan was forced to open to more international trade, but before Japan’s nationwide prohibition of Christianity was lifted. Foreigners could use the church but they were still forbidden to spread Christianity to the Japanese. In spite of that, some Japanese came out after about 250 years of going underground, and declared their religion. Many were arrested, persecuted and tortured. You can see where some were taken to, in Shimane, now the Maria Seido Chapel (Otome Toge Maria Chapel):
After international condemnation, in 1873 Japan finally allowed full religious freedom for all.
Today this is not used as a church any more, however. It’s located right next to Glover Garden:
Oura Church is also knows an the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan.
AloJapan.com