On September 23rd, we went to Mt. Unzen.
This is the hot spring where the Christians were tortured and killed.
Here is a stained glass window picturing their suffering. Note them being marched up the mountain, and then hot spring in the upper portion.
This is a memorial to the martyrs.
After the torture of the Christians, it was decided that they would die in 'hell' itself. February 28, 1627, a leader of the town of Shimabara, Paul, and 16 others were brought here. They were told to unclothe themselves. Then a rope was put around their neck and they were told to jump into the bubbling sulfur. Paul was hung up side down and plunged into the sulfur many times. May 17th a further 10 people were brought here from Shimabara. On the way, when they took a break, it is said that they broke into this song. "I can see paradise far away. And I rejoice greatly."
Read more on the persecution of Christians in Japan.
