Unseen by many visitors, lies a humble yet deeply significant site. It is the Tomb of St. Nicholas in Tokyo. Let’s uncover the story of this revered figure and his final resting place.
St. Nicholas of Japan, born Ivan Dmitrovich Kasatkin, was a Russian Orthodox priest. He was a monk and bishop who brought the Eastern Orthodox Church to Japan. Born in 1836, he died in Tokyo in 1912 and was later canonized. Today, he is remembered as Equal-to-the-Apostles, Archbishop of Japan.
Arriving in Japan in 1861, Nicholas dedicated himself to learning the language and culture. He spent years studying Japanese history, religion, and the spirit of the people. His efforts led to the conversion of many Japanese to Orthodox Christianity. One notable convert was Sawabe Takuma. He was a former samurai and Shinto priest.
In 1870, Nicholas moved to Tokyo. He began an extensive missionary effort. He acquired land in Kanda Surugadai. This became the headquarters of the Orthodox Church in Japan. Under his guidance, the Orthodox community grew significantly. By 1912, it numbered over 33,000 people.
Nicholas played a crucial role during the Russo-Japanese War. He chose to stay in Japan. He supported his faithful. He also prayed for the Japanese emperor. He provided care and education to Russian prisoners of war. His actions impressed both Christians and non-Christians alike.
Emperor Meiji admired Nicholas’s character. He valued his diplomatic efforts between Russia and Japan. Nicholas also translated liturgical books and parts of the Bible into Japanese. These translations are still used in the Japanese Orthodox Church’s liturgy today.
After his death in 1912, St. Nicholas was buried in Yanaka Cemetery in Tokyo. Despite requests to move his relics to a church, the Japanese government insisted he remain there. They recognized his importance to both the Orthodox community and the Japanese people.
Finding the Tomb of St. Nicholas requires a journey to JR Nippori Station. From there, a walk along Tennoji Temple leads to Yanaka Cemetery. Access to the specific gated area requires a key. This key is available at a nearby shack.
Today, the Tomb of St. Nicholas stands as a symbol of faith, cultural exchange, and respect. It is a place where visitors can reflect on the life and legacy of a remarkable man. St. Nicholas dedicated his life to spreading Christianity in Japan. His tomb is a testament to his enduring impact on the nation.