St. Anselm Catholic Church Meguro
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St. Anselm Catholic Church Meguro

4.5
·278 reviews·Shinagawa City, Japan

A modernist architectural gem by Antonin Raymond, St. Anselm Catholic Church Meguro offers a serene spiritual escape with stunning stained glass.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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St. Anselm Catholic Church Meguro

St. Anselm Catholic Church Meguro

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modernist architectural gem by Antonin Raymond, St. Anselm Catholic Church Meguro offers a serene spiritual escape with stunning stained glass.

4.5
(278 reviews)

"Admire the unique architecture and breathtaking stained glass that bathes the interior in vibrant light."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Mass Schedules First

Don't miss mass! Check the official schedule beforehand to align your visit with services you wish to attend. 📅

Mind the Incense

Some masses can be heavy on incense. If sensitive, sit towards the back or consider weekday visits. 🙏

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 278 reviews

Type

Church

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stained Glass Sunlight

Stained Glass Sunlight

Main Sanctuary

Vibrant sunlight streams through colorful stained glass, creating a breathtaking, almost ethereal atmosphere.

Antonin Raymond Architecture

Antonin Raymond Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Admire the unique, modern architectural design by Antonin Raymond, a blend of Japanese and Western influences.

Artistic Visuals

Artistic Visuals

Main Sanctuary

Experience Catholicism expressed through paintings rather than statues, offering a distinct aesthetic.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

To fully appreciate St. Anselm's unique architecture and stained glass, aim for weekdays outside of mass times. Weekends can be busier with services, and some visitors have noted overwhelming incense during certain masses. Check the schedule beforehand to plan your visit for a peaceful experience.

Understanding Mass Etiquette

While St. Anselm offers masses in English, German, and Indonesian, be aware of varying liturgical styles. Some visitors have found certain priests' demeanor to be less formal than expected. If you're seeking a strictly traditional experience, research mass times and celebrants beforehand.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday afternoons
Why
Indonesian mass
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunday mornings
Why
English mass
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

St. Anselm Catholic Meguro Church| Antonin Raymond 何回訪れても感動する ブログ「建築とアートを巡る」は @_saaaaaoo_ プロフの🔗から ⠀ 日々自身で巡った建築とアートを発信中✨ #antoninraymond #tokyoarchitecture #アントニンレーモンド #東京建築 #教会建築
_saaaaaoo_
2.1K likes • 37.6K views

Check Mass Schedules First

Don't miss mass! Check the official schedule beforehand to align your visit with services you wish to attend. 📅

Mind the Incense

Some masses can be heavy on incense. If sensitive, sit towards the back or consider weekday visits. 🙏

reddit.com

does anyone know any good Catholic Churches in Tokyo?

It would be best if they had masses in english but if not that is fine as I think i feel comfortable enough with my japanese to understand whats going on

Unique Artistic Style

Appreciate the distinct visual expression through paintings, a departure from traditional statues. 🎨

Accessible Design

The church is accessible for those with handicaps and offers family seating. ♿

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Mass Schedules First

Don't miss mass! Check the official schedule beforehand to align your visit with services you wish to attend. 📅

Mind the Incense

Some masses can be heavy on incense. If sensitive, sit towards the back or consider weekday visits. 🙏

Unique Artistic Style

Appreciate the distinct visual expression through paintings, a departure from traditional statues. 🎨

Accessible Design

The church is accessible for those with handicaps and offers family seating. ♿

Photography Opportunities

Capture the beautiful architecture and light, especially the stained glass. 📷

What Travellers Say

4.5
(278 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise St. Anselm Catholic Church Meguro for its stunning, unique architecture by Antonin Raymond and the beautiful, colorful light filtering through its stained glass windows. The church offers a serene atmosphere and multilingual masses, making it welcoming to international visitors. However, some have found certain liturgical practices, like the intensity of incense or a priest's informal demeanor, to be less traditional or even uncomfortable.

"This catholic church has beautiful architecture, and I love when the sunlight come through the colorful stained glass. It serves mass for the Indonesian community in Tokyo every Saturday afternoon. There was a pipe organ available on the upper floor, but there is also a piano available on the lower floor. It can be accessed easily for the handicapped, and there are available seats for family with small children. The parking lots are not huge, and the toilets are clean and well-maintained."

ALG87

"I attended Sunday mass in English. It's a nice church but the priest went really crazy with incense. It's a small place and it looked like it was covered in fog, the priest kept swinging the thurible throughout the mass adding more. I was feeling sick and dizzy during entire mass even though I sat in the back and could barely breathe. Hours after the mass ended I still had migraine and a bitter taste in my mouth. I've been to many churches in my life and I've never seen anything like that. I can't imagine a baby or anyone with health condition being in that space."

Aleksandra Na

"This church has a very unique architecture and atmosphere. Unlike most Catholic churches in Indonesia, which are often filled with statues, here the visuals are expressed more through paintings. It still feels solemn and sacred, with a different aesthetic approach. Definitely worth visiting, especially for those interested in experiencing how Catholicism is expressed in Japan."

al purba

What People Like

Unique modern architecture
Beautiful stained glass
Serene atmosphere

What People Dislike

Intense incense use
Informal priest demeanor

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Anselm Catholic Church Meguro is easily accessible by public transport. It's a short walk from Meguro Station, which serves the JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, Toei Mita Line, and Tokyu Meguro Line. Reddit

Yes, there are parking lots available, but they are not very large. It's advisable to use public transportation if possible, especially during peak hours or mass times. Reddit

Yes, the church is designed to be easily accessed by the handicapped, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Reddit

The nearest train station is Meguro Station. From there, it's a pleasant walk to the church. Reddit

Besides St. Anselm, the Franciscan Chapel Centre in Roppongi is also recommended for English masses. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the church itself is generally free. However, donations are always appreciated to support the church's upkeep. Reddit

The church is typically open for visitors outside of mass times. It's best to check the official schedule for specific visiting hours. Reddit

Yes, St. Anselm Catholic Church offers masses in English, German, and Indonesian. Check the schedule for specific times. TikTokReddit

There is no admission fee to attend mass, but voluntary donations are welcome. Reddit

Yes, English masses are available, particularly on Sundays. It's recommended to verify the exact schedule on their website or by contacting the church directly. Reddit

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

The church features a unique modern architectural style designed by Antonin Raymond, blending Japanese and Western influences with a focus on light and space. TikTokReddit

The interior is known for its beautiful stained glass windows that create a stunning play of light, and its visual expression through paintings rather than traditional statues. Reddit

Absolutely! The unique architecture and the way light filters through the stained glass make it a very photogenic spot. TikTok

Yes, there are available seats designated for families with small children, making it a welcoming space for them. Reddit

Visitors often describe the atmosphere as solemn, sacred, and tranquil, offering a peaceful sanctuary. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The church is located in the Meguro area, which offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. You can find many choices around Meguro Station. Reddit

There is no cafe or restaurant within the church premises. Visitors usually dine in the surrounding neighborhood. Reddit

It is generally not recommended to bring food or drinks inside the main sanctuary out of respect for the sacred space. Reddit

Meguro offers a diverse culinary scene, including Japanese cuisine like sushi and ramen, as well as international options. Reddit

Yes, you can find various affordable eateries and convenience stores around Meguro Station offering quick and inexpensive meals. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, especially to capture the architecture and stained glass. However, it's always best to be discreet and avoid flash photography during services. TikTok

The areas where sunlight streams through the stained glass windows are particularly stunning. The unique architectural lines also make for great shots. TikTok

It is highly discouraged to take photos during mass out of respect for the worshippers and the sacredness of the service. Reddit

There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but it's advisable to avoid it to not disturb the peace or other visitors. TikTok

Late morning or early afternoon often provides the best natural light for capturing the stained glass and interior details. TikTok

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