Trappistine Convent

The Trappistine Convent is Japan’s first convent of the Strict Observance Cistercian Order for women, founded in 1898 during the Meiji era by eight nuns sent from France.
The name “Trappistine” is said to derive from the Trappist monasteries of France and the Cistercian Order of Strict Observance, which follows their rigorous monastic discipline. The convent eventually came to be known as “Trappistine” after the place associated with the monastery.
Originally, the convent buildings were constructed of wood, but they were destroyed by a major storm in 1903.
Two years later, a new two-story brick main building and chapel were completed. However, these too were lost in a fire in 1925.
The present buildings, which have undergone repeated reconstruction over the years, were rebuilt in 1927 through relief funds and donations from monasteries in various places. Because the convent continues to place great importance on strict monastic discipline, visitors are permitted to enter only the front courtyard, and the interior is generally not open to the public except during Christmas Mass.
The convent leaves a striking impression with its blend of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles, characterized by semicircular arched windows and brick exterior walls.