Under the pile of earth, allegedly, lies the remains of Jesus of Nazareth.
There is even a family in the village who is said to be the direct descendant of Christ.
Photo credit:vera46/Flickr
But there is more to the story.
According to the local legend, Christ first visited Japan at the age of 21 to study theology.
The missing period of Jesus early life has given rise to several speculations.
Was Jesus in Britain?
Did he visit Kashmir in India?
According to the Takenouchi Documents, not only was Jesus in Japan, he died there as well.
The original documents have conveniently disappeared but Japanese and English translation of these mysterious manuscripts are available.
The villagers also maintain traditions that are remarkably un-Japanese.
Babies are kept in woven baskets, and newborns have their foreheads marked by a cross.
This symbol has no meaning in Buddhism and Shinto religion, Japans two major religions.
There are actually two graves at Shingo.
In front of the graves is a basket where pilgrims leave coins in thanks for answered prayers.
Some scholars believe that the tombs actually hold the bodies of 16th century missionaries.
When asked, he simply shrugs his shoulders.
A City Hall bureaucrat, he has never been to a church nor read the Bible.
Im Buddhist, he says.
A copy of Christs Will at a museum in Shingo.
Sources:Smithsonian/Japan Times/Japan Today/BBC
