Itineraries / 12-Day Journey
Catholic heritage & peace
Flexible dates · A faith-centered route through the martyrs and Hidden Christians of Nagasaki, the peace witness of Hiroshima and the cultural heritage of Kansai—without travel to Akita.
Pilgrimage moments
Church visits and shared prayer bring Japan’s Catholic story close to each group.
The journey at a glance
Follow the martyrs and Hidden Christians from Nagasaki to Hiroshima, Kyoto and Nara.
Customizable parish journey
Begin in Tokyo and at Mount Fuji, spend five nights exploring Nagasaki’s Catholic heritage, then continue by Shinkansen to Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara.
Airport pickup and transfer to Takanawa Church for Holy Mass. As time permits, visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens—or the Outer Gardens when arrival timing is limited.
Hotel: Henn na Hotel Tokyo Haneda or similar · Twin room approximately 24㎡
Drive to Japan’s sacred mountain for prayer at the Statue of Our Lady near Mount Fuji’s Second Station. Descend for Holy Mass at Fujiyoshida Church before returning to Tokyo.
Hotel: Same as previous night
Fly to Nagasaki and begin at Nishizaka, where twenty-six Catholics were crucified in 1597. Celebrate Holy Mass and visit the Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument and Museum, followed by Misaki no Seibo overlooking Nagasaki Bay.
Hotel: Hotel Route-Inn Isahaya Nagasaki or similar · Twin room approximately 17㎡
Celebrate Mass at Hirado Church, visit red-brick Tabira Church and reflect at Yakizaiji Historical Park, a martyrdom site from the persecution era. Conclude with evening views from Mount Inasa Observatory.
Hotel: Same as previous night
Celebrate Holy Mass at Hongōchi Church, then visit Ōura Cathedral, Japan’s oldest surviving church and the site associated with the remarkable discovery of the Hidden Christians after generations of secret worship.
Hotel: Same as previous night
Remember persecuted Christians at the Unzen Hell Memorial, celebrate Mass at Shimabara Church, and visit the Wooden St. Mary Memorial Hall and Hara Castle ruins—the final stronghold of the Shimabara Rebellion.
Hotel: Same as previous night
Celebrate Mass at Urakami Cathedral, then visit the Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Park and hypocenter. Continue to Nyokodō, the humble hermitage where Catholic physician Dr. Takashi Nagai wrote about faith, suffering and peace.
Hotel: Same as previous night
Travel by Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Celebrate Mass at the World Peace Memorial Cathedral, then visit the hypocenter, Peace Memorial Park, A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum.
Hotel: Vessel Hotel Hiroshima Heiwa Odori or similar · Twin room approximately 24㎡
Take the Shinkansen to Osaka and celebrate Holy Mass at Tamatsukuri Church. Visit Osaka Castle, a landmark of the city and an introduction to the political world in which Japan’s early Christian communities lived.
Hotel: Hotel Five Osaka or similar · Twin room approximately 22㎡
Celebrate Mass at Kyoto Kawaramachi Church, pass the Kagiya-chō Martyrs Monument along the Kamo River, and visit UNESCO-listed Nijō Castle with its historic interiors and gardens.
Hotel: Same as previous night
Celebrate Holy Mass at Nara Church, then explore Nara Park, Tōdai-ji and Kasuga Taisha. These visits provide cultural context for the religious traditions encountered by Japan’s early missionaries.
Hotel: Same as previous night
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, carrying memories of Japan’s Catholic martyrs, Hidden Christian communities and enduring witness to peace.
