Walking with Saints: Catholic Pilgrimage Sites Across Japan
Welcome to Japan Catholic Pilgrimage Expedition
Japan is widely celebrated for its history and culture, yet few travelers realize it is also home to a deeply moving Catholic heritage. From the historic Ōura Cathedral in Nagasaki, a symbol of enduring faith and martyrdom, to the quiet sanctuaries of Yamaguchi and the serene island town of Tsuwano, these sacred sites offer a rare and spiritually enriching journey.
Japan Adventure Club transforms this journey into a meaningful pilgrimage by combining expert local knowledge, thoughtful itinerary design, and full Mass coordination. As a direct operator in Japan, we work with experienced English-speaking guides, carefully selected Catholic sites, and seamless ground logistics—allowing pilgrims to focus fully on prayer, reflection, and faith while discovering Japan’s hidden Catholic legacy.
We have received excellent reviews from U.S. pilgrimage organizers and Catholic churches and are trusted partners of Japanese institutions. Our long-established network of quality hotels and private transportation ensures comfort, reliability, and peace of mind throughout the journey.
Let Japan Adventure Club plan your Japan Catholic pilgrimage and advise you on itineraries, church visits, Mass coordination, and seamless logistics.
Sample 14-Day Japan Catholic Pilgrimage Itinerary
Day 1 – Group Depart US for Tokyo
Japan Adventure Club will handle your air booking.
Day 2 – Arrive Tokyo by 12 pm. Welcome Mass. Overnight in Tokyo.
Upon arrival in Tokyo, we will gather as a group for Mass at Takanawa Catholic Church, commemorating the Great Martyrdom of Tokyo. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent at leisure. Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 3 – Tokyo. Mt. Fuji. Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Tokyo.
We begin our tour with breakfast, then drive to the breathtaking Mount Fuji. We will celebrate Mass at Catholic Fuji Church in Fujisawa. In the evening, we return to Tokyo for a Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 4 – Flight to Nagasaki. Lunch near airport. Our Lady of the Cape. 26 Martyrs. Overnight in Nagas
After breakfast, we fly to Nagasaki, “Little Rome of Japan.” Highlights include the statue of Our Lady of the Cape, Mass at St. Philip Church, and the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument. Check into hotel. Overnight in Nagasaki.
Day 5 – Hongouchi. Kolbe Memorial. Oura Cathedral. Overnight in Nagasaki.
Begin with Mass at St. Maximilian Kolbe’s Church. Visit the Lourdes Grotto, Rosary Walk, St. Kolbe Memorial Museum, and Oura Cathedral and Museum. If time permits, stop at Meganebashi “Spectacles Bridge.” Overnight in Nagasaki.
Day 6 – Divine Mercy Sunday – Hirado and Tabira Church. Overnight in Nagasaki.
We drive to Hirado to visit St. Francis Memorial Church, then proceed to Tabira Church for Confessions and Mass. Father will continue hearing Confessions in the evening if needed. Overnight in Nagasaki.
Day 7 – Unzen Hot Springs, Shimabara Rebellion Sites. Overnight in Nagasaki.
We visit Unzen Hot Springs martyrdom site, then celebrate Mass at Shimabara Catholic Church. We also explore the Shimabara Rebellion site at Hara Castle and the 30-ft Maria Kannon statue. Overnight in Nagasaki.
Day 8 – Ferry to Goto Island. Mass and local churches. Overnight in Goto Island.
We ferry to Goto Island and visit Dozaki Catholic Church, then boat to The Christian’s Cave on Wakamatsu Island. Time-permitting, we visit Imochiura Church, Memorial Church, and Ryoyonasako Jail Martyrdom Monument. Overnight in Goto Island.
Day 9 – Goto Island Mass and Tour. Ferry to Nagasaki. Overnight in Nagasaki.
Morning Mass at Imochiura Church and visits to local religious sites. Afternoon ferry back to Nagasaki. Overnight in Nagasaki.
Day 10 – Mass and Cross Hill. Train to Hiroshima. Overnight in Hiroshima.
We visit Cross Hill, Nyoko-do, and the Dr. Takashi Nagai Memorial Museum. Celebrate Mass at Urakami Cathedral. Visit the Hypocenter Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. Bullet Train to Hiroshima. Overnight in Hiroshima.
Day 11 – Mass, Hiroshima Peace Park. Train to Kyoto. Overnight in Kyoto.
Morning Mass at Assumption of Mary Cathedral. Visit Peace Memorial Park, A-Bomb Museum, A-Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Castle. Bullet Train to Kyoto. Dinner and hotel check-in. Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 12 – Mass and sightseeing in Kyoto. Overnight in Kyoto.
After breakfast, Mass at Kawaramachi Church (Our Lady of Miyako Chapel). Visit Nijo Castle. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 13 – Sunday Mass in Kyoto. Fly to Akita. Visit Seitai Hoshikai. Overnight in Akita.
Morning Mass at Kawaramachi Church. Flight to Akita. Upon arrival, visit Chapel of Our Lady of Akita (Seitai Hoshikai). Hotel check-in and dinner. Overnight in Akita.
Day 14 – Mass and Holy Hour at Seitai Hoshikai. Optional afternoon. Overnight in Akita.
Return to Seitai Hoshikai for Mass, Miraculous Medal consecration, and Holy Hour. Afternoon free for reflection or optional visit to Kakunodate Samurai District. Overnight in Akita.
Day 15 – Final Mass. Fly from Akita to Tokyo. Optional Post-Tour & Overnight in Tokyo.
Final Mass of Thanksgiving at Seitai Hoshikai. Transfer to airport for flight to Tokyo. From Tokyo, return home or continue with optional post-tour stay.
