Upon your arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in, followed by Mass. Then, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow pilgrims before your overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast at the hotel you will start your tour in Tokyo. First you will visit the Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, located in a peaceful forested area in the heart of Tokyo. The Emperor Meiji ushered in an important period of renewal and reform, leading to the industrialization and Westernization of Japan in the 19th Century. The Shinto faith is the context in which Japan’s Hidden Christians lived during the time Christianity was outlawed. Next, we will visit Shibuya Crossing, the famous, bustling intersection known for its massive pedestrian traffic and vibrant atmosphere.

Next we will have Holy Mass at Takanawa Catholic Church, a beautiful church in a historic district. Next, we will visit the Imperial Palace of Japan, the seat of the Imperial Household referred to as the “Chrysanthemum Throne.” The Imperial Household of Japan is oldest organization in the world that still exists (the second-oldest is the Catholic Church), as a Japanese Emperor has been in place since 660 BC.  The palace itself has extensive gardens and bridges, truly showcasing the majesty of Japanese style and culture. Afterward, we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we’ll take a trip to Mount Fuji, the iconic symbol of Tokyo and the nation of Japan which is still an active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The 5th Station is the highest point reachable by vehicle on Mount Fuji, offering stunning views of the mountain and its surroundings. Next, we will visit Oshino Hakkai, a picturesque village with crystal-clear spring water and beautiful views of Mount Fuji. Afterwards, we will head to St. Mary Cathedral for Mass.  This stunning Cathedral is one of the largest churches in Japan. Designed by Kenzo Tange, it serves as the architectural inspiration for many other churches around the world. We will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will head to the train station to ride the Shinkansen (“bullet train”) to Akita.  Upon arrival, we will travel to the site of the Marian Apparition, Our Lady of Akita.  The apparition occurred in 1973 at a Convent of the Handmaids of the Holy Eucharist. You will have an opportunity to tour the grounds and gardens as well as the Chapel where the apparitions appeared. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at our hotel, we will visit St. Augustine church in the center of Akita, providing an example of a typical small-town Catholic Church in Japan. Next, we will visit the Kakunodate Samurai District, a historic town in Akita Prefecture, known for its well-preserved samurai residences and picturesque streets. The district offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal era, with traditional homes, beautiful cherry blossoms, and a rich cultural heritage. This afternoon, we will visit Senshu Park, lovely public park perfect for a relaxing stroll, featuring a beautiful pond, incredible foliage, and historic shrines and sites such as Kubota castle. Afterward, we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast at our hotel, we will transfer to the Akita Airport for our flight to Osaka, which was briefly the capital of Japan in the 7^th and 8^th centuries. Upon arrival, we will visit Osaka Castle and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Finally, we will transfer to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan known for its history and culture.  Upon arrival, check in to our hotel, followed by dinner and overnight.

After breakfast at our hotel, we will begin with a visit to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove—we will walk through the iconic bamboo forest, a serene and surreal experience in one of Japan’s most photographed locations.  Next, we will visit Nijo-jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its beautiful gardens and “nightingale floors,” which chirp when walked upon.  Afterwards we will visit St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, also known as the Kawaramachi Church.  This modern church incorporates elements of traditional Shinto architecture into its design. Afterward, we will experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a cultural highlight of Kyoto. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at our hotel, we will transfer by Shinkansen to Hiroshima, the site of the atomic bomb impact during World War II. Upon arrival, we will visit the ruins of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, one of the only buildings left standing after the atomic bomb impact, and now part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, we will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and learn about the tragic events of the atomic bombing and Hiroshima’s journey toward peace. After lunch, we will visit Assumption of Mary Cathedral, which was built by a priest who survived the atomic bomb explosion.  We will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will check out and transfer via Shinkansen to Nagasaki, the site of the second atomic bomb impact, but also the historical center of early Christianity in Japan. After lunch, we will visit the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument, which tells the story of the Holy Martyrs who were killed on Nishizaka Hill for practicing their faith. Next, we will visit Nakamichi Church, known for its peaceful atmosphere and connection to the city’s Christian heritage. We will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast at our hotel, we will visit St. Felippo de Jesus Church, a beautiful Catholic church in Nagasaki, known for its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings. It is named for one of the first Mexican Catholic martyrs and designed by a Japanese Catholic who was an admirer of Antoni Gaudi. After lunch, we will visit the Oura Church, formally the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan, which is said to be the oldest Christian Church in Japan. Next, we will visit Dejima, a small artificial island in Nagasaki Bay where Dutch traders were confined during Japan’s period of isolation (Edo period). Today, it is a museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s interaction with the outside world during this time. Finally, we will visit Glover Garden, an open-air museum in Nagasaki showcasing Western-style residences built by foreign merchants in the late 19th century. The garden offers stunning views of the city and harbor, highlighting Japan’s modernization during the Meiji period. We will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we will take a day trip to the Unzen Onsen, an area of hot springs which was designated the first national park in Japan, and where many Christians were martyred. Next, we will visit Shimabara Church, a beautiful circular church whose stained-glass windows tell the history of the martyrs of Japan. Afterward we will have lunch at Himematsuya Restaurant, known for serving the classic local food, Guzouni, which was created during the Shimabara rebellion. After lunch we will explore the ruins of Hara Castle, an important historical site during the Shimabara Rebellion, the rebellion of 1637-1638 which was partially in response to the suppression of Christianity in Japan. Next, we will visit Minamishimabara, where we will see the largest wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the world. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit Urakami Cathedral, a significant Catholic church rebuilt after being destroyed in the atomic bombing. Then, we will tour Hypocenter Park, a peaceful park marking the spot where the atomic bomb exploded, a site for remembrance and reflection. After lunch, we will visit Hongouchi Monastery, founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe. The monastery includes a museum dedicated to St. Maximilian as well as a replica Lourdes grotto that St. Maximilian had constructed. After your farewell dinner, we’ll go up to Mt. Inasa to enjoy a final beautiful view of Japan.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.