Pilgrimage to Japan – In the Footsteps of the Japanese Martyrs & Our Lady of Akita

Journey through Japan on a deeply meaningful Catholic pilgrimage following the witness of the Japanese martyrs, missionaries, and communities whose faith endured through centuries of persecution and hardship. Beginning in Nagasaki, visit Oura Catholic Church, the St. Maximilian Kolbe Memorial Museum, Urakami Cathedral, and sites connected with the Japanese martyrs, while also reflecting on the tragedy of the atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park.    

 
Continue through Kokura, Kintaikyo, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kurashiki, Himeji, Osaka, and Kyoto. Celebrate Holy Mass in historic Catholic churches, visit Hiroshima’s Memorial Cathedral for World Peace and Peace Memorial, and walk in the footsteps of the 52 Martyrs in Kyoto. Alongside these sacred encounters, experience Japan’s cultural heritage through historic castles, traditional districts, shrines, and vibrant city life. 

       
A spiritual highlight awaits in Akita with a visit to Our Lady of Akita Church, where pilgrims have time to pray and meditate on the events associated with Sister Agnes Sasagawa and the wooden statue of Our Lady. The journey concludes in Tokyo and at majestic Mount Fuji, combining Holy Mass, prayer, Catholic heritage, Japanese culture, and the beauty of creation into a memorable pilgrimage of faith.