Date: 6th Nov 2026 - 18th Jun 2026
Experience the beauty of Japan in its brilliant autumn colours while journeying through the country's remarkable Catholic heritage. Beginning in Nagasaki, the cradle of Christianity in Japan, visit the Mountain of the Cross, the St. Maximilian Kolbe Memorial Museum, Urakami Cathedral, Oura Catholic Church, and the sacred sites of the Twenty-Six Martyrs who gave their lives for the faith. Continue through Kokura, Hiroshima, Himeji, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, celebrating Holy Mass in historic cathedrals and churches that bear witness to the enduring faith of Japan's Christian communities.
The spiritual highlight of the pilgrimage is Akita, home to the internationally recognised Marian devotion of Our Lady of Akita. Visit the convent where Sister Agnes Sasagawa received the messages and witnessed the miraculous weeping statue, pray the Stations of the Cross, celebrate Mass, and spend time in quiet meditation before Our Blessed Mother. Along the way, enjoy Japan's breathtaking autumn scenery, from Mount Fuji and Miyajima Island to the historic districts of Kurashiki and Kyoto, creating a pilgrimage that beautifully blends faith, history, culture, and nature.
Daily Holy Mass, Scripture reflections, personal prayer, and opportunities for spiritual renewal accompany this unforgettable journey through the Land of the Rising Sun.
Spiritual Director
Fr. Gerardus Rekdak
Pilgrimage
13 Days 10 Nights
Meals
8 Lunches and 10 Dinners
Accomodation
10 Nights
Itinerary
Japan:
Nagasaki – Mountain of the Cross; St. Maximilian Kolbe Memorial Museum; Sunday Mass; Atomic Bomb Museum; Peace Park; Oura Catholic Church, the oldest Catholic church in Japan; Urakami Cathedral; Nishizaka Church and the Shrine of the Twenty-Six Martyrs.
Kokura – Kokura Castle and panoramic city visit.
Kintaikyo – Visit one of Japan's most famous historic wooden arch bridges.
Hiroshima – Holy Spirit Church (Catholic Gion Church); Assumption of Mary Cathedral (Memorial Cathedral of World Peace); Atomic Bomb Dome; Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park; Holy Mass.
Miyajima Island – Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy the island's renowned natural beauty.
Kurashiki – Explore the beautifully preserved Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
Himeji – Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier and CICM House; Holy Mass; exterior view of the magnificent Himeji Castle.
Kyoto – Site of the Fifty-Two Martyrs of Kyoto; St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (Kawaramachi Church); Holy Mass.
Osaka – Osaka Castle (exterior); Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary; vibrant Dotonbori district.
Akita –
- St. Augustine Church; Holy Mass.
- Our Lady of Akita Church, where Sister Agnes Sasagawa received the Marian messages.
- Time for meditation before the miraculous weeping statue.
- Stations of the Cross.
- Senshū Park.
- Optional traditional Japanese Onsen experience.
Tokyo – Tokyo Tower; Imperial Palace; Tsukiji Outer Market; St. Mary's Cathedral, seat of the Archdiocese of Tokyo; Holy Mass.
Mount Fuji – Scenic visit to Japan's most iconic mountain; Celestines Convent; Holy Mass (weather permitting) before returning to Tokyo.
Daily Holy Mass, Scripture reflections, personal prayer, and opportunities for quiet contemplation are woven throughout the pilgrimage, allowing pilgrims to deepen their faith while honouring the heroic witness of the Japanese Martyrs and seeking the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Akita amidst Japan's spectacular autumn landscape.
Legend:
Plane
Bus
Daily Visit
