Why Choose the Japan Catholic Pilgrimage Tour Package?
Welcome to our exclusive Japan Catholic Pilgrimage Tour Package. This is not just a regular vacation; it is a profound spiritual journey that takes you back hundreds of years in time. While Japan is widely known to Western travelers from the USA and Europe for its Shinto and Buddhist culture, it holds a deeply moving history regarding the struggle, martyrdom, and steadfast faith of Catholics known as the Kakure Kirishitan (Hidden Christians).
Ever since St. Francis Xavier, a European Jesuit missionary, landed in Kagoshima in 1549, Christianity took root in Japan. In this Japan Catholic Pilgrimage Tour Package, we will retrace the sacred routes from Fukuoka to Nagasaki, and cross over to the remote, exotic Goto Islands. This region is the absolute heart of Christian history in Japan. This is where early missionaries preached, where the 26 Martyrs of Japan were crucified, and where the faith was secretly and miraculously maintained by local believers during more than two centuries of brutal suppression by the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Statistics and International Recognition
The significance of the historical routes included in this Japan Catholic Pilgrimage Tour Package has been widely recognized internationally, attracting pilgrims from Europe and the Americas:
- UNESCO World Heritage Recognition (2018): The "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region" were officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the universal historical value of the churches and villages we will visit.
- Historical Catholic Population: Before the religious ban in the 17th century, there were an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 Catholics in Japan, predominantly in Kyushu, representing a massive missionary success in the Far East (source: Catholic Encyclopedia).
- The Miracle of the East: In 1865, the "Discovery of Christians" occurred at Oura Church in Nagasaki. Tens of thousands of hidden believers emerged from secrecy to reveal their faith to French Father Bernard Petitjean—a miraculous event celebrated by Pope Pius IX worldwide.
Tour Transparencies: Potential Limitations & Physical Demands
At Nayowa.com, we prioritize transparency for our international guests flying in from the USA or Europe. Please consider the following factors before booking this spiritual tour:
- Flight Exclusions: Please note that international flights (e.g., from New York, London, Rome to Fukuoka) and domestic flights within Japan are not included in the package price. You are required to arrange your own flights to meet the group at Fukuoka Airport.
- Ferry Sea Travel: Reaching the Goto Islands requires a ferry crossing of approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. For participants prone to seasickness, we strongly recommend bringing personal medication. Ferry schedules are strictly subject to weather conditions.
- Walking Mobility & Terrain: Many old, historic churches (such as Iojimura and Mizunoura Churches) are situated in hilly, rural terrains requiring moderate to significant walking. Participants should possess a reasonable level of physical fitness to navigate these sacred sites comfortably.
- Strict Transport Regulations: Japanese transportation laws strictly permit tourist buses to operate for a maximum of 10 hours per day (between 08:00 - 20:00). An overtime fee of ¥10,000 per hour applies if the group exceeds the designated time limit.
- Authentic Japanese Culinary Experience: To immerse you in the local culture, all meals provided on this tour are 100% Authentic Japanese Cuisine. While dietary restrictions can be requested, Western-style meals are not the standard on this specific rural route.
Tour Schedule (Itinerary) - 6 Days
| Day | Route & Activities | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 |
Origin Country / Fukuoka Depart from your home country (USA/Europe). Fly into Fukuoka International Airport, Japan. Travel and rest on the plane. |
On Plane |
| Day 2 |
Fukuoka – Nagasaki Arrive in Fukuoka. Meet and greet with the guide. Visit Fukuoka Tower (including observation deck). Short shopping trip at Canal City Hakata. Proceed to the historic city of Nagasaki. Meals: Authentic Japanese Cuisine for Lunch & Onsen Hotel Specialty for Dinner |
Oedo-Nagasaki Onsen Monogatari Premium Hotel Seifu (or Similar) |
| Day 3 |
Nagasaki – Goto Islands Ferry crossing to Goto Island (±3 hours 10 mins). Arrive in Goto, visit Iojimura Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Mizunoura Church. Learn the deep, tragic yet inspiring history of hidden Catholics on this remote island. |
Goto Island Local Hotel |
| Day 4 |
Goto Islands Pilgrimage & Private Mass Continue the pilgrimage in Goto Islands. Visit other historic stone and wooden churches, pray at martyr monuments, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Goto's coastal nature. A Private Holy Mass will be arranged for the group today. |
Goto Island Local Hotel |
| Day 5 |
Goto Islands – Nagasaki – Fukuoka Return to Nagasaki via morning ferry. Pilgrimage in Nagasaki City, visiting the famous Oura Catholic Church and reflecting at the Nagasaki Peace Park. Travel back to Fukuoka for your final overnight stay. |
Fukuoka City Hotel |
| Day 6 |
Fukuoka / Departure Free program until your airport transfer. Transfer to Fukuoka Airport for your return flight to the USA/Europe. The Catholic pilgrimage tour with Nayowa concludes with profound memories. |
Sweet Home |
Package Pricing Information
IMPORTANT EXCLUSION: The prices below DO NOT INCLUDE any international or domestic flight tickets. You must arrange your own flights to/from Fukuoka, Japan.
Group Package (Min. 30 Pax)
- Private Holy Mass Arrangement Included
- All Meals Included (Authentic Japanese Cuisine)
- 3 & 4 Star Hotels (Twin Sharing Basis)
- Private Air-Conditioned Tourist Bus
- Goto Island Ferry Tickets (Round Trip)
- Professional English-Speaking Guide
*Price excludes flight tickets, single room supplement, travel insurance, and driver overtime fees.
Other Important Notes
- 100% Japanese Meals: To honor the local culture, all provided meals are authentic Japanese Cuisine. If you have severe allergies, please inform us, but note that Western food options are extremely limited on the islands.
- Vehicle Overtime Rules: By Japanese law, vehicle usage is capped at 10 hours/day (08:00–20:00). Delays causing overtime will be strictly charged at ¥10,000/hour to the group.
- Airport Pickup: Free waiting time is exactly 90 mins after your flight lands. Excess waiting time is charged at ¥5,000 per 30 mins.
Pilgrimage Tour Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I arrange flights from the USA or Europe?
Since flights are excluded from the package, you will need to book a flight arriving at Fukuoka Airport (FUK). Many travelers from the USA or Europe connect through major hubs like Tokyo (HND/NRT), Seoul (ICN), or Taipei (TPE) before taking a short connecting flight to Fukuoka. Our guide will meet you upon arrival at Fukuoka Airport.
Is there a Holy Mass during the trip?
Yes! This package exclusively includes a Private Mass facility for your Catholic group. We pre-coordinate with the local diocese or specific historical churches in Nagasaki or Goto Islands to reserve a chapel. If your group is traveling with a priest (Spiritual Director), he will be able to celebrate Mass for the group.
Are the provided meals exclusively Japanese cuisine?
Absolutely. To provide an immersive cultural experience, all main courses served during the tour are authentic Japanese Cuisine (which often includes fresh seafood, given Kyushu's coastal location). Please be aware that Western dietary options (like burgers or pizza) are rarely available in the remote rural areas of Goto Islands.
What is the weather like in the Goto Islands?
Weather heavily depends on the season. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer the best, mildest weather for walking tours. Summer can be hot and humid, while Winter can be quite cold and very windy due to the islands' exposure to the open ocean.