Faith Tours
Faith tours in Japan provide an enriching journey through the country’s spiritual heritage, offering a unique opportunity to explore its diverse religious traditions, including Christianity.
Catholic pilgrimage tours in Japan allow travelers to delve into the nation’s rich and complex Christian history, seamlessly blending spirituality with cultural exploration.
Tour Highlights:
• Historical Significance:
Pilgrims visit locations tied to the “Hidden Christians” (Kakure Kirishitan), who secretly practiced their faith during Japan’s ban on Christianity.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Many tours feature renowned World Heritage sites, such as Nagasaki’s Oura Church and the Hidden Christian villages.
• Martyrdom Sites:
Significant locations like Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki and Hara Castle tell the moving stories of Christian martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their faith.
• Architectural Beauty:
Explore the unique blend of Western and Japanese architectural styles in historic churches like Urakami Cathedral, Motomachi Catholic Church, and St. Mary’s Cathedral in Tokyo.
• Cultural Integration:
These tours often include visits to traditional Japanese sites, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of Christianity with Japan’s predominant Buddhist and Shinto traditions.
Notable Pilgrimage Sites in Japan:
Oura Church (Nagasaki)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this is the oldest wooden church in Japan and a symbol of the Kakure Kirishitan.Dedicated to the 26 martyrs crucified in Nagasaki in 1597.
Nishizaka Hill and Monument to the Martyrs (Nagasaki)
The site where 26 Catholics were martyred.Features a memorial and a museum detailing the history of Christianity in Japan.
Urakami Cathedral (Nagasaki)
Once the largest cathedral in Asia before being destroyed in the Nagasaki atomic bombing. It has been rebuilt and holds great historical significance.
Shitsu and Sotome (Nagasaki)
Located in Nagasaki Prefecture, these areas are tied to Father Marc Marie de Rotz, a French missionary who supported the Hidden Christians after Christianity was legalized.
Gotokujima Islands (Nagasaki)
Scattered across these islands are small churches and communities of Hidden Christians, including Egami Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church (Hirado)
Dedicated to the Spanish missionary who introduced Christianity to Japan in 1549.
Tabira Church (Hirado)
A picturesque Catholic church in Hirado with stunning architecture.
St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church (Yamaguchi)
Marking the place where Francis Xavier preached during his time in Japan.
Jesus Missionary Sites (Yamaguchi)
Locations tied to the early spread of Christianity by Jesus missionaries.
St. Mary's Cathedral (Tokyo)
The seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tokyo, designed by the famed architect Kenzo Tange.
Kanda Catholic Church (Tokyo)
One of the oldest churches in Tokyo.
Tamatsukuri Catholic Church (Osaka)
Dedicated to the martyrs and saints of Japan, particularly those from the Kansai region.
Catholic Convent Seitai Hoshikai (Akita)
Renowned for Marian apparitions and devotion.
Motomachi Catholic Church (Hakodate)
One of the oldest churches in Hokkaido with beautiful European-inspired architecture.
Our company is a tour operator specializing in arranging travel for international travel agencies.
We do not provide services directly to individual customers.