6-Day Christian Pilgrimage Tour of the Nagasaki Region

 

The history of Christianity in Japan began in 1549 when Francis Xavier arrived as

the first missionary. Later, however, the shogunate issued a ban on Christianity. 

Despite this, many people secretly continued to practice their faith across the

country, which unfortunately led to a history of numerous martyrdoms. 

The ban was eventually lifted in 1873, marking the beginning of a new era for

Christianity in Japan.

 

This 6-day tour explores the following Christian-related sites to provide insight into

the history of Christianity in Japan.

Where to explore : Sotome, Nagasaki, Shimabara, Unzen , Hirado and Fukuoka

 

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Model Itinerary

Based on the model itinerary below, we will customize your tour to perfectly match

your travel style and specific requests. The tour begins and ends in Fukuoka.

 

6-Day Christian Pilgrimage Tour traveling route

 

Schedule destinations to explore	Stay
Day 1 : Depart from Fukuoka → Nagasaki Day 2 : Nagasaki  Day 3 : Nagasaki & Sotome Day 4 : Shimabara & Unzen         Day 5 : Hirado Day 6 : Hirado → Fukuoka	Nagasaki Nagasaki Nagasaki Unzen Hirado Fukuoka

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Day 1   Nagasaki 

 

Welcome to Fukuoka, you will be greeted by our representative.

=== Drive to Nagasaki via Expressway ===

Walking in the Footsteps of Saint Maximilian Kolbe

・Hongouchi Lourdes Grotto

・Hongouch Church

・Saint Kolbe Memorial Museum

Lunch at a local restaurant in Nagasaki

Enjoying a panoramic view of Nagasaki from 333-meter summit
・Mount Inasa : go to the 333-meter summit using the slope car 

Dinner on your own in Nagasaki

Stay in Nagasaki

 

 

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Day 2   Nagasaki 

 

Breakfast at the hotel

Visiting historical sites associated with the 26 Martyrs of Japan

・Martyrdom of 26 Saints of Japan

・The 26 Martyrs Museum

・Nakamachi Church

Lunch at a local restaurant in Nagasaki

Exploring the sites to discover the roots of Japan’s international history

・Oura Cathedral

・Glover Garden

Dinner on your own in Nagasaki

Stay in Nagasaki

 

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Day 3  Nagasaki & Sotome 

 

Breakfast at the hotel

Visiting the Atomic Bombing sites to offer prayers for world peace

・Atomic Bomb Museum

・Ground Zero 

・Peace Park ;  Peace Statue, Peace Fountain

Visiting East Asia’s Historic Red-Brick Cathedral

・Urakami Cathedral

=== Drive to Sotome ===

Lunch at a restaurant in Sotome

Exploring Sotome: Discovering Father de Rotz’s Legacy in the Land of Silence and Light

・Shitsu Church

・Endo Shusaku Literary Museum

Drive to Nagasaki 

Dinner on your own in Nagasaki

Stay in Nagasaki

 

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Day 4  Shimabara & Unzen

 

After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Nagasaki === Drive to Shimabara ===  Holy Mary-Kannon of Harajo Castle Lunch, at a local restaurant in Shimabara === Drive to Unzen, 30 minutes ===  Nita Pass Unzen Jigoku Martyrdom site Catholic Unzen Church  Dinner at your hotel Stay in Unzen

Optional site to be visited ・Arima Christian Heritage 　Memorial Museum ・Harajo Castle ruins

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Day 5  Hirado 

 

After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Unzen === Drive to Hirado, 2 hours 30 minutes ===  Lunch at a local restaurant in Hirado Tabira Church Exploring Hirado St Francis Xavier Memorial Church Dutch Trading Post Dinner at your hotel Stay in Hirado

Optional site to be visited ・Kasuga Village ・Hirado Castle

 

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Day 6  Hirado → Fukuoka

 

After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Hirado 

Exploring Hirado

Yamada Church 

Kurose no Tsuji, martyrdom site of Gaspar Nishi Genka

Lunch at a restaurant in Hirado

Nakae no Shima Island Martyrdom site observatory place 

=== Drive to Fukuoka via Expressway, 2 hours and 30 minutes === 

Arrive in Fukuoka; tour concludes

 

 

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 - Christian Pilgrimage tour