8-Day: Echoes of Faith ー The Grand Pilgrimage of Nagasaki & Amakusa

 

The ultimate pilgrimage tracing the complete 450-year legacy of faith across two regions.

 

Starting with the mission of Francis Xavier, Christianity expanded throughout the country,

with Nagasaki at its heart. Even during the prohibition of Christianity, faith remained

strong in Hirado, Sotome, Shimabara, Unzen, and Amakusa.

This legacy, however, is inseparable from a profound and solemn history of martyrdom. 

 

 

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Inspiration: Sample Itinerary　

This itinerary is a curated glimpse into our bespoke experiences.

Use it as a starting point, and allow us to tailor every detail to your personal

interests and pace.

 

Traveling route

 

Day 1   Hirado 

 

Welcome to Fukuoka. You will be greeted by tour guide.

=== Drive to Hitado via the expressway ===

Lunch at a local restaurant in Hirado

Exploring Hirado

Step back in time to the roots of Christian Japan

・Tabira Church

・St Francis Xavier Memorial Church

A unique blend of Samurai spirit and European heritage

・Hirado Castle

・Dutch Trading Post

Dinner at your hotel

Stay in Hirado 

 

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Day 2   Hirado 

 

After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Hirado 

Exploring Hirado

The spirit of the Hidden Christians endures in Hirado

・Yamada Church 

・Kurose no Tsuji, martyrdom site of Gaspar Nishi Genka

・Nakae no Shima Island Martyrdom site observatory place 

Lunch at a restaurant in Hirado

=== Drive to Nagasaki via Expressway ===

Dinner on your own in Nagasaki

Stay in Nagasaki

 

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Day 3  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 4  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 6  Amakusa

 

After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Unzen

Drive to Minami-shimabara

Transfer from Kuchinotsu to Amakusa by a ferry

Lunch at a restaurant in Amakusa

Exploring Amakusa 

A sacred archipelago of hidden prayers.

・Oe Cathedral

・Sakitsu Village / UNESCO World Heritage

Dinner at your hotel

Stay in Amakusa

 

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Day 7  Amakusa & Kumamoto                                    

 

After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Amakusa 

Discover the soul of Amakusa through its legendary leader

・Amakusa Shiro Memorial Museum 

Lunch at a restaurant in Amakusa

Enjoy a scenic drive to Kumamoto along the Pearl Line, crossing the iconic Amakusa Gokyo 　

Exploring Kumamoto

A captivating experience where history and nature live in harmony

・Sakurano-baba Josaien including lunch

・Kumamoto Castle

Dinner on your own in Kumamoto

Stay in Kumamoto

 

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Day 8  Fukuoka 

 

After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Kumamoto 

=== Drive to Fukuoka via the expressway ===

Arrive in Fukuoka 

Explore Fukuoka on Your Own

Dinner on your own in Fukuoka

Stay in Fukuoka

 

 

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 - Christian Pilgrimage tour