Graces of Japan

We begin today with a visit to the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument, dedicated to commemorating the 26 Martyrs of Japan. These 26 Christians, including foreign missionaries and Japanese converts, were executed in 1597 and crucified on Nishizaka Hill during the Tokugawa shogunate’s persecution, serving as a warning to deter the spread of Christianity. This shrine highlights the enduring legacy of Catholicism in Japan and serves as a solemn tribute to the sacrifice of these martyrs. We will celebrate Mass here in this place of reflection and remembrance, and afterwards visit the museum. Visible from Nishizaka Park is the Church of St Philip Nishisaka, with its two eye-catching towers, inspired by Antoni Gaudi.

Next visit Oura Catholic Church, hailed as Japan’s oldest church, which stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Catholicism. Built by a French missionary priest, the church was constructed to pray for those martyred on Nishizaka Hill. It boasts stunning Western architecture and a rich history intertwined with the plight of hidden Christians during Japan’s era of persecution. Take time for lunch here along the laneway that leads back down the mountain, with many specialty shops and restaurants.

Enjoy a meaningful visit to the Hongochi Monastery, one of the most important works of St Maximilian Kolbe in Japan. Koble came to Japan in 1930, and the Franciscan friars received permission from the Bishop of Nagasaki to establish a mission and build a monastery. Despite criticism, Kolbe chose a plot of land behind a mountain facing away from Nagasaki. It was this strange positioning that would protect the monastery and shield it from the worst impact of the atomic bomb, allowing it to be a place where the friars could minister to the injured, sick and dying. Here we visit the museum with numerous exhibits dedicated to St Maximillian Kolbe: the cell where he lived; the printing machines and the place where the Japanese edition of “Militia Immaculatae” magazine was published; and the Lourdes grotto, he built.

Then we visit Kofukuji Temple, which is historically important due to its association with the hidden Christians during Japan’s period of persecution. Some Christians, known as ‘Kakure Kirishitan’ or hidden Christians, practised their faith in secret by outwardly adhering to Buddhism or Shintoism. Kofukuji Temple is believed to be one of the places where hidden Christians clandestinely practised their Catholic faith during this time.

We conclude our tour with a visit to Nyoko-do, the former residence of Dr Takashi Nagai, a prominent figure in Nagasaki’s history, particularly known for his remarkable story of faith and resilience in the aftermath of the atomic bombing. Nagai was a devout Catholic, a medical doctor, and a well-respected author. Despite losing his wife in the bombing and suffering injuries himself, he continued his medical work and dedicated his life to promoting peace and reconciliation. This place has been preserved as a museum and memorial to honour his legacy and share his message of peace with visitors from around the world.

Nagasaki overnight (BD)

After breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and prepare to travel by coach to Kumamoto.

Before we farewell Nagasaki we visit the Atomic Bomb Museum, a profound and solemn memory of the event that killed or injured 150,000 people on August 9, 1945. Though it depicts much detail of the disastrous events of that fateful day, and those that followed, most importantly it contains the hope for a peaceful world free of nuclear weapons. One cannot help but be impressed by the remarkable spirit of survival and the immutable strength of the people of Nagasaki.

On our journey to Kumamoto, we will stop at Unzen, renowned for its volcanic landscapes and soothing hot springs. The locale holds profound significance from a Catholic perspective due to its intertwined history with Christianity in Japan. Today, Unzen stands as a testament to the resilience of the Catholic faith in Japan, adorned with various monuments and memorials dedicated to the martyrs who bravely sacrificed their lives for their beliefs. Another notable site we will visit is the Jigoku Martyrdom Site, commemorating the anguish endured by 33 believers martyred between 1627 and 1631. These individuals faced severe torture and coercion to renounce their faith. Atop the hill stands a solemn cross, a poignant symbol of the enduring faith of these martyrs. Additionally, we will explore the Unzen Christian Road of Martyrdom, believed to have been traversed by hidden Christians from Nagasaki and Minami-Shimabara on the route to Unzen. Here, we’ll encounter a revered old stone pillar, once a vital directional marker for travellers of that era.

We will conclude our visit to Unzen by celebrating Mass at Unzen Catholic Church, housed in a red brick building located on the hill of Fudanohara. Established in the early 17th century by missionaries and local converts, the church witnessed the persecution of Christians under the Tokugawa shogunate, resulting in its destruction and the martyrdom of many believers. However, it was rebuilt in 1981 to honour the soul of Anthony Ishuda and his companions, as well as to commemorate the Pope’s visit to Nagasaki. While the current structure may differ from the original, it stands as a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the Catholic community in the face of adversity.

We will continue our journey to Kumamoto, via coach and ferry.

Kumamoto overnight (BD)

Today, we will start our day with a visit to Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive castles, renowned for its historic significance and striking architecture. Afterwards, we will celebrate Mass at Tetori Catholic Church.

We farewell Kumamoto and journey towards Hiroshima by high-speed bullet train. Hiroshima is globally famous for the tragic fact that it became the first city in history to be destroyed by an atomic bomb.

Hiroshima overnight (BD)

In 1981, Pope St John Paul II visited Hiroshima and appealed to the world “To remember the past is to commit oneself to the future. To remember Hiroshima is to abhor nuclear war.”

This morning, we visit the Hiroshima World Peace Memorial Cathedral, also known as the St. Mary’s Cathedral, completed in 1954, the cathedral stands as a symbol of hope, reconciliation, and peace. Designed by architect Kenzo Tange, the cathedral’s distinctive hyperbolic paraboloid roof is reminiscent of folded origami paper cranes, symbolizing peace, and healing. We will celebrate a memorable Mass here.

We then visit the Atomic Bomb Dome – a haunting reminder of the devastation caused by the atomic bombing during World War II. Formerly the Hiroshima Industrial Promotion Hall, this building was one of the few structures left standing near the hypocenter of the atomic bomb explosion on August 6, 1945. Today, it serves as a poignant symbol of peace and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the memory of the lives lost and the horrors of nuclear warfare. Across the river, we come to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Continue to the striking Hiroshima Castle, originally constructed in the late 16th century, the castle served as the seat of the powerful Mori clan during the feudal period. However, the castle was destroyed during the atomic bombing in 1945. In 1958, reconstruction efforts began, and today’s Hiroshima Castle is a faithful replica of the original structure. The castle grounds offer scenic views of the city skyline and are especially popular during cherry blossom season. Hiroshima Castle stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal, reminding visitors of Hiroshima’s enduring spirit in the face of adversity.

This afternoon we farewell Hiroshima and travel by bullet train to the city of Kyoto.

Kyoto overnight (BD)

Surrounded by beautiful hills, Kyoto is a city that embodies the key qualities of Japanese culture and tradition. Serving as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868, Kyoto boasts more than 2,000 temples and shrines, a trio of palaces, and dozens of gardens. It serves as the centre of traditional industries and provides excellent shopping opportunities. St. Francis Xavier, who introduced Christianity to Japan in the 16th century, visited Kyoto during his travels. However, due to the dissensions rending the country at the time, he was unable to make any progress in spreading the good news.

This morning, we will visit and celebrate Mass in the Kawaramachi Catholic Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier. It is a parish of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, with St. Francis Xavier being the patron saint of the church. He was one of the missionaries who first introduced Christianity to Japan. After Mass, our tour continued with a visit to the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, where the top two stories are covered in gold leaf and contain relics of the Buddha. Next, we explored the Heian Shrine, known for its vibrant colours and enchanting inner gardens and ponds, reflecting the elegance of life in the ancient Japanese court. Finally, we visited the Sanju-sangen-do Hall, a renowned long wooden hall housing 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Bodhisattva, dating back to the 13th century.

After lunch, we will enjoy a visit to the Kiyomizu Temple. Enjoy a sweeping view of the entire city of Kyoto from its lofty terrace. Afterwards, some free time to wander the quaint old lane lined with pottery shops leading from this famous temple.

Kyoto overnight (BD)

This morning, we will check out from the hotel, and after our morning Mass will be transferred to Osaka airport to take our flight to Akita. During our time in Akita, we will visit sites of spiritual significance, and we will also delve into Akita’s rich cultural heritage by exploring sites like the Kakunodate Samurai District and indulging in local cuisine such as Akita Kiritanpo and Hinai-jidori, offering a well-rounded journey that blends religious devotion with cultural discovery.

Afternoon of visiting some sites of attraction in Akita.

Akita overnight (BD)

Today we will visit the little convent and church of Our Lady of Akita Shrine, surrounded by beautiful grounds. The Chapel of Seitai Hoshikai belongs to the Handmaids of the Holy Eucharist order, and is renowned for its association with Marian apparitions in the 1970s, providing a serene space for contemplation and reflection. Here a local sister has reported visitations of the Blessed Virgin Mary supported by the phenomena of a statue of Mary in the church which has wept tears.

After a special group Mass here in this beautiful chapel designed in traditional Japanese architecture style, we can take some time to wander the shrine and the Japanese gardens and pray the Stations of the Cross or the Rosary.

Akita overnight (BD)

This morning, we will be transferred to Akita airport to take our flight to the modern city of Tokyo.

Tokyo has many districts and places of interest such as Asuka, Tokyo Skytree, Odaiba, the Imperial Palace, Marunouchi, Ginza, and much more. It is a mix of the ultramodern and traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples.

This afternoon to get a bird’s eye view of the city we visit Tokyo Sky Tree, completed in 2012, it is the tallest structure in Japan and one of the tallest towers in the world. Rising to a height of 634 meters (2,080 feet), the Skytree offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo and its surrounding areas, including Mt Fuji on a clear, sunny day.

We will also have a look at the Shibuya crossing, a mesmerizing scramble of an intersection, which is known as the busiest pedestrian crossing the world. Here also is the statue of the Akita dog Hachiko, beloved for his unwavering loyalty to his owner, waiting for him daily at Tokyo’s Shibuya Station every day for nine years after his owner’s death.

Tokyo overnight (BD)

This morning, our tour commences with a guided visit and the celebration of Holy Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, a prominent Catholic landmark in Japan’s capital city. Designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange and completed in 1964, the cathedral is renowned for its striking modernist architecture. It was rebuilt from 1960-64 after being completely destroyed during World War II. Its design features a unique hyperbolic paraboloid roof, which represents hands folded in prayer and is meant to evoke the image of the Virgin Mary. The Cathedral serves as the mother church of the Archdiocese of Tokyo and is a vibrant hub of Catholic worship and community life.

Afterwards, we will explore the vibrant atmosphere of the historic Asakusa district, which is renowned as the home of Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temple, dating back over 1,300 years. Additionally, we will stroll down Nakamise-dori shopping street, a bustling thoroughfare lined with traditional shops and stalls selling an array of souvenirs, and cultural artifacts, offering a delightful blend of sightseeing and shopping experiences.

Tokyo overnight (BD)

We will start our day by visiting Holy Resurrection Cathedral, also known as St. Nikolai Cathedral, which is a significant religious landmark located in the Ochanomizu area of Tokyo. Completed in 1891, it is one of the oldest Russian Orthodox churches in the country and serves as the headquarters of the Japanese Orthodox Church. Designed by Russian architect Josiah Conder, the cathedral features Byzantine-style architecture, characterized by its distinctive onion domes and ornate exterior decorations.

We will continue by visiting the Imperial Palace and its surrounding East Gardens which offer a captivating glimpse into Japan’s imperial history and natural beauty. The palace, situated on the former site of Edo Castle, serves as the residence of the Emperor of Japan and is surrounded by picturesque gardens and moats. Within the East Gardens, we immerse ourselves in Japan’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline and iconic landmarks.

In the afternoon we will visit Tsujiki Catholic Church, consecrated in honour of St Joseph. It is the first Catholic Church in Tokyo, and we celebrate Mass here.

Enjoy our last group dinner in the bustling Shinjuku district, known for its restaurants, clubs, neon-lit laneways and karaoke rooms.

Tokyo overnight (BD)