13-Day Pilgrimage to Japan
with Fr. Peter Idler
Start Date: October 9, 2027
End Date: October 21, 2027
Location: Japan
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Saturday, October 9
Your Journey Begins
Depart from the USA for an overnight flight to Nagasaki, Japan.
Day 2
Sunday, October 10
Arrival in Nagasaki
Our pilgrimage begins in Nagasaki, where generations of Japanese Christians preserved the faith through persecution and hardship. As we begin, we entrust our journey and intentions to God and ask for the grace to walk with open hearts. We will begin with Mass at Urakami Cathedral, one of Japan’s most significant Catholic churches and a powerful symbol of faith and resilience in Nagasaki. Dinner and overnight in Nagasaki.
Day 3
Monday, October 11
Catholic Heritage of Nagasaki
Spend the day exploring Nagasaki’s rich Catholic heritage, following the footsteps of missionaries, martyrs, and faithful witnesses who helped shape the Christian story of Japan. Visit Nishizaka Hill and the Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument, followed by Holy Mass at the Church of St. Philip of Jesus (Nishizaka Church). Continue to the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Ōura Catholic Church, with free time for lunch along Glover Street. In the afternoon, visit Hongochi Monastery and the St. Maximilian Kolbe Museum, followed by Kofukuji Temple and Nyokodo, the former residence of Dr. Takashi Nagai. Dinner and overnight in Nagasaki.
Day 4
Tuesday, October 12
Nagasaki to Kumamoto via Unzen
Travel from Nagasaki to Unzen, tracing the path of Japanese Christians who endured persecution and martyrdom for their faith. After breakfast and hotel check-out, visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum before continuing to Unzen. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the Unzen Jigoku Martyrdom Site and walk part of the Christian Road of Martyrdom. Celebrate Holy Mass in the Unzen area before continuing to Shimabara Port and crossing by ferry toward Kumamoto. Dinner and overnight in Kumamoto.
Day 5
Wednesday, October 13
Kumamoto to Hiroshima
Begin the day in Kumamoto with a visit to the magnificent Kumamoto Castle, followed by Holy Mass before boarding a reserved-seat Shinkansen to Hiroshima. As you journey onward, carry a prayer for peace, healing, and reconciliation, reflecting on the places of faith and remembrance that await in Hiroshima. Dinner and overnight in Hiroshima.
Day 6
Thursday, October 14
Hiroshima to Kyoto
Begin the day in Hiroshima with a visit to Hiroshima World Peace Memorial Cathedral (Noborimachi Church) and Holy Mass at a local Catholic church. After lunch featuring Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, with a visit to Hiroshima Castle if time permits. As you reflect on the lives affected by war, pray for the victims and for the Church’s continuing mission of reconciliation and peace. Continue by Shinkansen to Kyoto. Dinner and overnight in Kyoto.
Day 7
Friday, October 15
Kyoto
Discover Kyoto’s spiritual and cultural heritage, beginning with a visit to Kawaramachi Catholic Cathedral (Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier) and Holy Mass at the cathedral or another confirmed church. Continue to the magnificent Kinkakuji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera, with free time for lunch in the historic Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka area. In the afternoon, visit Sanjusangen-do and Heian Shrine. Amid Kyoto’s beauty and sacred traditions, reflect on the universal human longing for the sacred and give thanks for the gift of faith. Dinner and overnight in Kyoto.
Day 8
Saturday, October 16
Kyoto to Akita
Begin the journey north to Akita with Holy Mass before departing Kyoto and transferring to Osaka Airport for your domestic flight to Akita. Upon arrival, visit the historic Kakunodate Samurai District and explore a traditional samurai house. Continue to your hotel in Akita for dinner and overnight.
Day 9
Sunday, October 17
Our Lady of Akita
Spend a contemplative day at Seitaihoshikai Catholic Convent, centered on prayer and spiritual reflection. After breakfast, visit the convent and celebrate Holy Mass during the pilgrimage visit, followed by time for quiet prayer and personal reflection. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight in Akita.
Day 10
Monday, October 18
Akita to Tokyo
Travel from Akita to Tokyo, beginning the day with breakfast and hotel check-out before transferring to Akita Airport or Akita Station. Return to Tokyo by domestic flight or Shinkansen, then transfer by private motor coach to explore the city. Visit Tokyo Skytree (350 m) and experience the energy of Shibuya Crossing. As the pilgrimage enters Japan’s dynamic capital, reflect on how faith is lived and witnessed in the midst of modern life. Dinner and overnight in Tokyo.
Day 11
Tuesday, October 19
Catholic & Cultural Heritage of Tokyo
Begin the day with a visit to St. Joseph Church (Tsukiji Catholic Church) and Holy Mass in Tokyo, followed by an exploration of the historic Asakusa district, including Sensoji Temple and its traditional shopping street. Enjoy free time for shopping and cultural exploration, experiencing the blend of Tokyo’s historic traditions and vibrant modern life. Give thanks for the universality of the Church and the many ways faith takes root and flourishes across different cultures. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight in Tokyo.
Day 12
Wednesday, October 20
Tokyo
Spend your final full day in Japan with prayer, sightseeing, and fellowship in Tokyo. After breakfast, visit Holy Resurrection Cathedral (St. Nikolai Cathedral) and explore the Imperial Palace area and East Gardens, followed by a visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral and Holy Mass on the final full day of the pilgrimage. Continue to Shinjuku for time to experience one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts before gathering for a farewell dinner. Give thanks for the graces of the pilgrimage and pray that its fruits continue to bear meaning in daily life. Dinner and overnight in Tokyo.
Day 13
Thursday, October 21
Departure from Tokyo and Return Home
Conclude the pilgrimage with breakfast and hotel check-out before transferring to the Tokyo airport. As you journey home, give thanks for the memories and spiritual graces of Japan, carrying with you the witness of its Christians and a renewed commitment to live out your faith each day.
- $8,495 per person based on double occupancy.
- $6,995 per person Land Only (purchase your own air).
- Single room supplement - $2,195
- $500 per person with registration to secure space.
- 50% of the total amount is due on or before April 8, 2027
- Balance due on or before July 9, 2027
Tour information
GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only travelers not traveling with the group are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.
HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the tour leader will make every attempt to pair single travelers requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.
MEALS: Breakfast provided daily. Lunch and dinner provided on days as noted in the itinerary.
SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.
LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Travelers are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Travelers are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions.
TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes or fees imposed by national and/or local governments that are not included at the time of publication are the traveler’s responsibility.
NOT INCLUDED: Country-specific visas or ETAs, excess baggage fees, passport fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the list of included features.
PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months (185 days) beyond the start date of your tour. Travelers with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements.
AIR: The Air Included option covers round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the Air Included option. Travelers who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.
LAND ONLY: Travelers who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. Travelers arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the transfer bus at no additional charge.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators or scooters. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Trawick International. Please click here for more information or to enroll in the plan.
A preexisting medical condition waiver is available if purchased within 21 days of registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to 180 days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.
PAYMENT: I understand and agree that Signature Tours accepts no responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that may occur in connection with these services. I also declare that I am aware that restrictions may apply to the services purchased and that I am satisfied that such restrictions have been explained. I the cardholder, take full responsibility for the charges on the account described above. By clicking Order, I agree to receive emails, SMS text messages, and phone calls from Signature Tours.