Questions about pilgrimaging in Japan.

We design the journey around Japan’s Catholic story—not simply around famous attractions. The route follows saints, martyrs, missionaries and Hidden Christian communities while making room for Mass, prayer, reflection and fellowship.

Cultural visits remain important because they help pilgrims understand the society in which Christianity arrived, endured and lives today. Our Japan-based team coordinates the travel details so the group can focus on the pilgrimage.

Yes. Mass coordination is one of our core services. We contact Catholic parishes and religious communities to request public or private Mass, depending on local schedules. Where available, we can also request Holy Hour, Adoration, devotional visits and dedicated prayer time.

If your group travels with a priest, we help coordinate the required church permissions and advise the organizer about customary stipends, donations and any documents the celebrant must provide. All arrangements remain subject to parish, clergy and liturgical-calendar availability.

Core routes often include Nagasaki—Oura Cathedral, Nishizaka and the Twenty-Six Martyrs, Urakami, St. Maximilian Kolbe sites and Hidden Christian communities—and Akita for prayer at Seitai Hoshikai.

Programs may also include Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Yokohama, Kamakura, Hiroshima, Shimabara, Amakusa, the Goto Islands, Tsuwano, Yamaguchi, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Every route can be adjusted to the group’s intentions and available time.

Most programs use a private coach or van, comfortable hotels with breakfast and an English-speaking guide. Walking is generally moderate, but churches, historic districts, gardens and heritage sites may include steps, slopes or uneven surfaces.

We can build a gentler pace, add rest time and select more accessible visits for seniors or pilgrims with mobility needs. Please tell us about wheelchairs, walking aids or other needs before the itinerary is finalized.

Typical inclusions are custom itinerary planning, hotels with breakfast, private ground transportation, domestic flights or rail when specified, an English-speaking guide, Mass and church-visit coordination, listed admission fees and Japan-based operational support.

International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses and church stipends or donations are normally separate unless the written proposal states otherwise. Your final proposal identifies the exact hotels, room categories, meals, transport and services included.

Most pilgrimage proposals use well-located Japanese 3- or 4-star hotels, usually with breakfast. Twin rooms are commonly used for group programs; single rooms can be quoted subject to availability and a supplement.

We can also propose simpler or more upscale hotels depending on the group’s budget, desired comfort and route.

Yes. We plan for parish groups, Catholic schools and youth groups, religious communities, families and private associations. Programs can be designed for small private parties as well as large groups of 15–90 or more.

Depending on group size, support may include full-size coaches, bilingual guides, coordinated meals, organized hotel check-in and devotional schedules adapted to the group.

We recommend starting 8–12 months ahead for parish and larger groups, and approximately 4–6 months ahead for smaller private groups. Earlier planning is helpful for peak spring and autumn dates, large room blocks, domestic flights and visits requiring church or convent coordination.

Absolutely. A program may emphasize Marian devotion in Akita, the martyrs and Hidden Christians of Nagasaki, daily Mass and retreat time, or a balanced journey combining sacred heritage with Japanese history and culture.

We can also create a gentler mixed-faith or family program. The route, pace and amount of reflection time should serve your parish’s mission and the needs of your pilgrims.

Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance because many confirmed travel arrangements become non-refundable. Coverage may include trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical care, evacuation, baggage, travel delays and missed connections.

Japan Adventure Club can provide information about AIG Travel Guard, or travelers may select another provider. Purchase timing can affect available benefits, so review the policy and exclusions promptly after booking.