Following in the Footsteps of St. Francis Xavier
(31 May - 10 June 2026)
Kyushu, Japan Pilgrimage
St. Francis Xavier arrived in Japan in 1549, during the 16th century, marking the beginning of Christianity’s introduction to the nation. While his mission initially found success, the faith faced severe persecution in the 17th century, particularly following the Shimabara Rebellion of 1637–1638. The Tokugawa shogunate enacted strict policies against Christianity, forcing many believers to practise their faith in secret as “hidden Christians.” Despite these challenges, the foundation laid by St. Francis Xavier helped establish a resilient Catholic community that endured centuries of trials.
Spiritual director;
Rev. Fr. Alvin Ng S.J.
On this pilgrimage to Nagasaki, you will retrace the footsteps of St. Francis Xavier and honour the hidden Christians who preserved their faith during persecution. Visit historic churches, monuments, and museums that commemorate their courage and the enduring legacy of Christianity in Japan.
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31 May - 10 June 2026
(11 Days 9 Nights)This pilgrimage is currently reserved for a private group. A limited number of seats will be opened to the public at a later stage.
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DEPARTURE KUALA LUMPUR > HANEDA
We will depart on a flight from KLIA Terminal 1 at 14:15 and arrive at Haneda International Airport at 22:15. Dinner will be served on the plane.
Upon arrival, we will walk over to the hotel. Check-in at the Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport.
Overnight in Tokyo. -
HANEDA > KAGOSHIMA
On the following day, we will board a late-morning flight at 11:40 AM from Haneda, arriving at Kagoshima Airport at 1:30 PM.
Upon arrival in Kagoshima, visit the Monument of St. Francis Xavier's Landing, a significant site commemorating St. Francis Xavier's arrival in Japan.
Attend a private Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Kagoshima.
Check-in at the Art Hotel Kagoshima or a similar hotel. (Restaurants are available nearby.)
Overnight in Kagoshima.
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KAGOSHIMA > NAGASAKI
On the next day, check out after breakfast at the hotel and depart for Nagasaki by bus (approximately 5 hrs, 385 km). Along the way, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Upon arriving at Nagasaki, we will attend a private Mass at the Nakamachi Catholic Church.
Check-in at the New Nagasaki Hotel or similar accommodation.
(Restaurants are available nearby.)Overnight in Nagasaki.
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NAGASAKI
On Day 4, we will begin the day with a private Mass at St. Philip Catholic Church. Afterwards, we will walk to the Shrine of the Twenty-Six Martyrs, a sacred site commemorating the martyrdom of St. Paul Miki and his companions.
Next, we will visit Ōura Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest surviving church in Japan.
Following lunch, our programme continues with a visit to Urakami Cathedral, the largest Catholic church in the country, and the Nagai Takashi Memorial Museum, dedicated to Dr. Nagai, a Catholic doctor and atomic bomb survivor. The day will conclude at Nagasaki Peace Park, a solemn tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing.
Overnight in Nagasaki.
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NAGASAKI
Today, after breakfast, we will travel to Shimabara and Unzen.
In the morning, journey to Shimabara (approximately 1 hour, 65 km) to visit Shimabara Castle, a prominent symbol of the Shimabara Rebellion. Attend a private Mass at the Catholic Church of Shimabara.
After lunch, proceed to Unzen to visit the Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell), where we can explore the hot springs and learn about the history of Christian martyrs in the area.
Overnight in Nagasaki.
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NAGASAKI > KUROSHIMA ISLAND > HIRADO ISLAND
On Day 6, after breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for Hirado Island.
Our first stop will be a private Mass at the Catholic Kurosaki Church. We will then proceed to the Ono Catholic Church and the Shitsu Catholic Church. Together, these three churches hold significant historical importance for the Christian faith in Japan.
After lunch, continue the journey to Hirado. In the evening, check in at the Ryokan Yukai Resort Premium Hotel, where dinner will be provided.Overnight on Hirado Island.
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HIRADO ISLAND
After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin with a private Mass at the St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church, a landmark dedicated to the missionary work of St. Francis Xavier in Hirado. Nearby, we will admire the historic Saiwai Bashi Bridge and take time to explore the charming town of Hirado.
After lunch, we will continue our journey with visits to several significant Christian sites: the Tabira Church, a picturesque Gothic-style Catholic church with a rich history; the Hoki Catholic Church, which reflects the resilience of the local Christian community; the Hirado Christian Museum, preserving the story of faith during the period of persecution; and the Himosashi Catholic Church, another beautiful witness to Hirado’s Catholic heritage.
In the evening, return to Ryokan Yukai Resort Premium Hotel, where dinner will be provided.
Overnight on Hirado Island.
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HIRADO ISLAND > SHIMONOSEKI > YAMAGUCHI
On the next day, we will check out after breakfast at the hotel and depart for Shimonoseki to visit St. Francis Xavier’s Landing Site (approx. 3 hrs 30mins, 205 km), a key historical spot marking where St. Francis Xavier first arrived in Japan in 1550.
After lunch, we will proceed to Yamaguchi, and attend a private Sunday Mass at the Catholic Chofu Church.
Check-in to the Onn Yuda Onsen or similar.
(Restaurants are available nearby.)Overnight in Yamaguchi.
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YAMAGUCHI > TSUWANO
After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to Yamaguchi and attend a private Mass at Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Church—a significant site in St. Francis Xavier’s missionary journey. The modern church features a distinctive architectural design symbolising water, light, and a tent.
Following Mass, we will transfer to Tsuwano (approx. 3 hrs 30mins, 205 km).
Upon arrival in Tsuwano, we will visit the Tsuwano Catholic Church and then enjoy a 15-minute walk to the Maria Seido Chapel for a short time of prayer.
Check-in to the hotel.Overnight in Tsuwano.
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TSUWANO > MASUDA CITY
On the final day, we check out and head towards Masuda City and attend a private Mass at Masuda Catholic Church. This church is also dedicated to St. Francis Xavier.
Next we will have a city tour.
Afterwards, head towards the Hagi-Iwami Airport in Masuda for our flight to Haneda, departing at PM.
Late dinner will be served on the plane. But you may eat on your own at the Tokyo Airport.
Overnight on the plane.
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KUALA LUMPUR
We will arrive safely at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 6:00 AM.
Welcome home!
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