April 2027 Japan Pilgrimage with Fr. Elias Mills, F.I.
Japan Pilgrimage
Fifteen days in the footsteps of Japan’s saints and martyrs, from Tokyo and Mount Fuji to Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Our Lady of Akita, with Mass each day.
Your chaplain
Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I.
Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate
Fr. Elias Mary Mills is a Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate, a Nebraska native ordained a priest in 2000. He follows the spirituality of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who founded a friary in Nagasaki, and he led Canterbury’s Japan pilgrimage in October 2024.
He travels with us for the whole pilgrimage, offering daily Mass, confession and the sacraments.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9
In Hiroshima we celebrate Mass at the Assumption of Mary Cathedral, the Memorial Cathedral of World Peace, and pray at the Peace Memorial Park. In Nagasaki we pray at Urakami Cathedral before the Hibaku Maria and at the grave of Dr. Takashi Nagai.
Hiroshima Castle · Hiroshima
Japan, April 3 to 17, 2027
Fifteen days, thirteen nights in Tokyo, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Osaka and Akita, with Mass each day. Breakfast is included daily, with ten dinners.
Depart for Tokyo, Japan
Our pilgrimage begins as we board our flight to Tokyo (not included).
Arrival in Tokyo
Upon arrival in Tokyo, we will proceed to our hotel for check-in before gathering as a group for Mass at Takanawa Church, which commemorates the Great Martyrdom of Tokyo. We will gather for our first dinner tonight as a group.
Fujiyoshida Church & Mt. Fuji
We will start our first day of touring with Mass at Fujiyoshida Catholic Church. Afterwards, we will set out for the breathtaking Mount Fuji where we will explore the beautiful mountain area and the chance to pray at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Fuji. We will return to Tokyo for the night.
Nagasaki, St. Philip’s Church & Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument
This morning, we will check out of our hotel and fly to Nagasaki, sometimes called the “Little Rome of Japan.” We will begin our time here with Mass at St. Philip’s Church. Then, we will walk a short way to the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument where we will learn the incredible story of Catholicism in Japan over the centuries, giving us a foretaste of the sites that we will visit during the pilgrimage. The museum will also highlight the twenty-six martyrs of Japan, including that of St. Paul Miki, who preached forgiveness while hanging on his cross. We will also be privileged to see original letters written by St. Francis Xavier.
Tabira Church, St. Camillus Monument & Mt. Inasa Overlook
Following breakfast, we will drive to Hirado to visit St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church and Tabira Church, parts of which were built with seashells, crushed and turned into stone by the very hands of their parishioners. We will have Mass at Tabira Church and will learn how, in 1873, the ban on Christianity was lifted and Christians, who had been in hiding for over two centuries, came out of hiding with great faith and built many churches. In Hirado we will also visit the monument of St. Camillus Costanzo, an Italian Jesuit missionary who was burned at the stake. On the way back to the hotel, we will stop at the Mt. Inasa overlook of Nagasaki which allows us 360-degree views of the thriving port city and the East China Sea.
Hongouchi, Kolbe Memorial & Oura Cathedral
We will begin our day with Mass and a Holy Hour at St. Maximilian Kolbe’s Seibo no Kishi, Hongouchi Church, where afterwards we will visit the St. Kolbe Memorial Museum, pray at the Lourdes Grotto built by St. Maximilian in the 1930s, and pray the rosary along the Rosary Walk. This afternoon, we will have the chance to visit St. Maximilian’s first friary in Nagasaki as well as the Oura Cathedral and Museum, the site where the Hidden Christians were first discovered. All these visits are included and can be visited at our own pace, which also provides the chance to shop in the nearby commercial area. Time permitting, we will visit Our Lady of the Cape, a statue erected at the entrance of Nagasaki Bay on August 15, 1949, the 400th anniversary of St. Francis Xavier bringing Christianity to Japan on Our Lady’s Feast Day. Tonight, we will come together for dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant.
Shimabara, Unzen Hot Springs & Hara Castle
We will begin the day at Shimabara Catholic Church for Mass. Afterwards, we will visit the Unzen Hot Springs martyrdom site, which commemorates the tremendous sacrifice of the many Christians who stood strong against persecution here, preferring torture in the boiling ‘hells’ of the hot springs rather than to give up their faith. Nearby, we will visit the site of the Shimabara Rebellion and Hara Castle where, in 1637, local Christian farmers were fed up with the persecution they were experiencing and gathered in revolt fighting bravely against the Shogunate army. In response, the army murdered 37,000 Catholics. Today we will also get to see Holy Maria Kannon of Hara Castle, the largest wooden statue of Our Lady in the world, standing at 32.5 feet tall, carved in memory of all those who died in the rebellion.
Urakami Cathedral, Hypocenter Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, Dr. Takashi Nagai Museum & Nagai Family Gravesite
This morning, Fr. Elias will celebrate Mass at the Urakami Cathedral in the Chapel of the Hibaku Maria (Atomic Bomb Maria). We will then tour the Nagasaki Hypocenter Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, before heading to Nyoko-do and visiting the Servant of God Dr. Takashi Nagai Memorial Museum. Dr. Nagai was a Catholic radiologist, author, and survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bombing. His subsequent life of prayer, service, and courage in the face of adversity earned him the affectionate title “Saint of Urakami.” Lastly, we will visit the Nagai family gravesite and have the opportunity to pray near this great Servant of God.
Bullet Train to Hiroshima, Assumption of Mary Cathedral, Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum & Hiroshima Castle
In the morning we will take the Bullet Train to Hiroshima where we will start with Mass at the Assumption of Mary Cathedral, also called the Memorial Cathedral of World Peace, the location of the miraculous atomic bomb survival of the Jesuits of Hiroshima. From there we will visit Peace Memorial Park where the direct and indirect victims of the atomic bomb are commemorated. We will spend time at the A-Bomb Museum and the A-Bomb Dome, a building exactly below the detonation site of the bomb. Remarkably, the building was not decimated and stands today as a visual reminder of the events. Today if time permits, we will also visit the Hiroshima Castle which now serves as a museum of local history before World War II.
Train to Osaka, St. Mary’s Cathedral & Osaka Castle
This morning, we will take the Bullet Train to Osaka. Today we get to experience Osaka’s many shopping and cultural sites. We will begin with Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, also known as Catholic Tamatsukuri Church, which features a commemoration of Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon, a Japanese Catholic Samurai with heroic virtue in the 17th century. He was beatified in 2017. Nearby, we will make a visit to Osaka Castle, a landmark of Japan famous for its history and stature, and recently popularized with its depiction in an American television drama.
Kawaramachi Church, Our Lady of Miyako Chapel & Nijo Castle
This morning, we will go to the Kawaramachi Church, which commemorates the 52 Kyoto Martyrs, and have Mass in the Our Lady of Miyako Chapel. Our last stop is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the early 17th century and still in remarkable condition today: Nijo Castle. We will have more free time today to explore shopping and cultural sites in Kyoto.
Catholic Suita Church & Flight to Akita
Today, we will have Mass at Suita Church before we head to the airport for our flight to Akita. When we land, we will have a little time to explore the area before dinner.
Seitai Hoshikai, Kakunodate & the Aoyagi Samurai Manor
Today we will gather for Mass at the Chapel of Our Lady of Akita Seitai Hoshikai, a convent with a chapel that is home to the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Akita, modeled after the statue of Our Lady of All Nations, which from 1973 until the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows in 1981, one could find miraculously shedding tears, sometimes for days at a time and other times at various intervals. Following Mass, we will have a ceremony of consecration and enrollment in the Miraculous Medal. This afternoon, we will spend time exploring Kakunodate, the Samurai District, and the Aoyagi Samurai Manor.
Chapel of Our Lady of Akita Seitai Hoshikai
This morning, we will return to the convent for Mass and have some time for prayer. Together we will pray the outdoor stations and rosary walk. Seitai Hoshikai is home to one of the few Catholic gift shops in Japan, so we will have some time to shop there today. In the afternoon we will visit Catholic Akita Church commemorating the 32 Catholic Samurai and families who were martyred in 1624. Tonight, we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner together.
Return Home
Early this morning, we will have a final Mass of thanksgiving at Catholic Tsuchizaki Church. Filled with an invigorated love of our Catholic faith and memories to last a lifetime, we transfer to the Akita airport for our flight to Tokyo. From there, you can choose to spend more time in Japan or make your way home.
What’s included
Everything below is covered by the package price.
Your hotels in Japan
Three-star hotels throughout: two nights in Tokyo, five in Nagasaki, one in Hiroshima, two in Osaka and three in Akita. Hotels are subject to final confirmation; if a hotel changes, it is replaced with one of the same standard.
Price per person
Per person, land only: international flights to Japan are not included. The domestic group flights and bullet trains are included. Canterbury can quote and book your flights from your local airport.
Shared rooms are always doubles with two beds. If you would like us to match you with a roommate, tell us when you book and we will do our best. Please note that if we cannot find you a match by the final payment date of January 5, 2027, the single room supplement will apply.
Couples, families, friends, singles, all are welcome!
Some pilgrims come as a couple, some bring the whole family, some come with a friend from the parish, and plenty come on their own. Everyone is welcome.
$200 per person is non-refundable.
Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
Check
ACH bank transfer
Zelle
Cash, money order or cashier’s check
Japan with Fr. Elias
April 3 to 17, 2027, with Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I. Reserve today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Questions? Call +1 (800) 653-0017 or email hello@canterburypilgrimages.com.
Secure your spot today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Frequently asked questions
This is an active program that covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect a wake-up call around 7am, departure by 9am and a return to the hotel between 5pm and 6pm. You should be able to walk 3 to 4 miles a day at a moderate pace, with uneven surfaces, stairs and some slopes. Travel days include two domestic flights and two bullet train journeys, so pack a suitcase you can manage on and off a train.
Early to mid April is spring in Japan: usually mild in Tokyo, Nagasaki, Hiroshima and Osaka, and cooler in Akita in the north and around Mount Fuji. Bring layers, a light rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
No. The price covers the land program, including the domestic group flights and bullet trains. Canterbury is happy to quote and book your international flights. If you book your own, arrive at Tokyo Haneda (HND) by 12:00pm on Sunday, April 4, and book your flight home from Haneda no earlier than 6:00pm on Saturday, April 17. We do not recommend Tokyo Narita (NRT), because of the distance and cost of reaching the group.
You need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the return date; passport cards are not accepted for international travel. US citizens do not currently need a visa for a short visit to Japan. Entry rules can change, and we will tell you about any new requirement before departure. If you hold another passport, check the visa rules for your nationality. We need your passport details at least 90 days before departure.
Rates are per person based on two pilgrims sharing a room. Shared rooms are always doubles with two beds, and rooms in Japan usually have twin beds. If you are travelling alone we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender; if we cannot, the single room supplement applies.
Final payment is due on January 5, 2027. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
We strongly encourage travel insurance for all of our pilgrims, and we partner with Allianz Travel Insurance to offer affordable coverage. Most of our pilgrims choose the Classic Plan. Insurance can be quoted and purchased after registration.
A pilgrimage is not a vacation or excursion but a unique spiritual journey that provides many opportunities to deepen your relationship with God and enrich your Catholic faith by bringing Scripture to life. Pilgrimages offer the opportunity to let Christ draw you near.
More questions are answered in our Support Center, covering booking, payments, travel insurance, passports and what to expect on pilgrimage.
Japan Pilgrimage with Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Japan Pilgrimage
Fourteen days across Japan in autumn, from Tokyo and Mount Fuji to Our Lady of Akita, Kyoto, Hiroshima and the martyrs’ city of Nagasaki, celebrating Mass in its historic churches.
Your group leader and chaplain
Lynn Berhalter
Fr. Thomas Quinn
Fr. Thomas Quinn travels with us for the whole pilgrimage, offering daily Mass, confession and the sacraments.
“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
John 12:24
Japan’s Christians kept the faith in secret for more than two centuries after the martyrdoms of 1597. At Oura Church, dedicated to the Twenty-Six Martyrs, they made themselves known to a French priest in 1865.
Oura Church · Nagasaki
Japan, November 8 to 21, 2027
Fourteen days, twelve nights in Tokyo, Akita, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with Mount Fuji, Osaka and two free days along the way.
Our Pilgrimage Begins
Our pilgrimage begins as we depart the United States for our overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan.
Arrival in Tokyo
Upon arrival in Tokyo, our local professional tour escort will greet us and accompany us to our hotel for check-in. We begin our pilgrimage with Mass before gathering this evening for a welcome dinner together.
Tokyo
Our first full day in Tokyo opens at the Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set within a peaceful forested area in the heart of the city. Emperor Meiji ushered in a transformative period of renewal and reform that led to the industrialization and Westernization of Japan in the 19th century. The Shinto faith is the broader religious context in which Japan’s Hidden Christians lived during the centuries when Christianity was outlawed. We then visit the famous Shibuya Crossing before celebrating Mass at Takanawa Catholic Church, a beautiful church in one of Tokyo’s most historic districts, built near the site where at least 50 Catholics were burned on a bridge during the Edo Massacre of 1643. The afternoon takes us to the Imperial Palace, seat of the Imperial Household known as the Chrysanthemum Throne, the oldest continuously existing institution in the world, with a Japanese Emperor in place since 660 BC.
Tokyo & Mount Fuji
This morning we travel to Mount Fuji, the iconic symbol of Japan, still an active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We ascend to the 5th Station, the highest point reachable by vehicle, offering sweeping views of the mountain and surrounding landscape. We then visit Oshino Hakkai, a picturesque village with crystal-clear spring water fed by the snows of Mount Fuji. Returning to Tokyo, we celebrate Mass at St. Mary Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Japan, designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange and recognized as an architectural inspiration for churches around the world.
Free Day in Tokyo
Today we enjoy a free day in Tokyo. You may consider visiting the historic Asakusa district with its Senso-ji Temple, the tranquil gardens of Hamarikyu, the fashionable boutiques of Ginza, or the lively streets of Harajuku. We gather again for dinner this evening.
Tokyo & Akita
Following breakfast, we make our way to the train station for our Shinkansen bullet train journey north to Akita. Upon arrival, we travel to the Seitai Hoshikai Convent, site of the apparitions of Our Lady of Akita. Beginning in 1973, the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Akita was witnessed shedding tears on numerous occasions until the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows in 1981. We celebrate Mass in the convent chapel before touring the grounds and gardens where the apparitions took place.
Akita, Osaka & Kyoto
We transfer to Akita Airport this morning for our flight to Osaka, briefly the capital of Japan in the 7th and 8th centuries. Upon arrival, we visit Osaka Castle, the most celebrated castle in Japan, and celebrate Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral before continuing to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, renowned for its rich history and culture.
Kyoto
Our day in Kyoto begins with a walk through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of Japan’s most photographed landscapes. We then visit Nijo-jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its beautifully preserved gardens and legendary nightingale floors, which produce a chirping sound when walked upon as an early warning system against intruders. We celebrate Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, known as Kawaramachi Church, a modern church that incorporates elements of traditional Shinto architecture into its design. We conclude the day with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, one of Kyoto’s great cultural experiences.
Free Day in Kyoto
Today we enjoy a free day in Kyoto. You may consider exploring the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermilion torii gates, strolling through the historic streets of Gion in search of traditional teahouses, visiting the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or admiring the golden beauty of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). We gather again for dinner this evening.
Kyoto & Hiroshima
Departing Kyoto, we board the Shinkansen for Hiroshima. Upon arrival, we visit the ruins of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, one of the only buildings left standing after the atomic bomb detonation on August 6, 1945, now preserved as part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which documents the tragic events of the bombing and Hiroshima’s long journey toward peace and reconciliation. We celebrate Mass at the Assumption of Mary Cathedral, built by a priest who survived the atomic bombing and later designated a Memorial Cathedral for World Peace.
Hiroshima & Nagasaki
This morning we board the Shinkansen for Nagasaki, the site of the second atomic bomb detonation and the historical center of early Christianity in Japan. Upon arrival, we visit the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument on Nishizaka Hill, which tells the extraordinary story of the Holy Martyrs killed here for practicing their faith in 1597. We then visit Nakamachi Church, known for its peaceful atmosphere and deep connection to Nagasaki’s Christian heritage. We celebrate Mass here before settling in for the evening.
Nagasaki
Our morning opens with Mass at St. Felippo de Jesus Church, a striking Catholic church named for one of the first Mexican Catholic martyrs and designed by a Japanese Catholic architect inspired by Antoni Gaudí. We then visit the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan, known as Oura Church, said to be the oldest standing Christian church in Japan. The afternoon takes us to Dejima, the small artificial island in Nagasaki Bay where Dutch traders were confined during Japan’s period of isolation, today a fascinating museum offering a glimpse into Japan’s carefully controlled interaction with the outside world during the Edo period. We conclude with a visit to Glover Garden, an open-air museum showcasing Western-style residences built by foreign merchants in the late 19th century, with stunning views of the city and harbor.
Nagasaki
We begin the day with Mass at Urakami Cathedral, the Immaculate Conception Co-Cathedral destroyed by the atomic bomb and subsequently rebuilt as a testament to the enduring faith of the Urakami Christian community. We then tour Hypocenter Park, a peaceful memorial marking the precise spot where the atomic bomb detonated on August 9, 1945. The afternoon takes us to Hongouchi Monastery, a Franciscan monastery founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe, which houses a museum with his relics and a replica Lourdes grotto he had constructed. This evening we gather for our Farewell Dinner before ascending Mt. Inasa for a final panoramic view of Nagasaki by night.
Return home
With hearts renewed by the grace of this pilgrimage and an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, we transfer to Nagasaki Airport for our return flight home to the United States.
What’s included
Everything below is covered by the package price.
Your hotels in Japan
Four-star hotels throughout: four nights in Tokyo, one in Akita, three in Kyoto, one in Hiroshima and three in Nagasaki. Hotels are subject to final confirmation; if a hotel changes, it is replaced with one of the same standard.
Price per person
Per person, including roundtrip group airfare. Premium economy and business class are available: call us for pricing.
Shared rooms are always doubles with two beds. If you would like us to match you with a roommate, tell us when you book and we will do our best. Please note that if we cannot find you a match by the final payment date of August 10, 2027, the single room supplement will apply.
Couples, families, friends, singles, all are welcome!
Some pilgrims come as a couple, some bring the whole family, some come with a friend from the parish, and plenty come on their own. Everyone is welcome.
$200 per person is non-refundable.
Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
Check
ACH bank transfer
Zelle
Cash, money order or cashier’s check
Japan in autumn
November 8 to 21, 2027, with Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Fr. Thomas Quinn. Reserve today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Questions? Call +1 (800) 653-0017 or email hello@canterburypilgrimages.com.
Secure your spot today with a $450 deposit per pilgrim.
Frequently asked questions
This is an active program that covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect a wake-up call around 7am, departure by 9am and a return to the hotel between 5pm and 6pm. You should be able to walk 3 to 4 miles a day at a moderate pace, with uneven surfaces, stairs and some slopes. Travel days include Shinkansen bullet trains and a domestic flight from Akita to Osaka, so pack a suitcase you can manage on and off a train.
Expect mild autumn days with cool mornings and evenings in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is colder in Akita in the north and at Mount Fuji’s 5th Station. Bring layers, a warm jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
You need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the return date; passport cards are not accepted for international travel. US citizens do not currently need a visa for a short visit to Japan. Entry rules can change before 2027, and we will tell you about any new requirement before departure. If you hold another passport, check the visa rules for your nationality. We need your passport details at least 90 days before departure.
Rates are per person based on two pilgrims sharing a room. Shared rooms are always doubles with two beds, and rooms in Japan usually have twin beds. If you are travelling alone we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender; if we cannot, the single room supplement applies.
Yes. The land-only price is $6,695 per person. Tell us at registration so we can line your arrival up with the group’s in Tokyo on November 9 and its departure from Nagasaki on November 21.
Final payment is due on August 10, 2027, 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.
We strongly encourage travel insurance for all of our pilgrims, and we partner with Allianz Travel Insurance to offer affordable coverage. Most of our pilgrims choose the Classic Plan. Insurance can be quoted and purchased after registration.
A pilgrimage is not a vacation or excursion but a unique spiritual journey that provides many opportunities to deepen your relationship with God and enrich your Catholic faith by bringing Scripture to life. Pilgrimages offer the opportunity to let Christ draw you near.
More questions are answered in our Support Center, covering booking, payments, travel insurance, passports and what to expect on pilgrimage.
