In 1973, in the serene town of Akita, Japan, Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa — despite being completely deaf — was graced with a heavenly voice of extraordinary beauty as a wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary glowed with radiant light and stirred to life. Through this sacred image, Our Lady entrusted Sr. Agnes with three profound messages — echoing the spirit of Fatima — calling all souls to prayer, repentance, and sacrifice.
You are warmly invited to embark on a 7-Day Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Akita with Tokyo led by Bro. Bo Sanchez, accompanied by a Pilgrimage Chaplain, from October 25 – 31, 2026. May this pilgrimage nourish your spirit, restore your soul, and bring you ever closer to the heart of God.
Begin your pilgrimage with a three-night stay in Tokyo. Celebrate Holy Mass at Takanawa Church, also known as Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. Tucked within a quiet corner of the city, this sacred site stands near Fudanotsuji, where many early Japanese Christians bore witness to their faith during the Edo period. Founded in 1948 by the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society, the church’s original wooden chapel—completed in 1959—beautifully reflected traditional Japanese design. Continue with a visit to Tsukiji Catholic Church, also known as the Old Cathedral of St. Joseph, the first Catholic church established in Tokyo. Enjoy a photo stop at the Imperial Palace and its serene East Gardens, known for their calm and scenic beauty, before proceeding to the Ginza district for some free time.
Step into the legendary Shibuya Crossing — the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection and an iconic heartbeat of Tokyo — where waves of people converge from every direction in a mesmerizing dance of movement and modern energy. Celebrate Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, the spiritual home of Tokyo’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese and an architectural masterpiece by the celebrated Kenzo Tange. Within its walls, discover a bust of St. Francis Xavier and precious relics of Pope John Paul II — cherished gifts from Cologne — alongside the largest pipe organ found in any church across Japan.
Wander through the lush grounds of Ueno Park, a beloved green sanctuary renowned for its world-class museums, graceful cherry trees, and rich cultural treasures. Then, make your way to Asakusa Nakamise Street, a lively traditional thoroughfare brimming with local delicacies and handcrafted souvenirs, guiding you toward the magnificent Senso-ji Temple. Finally, rise above it all at Tokyo Skytree — Japan’s tallest tower — and drink in sweeping, breathtaking views of the glittering city skyline and the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji.
Celebrate Holy Mass at Kojimachi Catholic Church, also known as St. Ignatius Church, named in honor of Ignatius of Loyola. Christianity was first introduced to Japan in 1549 by Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary sent by St. Ignatius himself.
Bring your pilgrimage to a gentle close with a two-night stay at the Convent of the Servants of the Holy Eucharist (Seitai Hoshikai), peacefully nestled on a hillside overlooking the tranquil outskirts of Akita. This hallowed ground is home to the miraculous image of Our Lady of Akita — the very place where, in 1973, Sr. Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa was graced with extraordinary apparitions of the Blessed Mother, received the stigmata, and bore witness to a wooden statue of Mary weeping 101 times over the course of six years. In 1982, within these same sacred walls, Sr. Agnes received another profound gift — the complete restoration of her hearing during Holy Mass. Celebrate Mass here and surrender yourself to quiet moments of prayer and reflection in one of the most spiritually profound and deeply peaceful places on earth.
Restore your spirit on a 7-Day Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Akita with Tokyo, led by Bro. Bon Sanchez alongside a dedicated Pilgrimage Chaplain, from October 25–31, 2026. Leave the demands of everyday life behind and allow yourself to be gently restored — in body, mind, and soul. May Our Lady of Akita tenderly guide your heart ever deeper into the loving embrace of her Son, Jesus.
