Pilgrimage Overview:

  • Pilgrimage Chaplain:

    Fr. Jerry Orbos, S.V.D.

  • Departure Date:

    September 14, 2017

  • Countries:

    Japan

Inclusions

  • Roundtrip economy airfare Manila/Fukuoka x Nagasaki/ Haneda x Akita/Haneda/Manila
  • One-way bullet train Tokyo-Akita
  • Roundtrip airport transfers
  • First class hotel accommodations on twin-sharing
  • Meals and tours as specified in the itinerary
  • Services of a local English-speaking Tour Guide all throughout the tour
  • Transportation by deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
  • Services of a Pilgrimage Chaplain and Filipino Escort all throughout the tour

About Your Pilgrimage

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This Pilgrimage is already fully booked/completed. You’re invited to check our other upcoming Pilgrimages.

Pilgrimage to Catholic Japan

With a brilliant light shining forth, Sr. Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa saw the wooden statue of the Blessed Mother come alive. Although totally deaf, she heard a voice of indescribable beauty speak to her. The message that the Blessed Mother gave at Akita is similar to her message of Fatima: Prayer, Repentance and Sacrifice from the faithful. You are invited to join us on a Pilgrimage to the Catholic Shrines of Japan with Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD leaving on September 14, 2017. May this pilgrimage bring you to discover an oasis brimming with serenity and peace that can only be found in a sacred place.

 

Begin your pilgrimage in Hirado. Visit St. Francis Memorial Church built to commemorate the first introduction of Christianity to the Nagasaki region by St. Francis Xavier. Proceed to Yamada Church, which contains the monuments of St. Thomas Nishi and St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint.

Head for Nagasaki, also famous as having been the second target of the atomic bomb in World War II. En route visit the Oura Cathedral, Japan’s oldest church and national treasure. Enjoy a full day sightseeing of the Christian sites in Nagasaki which includes a visit to Nishizaka Church. Nishizaka in Nagasaki is a major national place of pilgrimage where the first 26 martyrs of Japan were crucified on the hill: Jesuits, Franciscans, and lay Christians mingled in one execution. Stop by the Urakami Cathedral, originally built to serve the many kakure kirishitan (Hidden Christians). Not to be missed is a visit to the Peace Park and the nearby Atomic Bomb Museum where you will find memorials from the Nagasaki bombing on August 9, 1945.

Travel to Tokyo, Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis. Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. Take time to enjoy the vast array of sights that the city has to offer.

Wind down your pilgrimage with a two-night stay in Akita. Nestled on top of a hill at the outskirts of the city, The Seitai Hoshikai Convent (Institute of the Handmaids of the Holy Eucharist) houses the miraculous image of Our Lady of Akita. From 1975 to 1981, it shed tears for 101 times with more than two thousand witnesses. One of the nuns, Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa, was cured of her deafness during a mass in 1982. Celebrate Mass and spend time in reflective moments in one of the most peaceful places on earth.

Join a Pilgrimage to the Catholic Shrines of Japan with Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD leaving on September 14, 2017. May Our Lady of Akita usher you closer to Jesus. May the lives of the men and women who have given up so much for their faith, inspire you in your walk with God.

Highlights

The city of Hirado is located on Hirado Island in the northwestern part of Nagasaki Prefecture. It prospered as a castle town ruled by the feudal lord Matsu’ura. In 1609,...

Hirado

The city of Hirado is located on Hirado Island in the northwestern part of Nagasaki Prefecture. It prospered as a castle town ruled by the feudal lord Matsu’ura. In 1609, the Hirado Dutch Trading House was established there, and as the area had an excellent natural port, Hirado became the central stage for trade with other countries, such as China, Holland and Portugal.

Early Western traders were accompanied by Christian missionaries, and the religion gained a bit of a foothold in Hirado and across Nagasaki Prefecture. However, as the religion’s influence grew, the Tokugawa Shogunate responded by expelling missionaries and banning Christianity for more than two centuries. Some Christian in Hirado continued to practice their religion secretly until the ban on Christianity was lifted in the Meiji Period.

Sasebo features the Saikai National Park and houses resorts including the Saikai Pearl Sea Resort where visitors can enjoy cruising through the hundreds of islands, try out pearl picking and...

Sasebo

Sasebo features the Saikai National Park and houses resorts including the Saikai Pearl Sea Resort where visitors can enjoy cruising through the hundreds of islands, try out pearl picking and visit aquariumsThe center of Sasebo City is known for its attractive shopping areas, bars, and food influenced by the presence of the U.S. Navy base. The traditional Mikawachi-Yaki pottery town is located about half an hour’s drive from the city.

The city of Nagasaki, which for years prospered as a port of trade with Portugal, was also the window through which Christianity first arrived in Japan. However, in 1587, Toyotomi...

Nagasaki

The city of Nagasaki, which for years prospered as a port of trade with Portugal, was also the window through which Christianity first arrived in Japan. However, in 1587, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (the daimyo who unified Japan) decreed a ban on Christianity. This resulted in an incident known as “the execution of the 26 saints”. 26 Christians were rounded up in the cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Sakai, brought to Nagasaki via an overland route in large two-wheeled wagons, and executed at Nishizaka. This marked the first significant incident of martyrdom in Japan and triggered the period of pervasive persecution and martyrdom that followed. In more recent history, Nagasaki became the second city after Hiroshima to be destroyed by an atomic bomb towards the end of World War II.

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis. This huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan,...

Tokyo

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis. This huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone.

The sheer size and frenetic pace of Tokyo can intimidate the first-time visitor. Much of the city is a jungle of concrete and wires, with a mass of neon and blaring loudspeakers. However, you may also find unexpected oases of calm in the tranquil grounds of a neighborhood Shinto Shrine.

The city’s history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.

Akita Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tohoku region of northern Honshu, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Akita. Among Akita’s main...

Akita

Akita Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tohoku region of northern Honshu, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Akita. Among Akita’s main attractions are its natural beauty of mountains and the sea, hot springs and the town of Kakunodate, which preserves one of Japan’s most interesting samurai districts.

Our Lady of Akita is the title of Marian apparitions reported in 1973 by Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa in the remote area of Yuzawadai, near the city of Akita. The apparitions were approved by the Holy See in 1988. The approval was issued by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI.

Things We Love

  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Nagasaki Peace Park. Here, the park features a peace statue, and a row of monuments contributed by various nations that form the zone of the symbols of world peace.
  • Delight in the distinctive cuisine of Japan, famous for its fresh seafood and fusion dishes with European and Chinese influences.
  • Embrace the serene ambience of the Seitai Hoshikai Convent (Institute of the Handmaids of the Holy Eucharist) and spend time in quiet reflection to thank God for all the blessings received in your life.
  • Catch a glimpse of Japan’s storied past on your visit to Kakunodate in Akita, a former castle town and samurai stronghold. The town remains unchanged since its founding in 1620.
  • Visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo.

Things To Do

  • PRAY

    Whisper a prayer to St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint and martyr, on your visit to Nagasaki.

  • PERUSE

    Peruse through cenotaph that bears the names of the victims of the bomb blast that hit Hiroshima in 1945 at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima and whisper a prayer for them.

  • CRUISE

    Enjoy a delightful cruise on Sasebo Bay on your visit to Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort.

  • VISIT

    Visit the breathtaking Imperial Palace Outer Gardens in Tokyo, a public park with the largest green and waterfront spaces with remnants of the Edo Castle.

  • SHOP

    Stop and shop at Nakamise, where typical Japanese souvenirs and yummy traditional local snacks can be found

Why are our Pilgrimages different?

Spiritually-focused journeys
Insightful pilgrimage chaplains
Quality accommodations
Expertly-crafted itineraries
Friendly and bonded groups
Senior citizen friendly

Testimonials

The whole pilgrimage is a new and fulfilling moment in my life. It’s a nice feeling being with the Lord in His important day. And also, gaining new friends and becoming my new extended family is something I will treasure. I hope that this is just the beginning and we’ll continue to get in touch with one another despite the distance.

Brenda

Hello Co-Pilgrims,

It was indeed a wonderful Pilgrimage: very rich in history, a thanksgiving of blessings, a spiritual renewal and nourishment, and finally ending in a test of Faith.

Thank you so much Pilgrim Leader, Ging Igual, for standing beside us up to the last stretch of our 13-day journey - more particularly in the handling of an unexpected situation (cancelled flight in Mexico and re-direction of flights to make sure the 38 Pilgrims reach LA for their respective flight bookings). Ging, you were an angel to us so blessed with energy, passion, love and Milagrosa. We really felt the presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe fielding angels every step of the way.

The Pilgrimage to California Mission Churches and Our Lady of Guadalupe gives me personal inspiration for the work and activities of the next chapter of my lifetime: farming with promotion of agriculture for millennials (inspired by the scenic view of farms in California), tourism (which is a major industry in all places we visited), and support for a favourite major seminary in Tagaytay and a scholarship fund for deserving individuals (thru a non stock non profit institution).

Thank you to my Co-Pilgrims and prayer partners for the prayer support, sharing of life experiences and friendships;  Fr. Tony, thank you for your spiritual reflections and service;  Fr. Jerry Orbos for an overflowing spiritual reflections and enabling us to have the needed personal encounter with Jesus and Mama Mary (it was like a 12-day Holy Retreat); and the Executive Resources for making a very nice pilgrimage package a part of our lifetime.

Ms. Emma

Lord, we cannot find words enough to say how grateful we are to You. Our pilgrimage made us realize that Your love for us is more than what we deserve.

To all our co-pilgrims, thank you for making us feel we belong to this new family. To Fr. Dante, thanks for your prayers and pieces of advice for our spiritual nourishment. To Sis Lea, for taking care of each one of us. To Sis Joy, thanks for the contagious joys and laughters.

To our prayer partners, Sis Maribel, Melvy and Didick and Bro Mon and Sis Jot, thank you for your prayers. We will pray for you, too!

To The Pilgrim’s Center - Executive Resources, thank you for accommodating us in this Eastern Europe Pilgrimage.

God bless us all always!

Albert and Adee

Dear Pilgrims' Center:

My husband Aldo & I would like to praise & commend our Pilgrim Chaplain Fr. Dante Venus & our Tour Leader Bro. Monty for the very successful & memorable pilgrimage to Italy & the Holy Land we were very fortunate to join on March 26-April 8, 2018.

It was very hectic to be sure, but still they managed our time very well that we were able to visit more places than was promised in the itinerary, and we are very appreciative of that. Likewise, the solemnity of the whole pilgrimage experience was still observed despite many of us in the group, myself included, often forgetting that we were pilgrims & not tourists 😉😉, taking photos, selfies, etc. instead of, or before focusing on what the local guide was explaining or on the scripture readings. I cannot fault us pilgrims on this because for many of us seniors, and I speak for my husband & I, that trip might be our first & last time to visit those places, so we made sure they were properly documented. Nonetheless, it was a truly spiritually uplifting & life-changing experience for us. We continue to thank our Lord for making that experience of a lifetime possible. Indeed, nothing is impossible for God! Thank you very much to Fr. Dante, Bro. Monty & to each of us pilgrims in the group for the prayers, love, care & concern shown to each other. Let us continue to pray for and with each other. It is my hope that we meet each other again soon, to strengthen our bonds of friendships.

Most sincerely, Leclec Cabusora

Leclec Cabusora

My husband and I just came back from a wonderful trip to Israel - with Franciscan Fr Reu Galoy. Thank you Pilgrim Center for the arrangements. We are so happy and satisfied with all that you have done for us. Kudos to Yanyan and Monty from Pilgrim Center, and Fr Reu and Ronin for your caring services. It was a spiritual journey and we felt the abiding presence of the Lord all throughout.

Ann Arguelles Cortes

Our pilgrimage was worth all the hardships (I was having leg pains). We had an excellent leader in the person of Adrian, two priests Fathers Val and Ron, who gave us very nice pieces of advice and homilies, and of course the members of the group who were all very nice. Looking forward to join another pilgrimage.

Emily Bautista

It was the most profound experience I had in my whole life....Walking with the Footsteps where Jesus walked made my life more grateful and humble....My faith become stronger as I express it...A growing faith is a sharing faith....TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! SHALOM!

Carmen Nierra

Vir & I would like to express our gratitude for a wonderful pilgrimage we had from Sept 5-18. From checking-in last Sept 5 & all during the tour, we felt the care from a family. No words can ever describe how thankful we are.

I almost cried last Sept 8, (my birthday) when we (2 of us have the same birthday) were given a surprise mini celebration when after our dinner, we were given a cake. I really felt the love of a family then.

All these things made possible because of your capable coordinator Ms. Ging Igual. She's such a wonderful leader. Kudos to her.

Rest assured that i will refer your company to all my friends who are planning to go on pilgrimage .

Good day & may God always guide & protect all of you in the Pilgrims' Center/ Executive Resources, Inc.

Cora and Vir Franca

I am honored to be included in this pilgrimage. The Pilgrims' Center has very good itineraries worth remembering. No hours wasted. They took very good care of us in spite of our big number of 47 people. The daily mass and homilies of Fr. Manny Cruz held in different shrines and churches were very inspirational and transforming. Accommodations were nice most especially the one on top of the Mountain with an awesome view built in 1909. It's like travelling back in time. I definitely would want to do it again with Pilgrim Center.

Peter Joseph Mapua

The Pilgrims' Center always gives you the best. They let you feel like an Executive in terms of personal service & attention especially during pilgrimage. Their choices of pilgrimages and pilgrim chaplains are outstanding. You go back home very fulfilled and immersed...

Marlene Silvestre

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Frequently Asked Questions

Simply press the I'm Interested button in any pilgrimage page and complete the form to receive the complete details including price, itinerary and inclusions in your email. You can also contact us at support@pilgrimage.ph or 5238581.
Yes! We can arrange private and customized pilgrimages for groups of 10 or more. Please contact us on support@pilgrimage.ph or 5238581 so we can begin arranging your private pilgrimage. We can provide free trips to organizers of groups of 20 or more.
Yes! We have many pilgrims joining from outside the Philippines. We can provide you the cost for only the land arrangement portion of the pilgrimage and advise you on which flights to take from your country. Please contact us and advise your place of origin and we will provide you with the rate without airfare.

Visa Requirements

  • Passport with six (6) months validity from date of departure
  • Duly accomplished visa application form
  • Three (3) pcs. passport-size pictures
  • Certified true copy of birth certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) (Security paper with NSO logo at the back – not retyped). NOTE: In case of no record of birth at NSO, Birth Certificate : by City Hall and Authenticated by NSO as well as Certificate of non-record of birth by NSO.
  • Latest Income Tax Return
  • Original Bank Certificate (both Pesos and/or US Dollars)
  • Photocopy of Business Registration (if in business)
  • Employment Certificate (if employed)
  • Photocopy of International Credit Cards (if available)
  • If married, copy of Marriage Contract
  • Affidavit of Support and Consent (signed and notarized by sponsor if financially incapable)
    Processing time: Seven (7) working days
    Visa Fee: Php 2,000.00

Booking Conditions

1) A non-refundable US$ 500.00 deposit is required upon reservations together with a photocopy of a passport (valid for 6 months from date of departure) and Pilgrim’s Profile plus the visa fee.

2) Full payment in U.S. dollars is required before ticketing but in no case shall it be later than thirty (30) days before departure date.

3) The following cancellation charges will apply:
> 45 days before departure date – US$ 500.00
> 30 days before departure date – 50% of the Tour Cost
> 20 days prior to departure date – Full tour cost will be forfeited > US$ 300.00 Admin Fee for any visa denial.

Terms and Conditions

CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

BASIC TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE Visa fees and documentation expenses, insurance, hospitalization and other medical expenses, tours and transportation during free periods, porterage of extra pieces of luggage in excess of maximum allocation, drinks, and beverages taken during meals, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, fax, room service, and other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary terms and conditions.

THE PILGRIMS’ CENTER – EXECUTIVE RESOURCES, INC. has arranged for the various tour services to be performed under the responsibility of various contractors. Executive Resources, Inc., its employees or its subagents therefore only act as agents for the contractors providing the various services described in the tour and accept no responsibility or liability in connection with losses or accidental expenses due to delays of schedule, overbooking, defaults or “force majeure.” All tours and arrangements are subject to the general conditions specified by each contractor. Tour itineraries and prices are subject to change without prior notice. When making a tour booking, the passenger acknowledges and accepts the foregoing conditions.

Any questions or concerns?