Footsteps of Faith: Nagasaki Catholic Pilgrimage from Port
Explore Nagasaki — Peace Memorial, Dejima & Glover Garden Shore Tour
What Is This Shore Excursion For?
This Nagasaki shore excursion is designed specifically as a Catholic pilgrimage experience for cruise travelers seeking a faith-centered journey while in port.
It focuses on:
- Honoring the 26 Martyrs of Japan and early Christian persecution
- Visiting missionary sites of St. Maximilian Kolbe
- Learning the witness of Dr. Takashi Nagai after the atomic bombing
- Exploring Oura Cathedral and the history of the Hidden Christians
Rather than a general sightseeing tour, this excursion offers a spiritual, educational, and reflective experience — ideal for pilgrims, clergy groups, parish travelers, and anyone interested in Japan’s Catholic heritage.
Sample Itinerary: Nagasaki Pilgrimage shore excursion
Martyrs • Missionaries • Hidden Christians • Atomic Faith Witness
Port Pickup: 9:00 AM
Return to Ship: 3:00 PM
Duration: ~6 Hours
Service: Private Vehicle + English-Speaking Guide
9:00 AM — Pickup at Nagasaki Cruise Port
Meet your private driver and guide at the cruise terminal and begin your spiritual pilgrimage through Nagasaki — the historic center of Christianity in Japan, where missionaries evangelized and Hidden Christians preserved their faith for over 250 years.
9:30 – 10:15 AM — St. Maximilian Kolbe Memorial Church (Hongouchi Church)
Visit the church and monastery grounds associated with St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish Franciscan missionary who served in Nagasaki from 1930–1936.
Highlights
- Kolbe’s missionary residence site
- Garden of the Immaculate Conception
- Franciscan missionary history in Japan
- Story of charity and martyrdom
10:30 – 11:15 AM — 26 Martyrs Monument & St. Paul Miki / 26 Martyrs Museum (Nishizaka Hill)
Stand at the execution site where 26 Christians were crucified in 1597, including St. Paul Miki
Experience
- Martyrs Monument overlooking Nagasaki
- Museum relics and historical exhibits
- History of early Japanese Christianity
- Christian persecution era
11:35 AM – 12:15 PM — Dr. Takashi Nagai Memorial Museum
Dedicated to atomic bomb survivor, Catholic convert, and author Dr. Takashi Nagai.
See
- Nyokodo Hermitage (his residence)
- Personal artifacts and writings
- “The Bells of Nagasaki” legacy
- Message of forgiveness and peace
12:45 – 1:45 PM — Oura Catholic Church (Oura Cathedral)
Japan’s oldest existing Catholic church and the site where Hidden Christians revealed themselves in 1865.
Significance
- UNESCO Christian heritage site
- Dedicated to the 26 Martyrs
- Gothic architecture and stained glass
- Hidden Christian discovery history
1:45 – 2:15 PM — Optional Lunch / Reflection Time
Free time for a simple lunch, café stop, or quiet prayer near the cathedral district.
2:15 – 3:00 PM — Return to Nagasaki Port
Relaxing transfer back to the cruise terminal with buffer time before ship departure.
