A starting point for your private day.
These itineraries are examples. We confirm the route and schedule against your ship’s port call, local opening times, travel conditions, and your interests. Tell us about walking preferences, mobility needs, dining requests, and the experiences you would most like to include.
For fully guided service, request our private vehicle and English-fluent guide arrangement. Driver-only options provide transport and basic orientation; they do not include guided visits inside attractions. Your proposal confirms vehicle capacity, guide availability, fees, meals, and any special arrangements.
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.
