Our Lady of Akita with Tokyo Pilgrimage 2026

Do you need a spiritual reset?

Are you feeling spiritually exhausted—or simply longing for a deeper connection with God? In the busyness of life, it is so easy to lose sight of the miraculous. Yet our souls keep craving that one thing: a moment of profound peace.

I have good news. I would love for you to join me in Japan.

From October 25 to 31, 2026, I am leading a special 7-day pilgrimage: Our Lady of Akita with Tokyo. This journey takes you from the vibrant energy of Tokyo to the sacred, tear-stained grounds of Akita.

For over 30 years, I have had the privilege of leading pilgrimages—witnessing thousands of lives blessed and transformed through these small-group journeys. I would love for you to be part of this next chapter.

Bo’s personal invitation · 60 seconds

What Awaits You

Three Sacred Encounters

A journey woven from miracle, devotion, and the quiet beauty of old Japan.

Candlelit shrine of Our Lady inside the Seitai Hoshikai convent in Akita, with lilies and incense

一 · The Miracle

The Weeping Madonna of Akita

In the quiet convent of the Servants of the Holy Eucharist, a wooden statue of Our Lady wept human tears 101 times between 1975 and 1981—events investigated and recognized as supernatural by the Church.

We will pray before that very statue and celebrate Holy Mass where heaven touched earth. It is a moment many pilgrims never forget.

St. Mary's Cathedral in Tokyo at dusk with the city skyline behind

二 · The Sacred City

Tokyo’s Hidden Holy Places

Celebrate Mass at Takanawa Church, honoring the courageous Japanese martyrs, and at the soaring St. Mary’s Cathedral—home to relics of St. John Paul II and a bust of St. Francis Xavier.

Between the prayers, we taste the wonder of modern Japan: the famous Shibuya Crossing, Ueno Park, Asakusa, and views of Mount Fuji from the Tokyo Skytree.

Preserved samurai street in Kakunodate lined with autumn foliage

三 · The Stillness

The “Little Kyoto” of Tohoku

Step three and a half centuries back in time along the preserved samurai residences of Kakunodate—dark-wood houses, deep eaves, and weeping trees turning gold and crimson in the late-October air.

This is the unhurried, soul-quieting Japan that wabi-sabi was made for—a perfect close to a week of grace.

The Journey

Seven Days, Step by Step

From the heart of Tokyo to the tears of Akita.

一

Oct 25 · Sun

Manila → Narita → Tokyo

Arrive in Japan, celebrate Mass near Narita, then settle in for a warm welcome dinner.

二

Oct 26 · Mon

Tokyo — Martyrs & Heritage

Mass at Takanawa Church, a visit to Tsukiji Catholic Church, the Imperial Palace gardens, and Ginza.

三

Oct 27 · Tue

Tokyo — Cathedral & City

Shibuya Crossing, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ueno Park, Asakusa Nakamise, and Mount Fuji views from Tokyo Skytree.

四

Oct 28 · Wed

Tokyo → Akita

Visit St. Ignatius (Kojimachi) Church, then fly north from Haneda to Akita.

五

Oct 29 · Thu

Akita — The Weeping Statue

The heart of our pilgrimage: the Seitai Hoshikai Convent, Holy Mass, and Akita’s Senshu Park.

六

Oct 30 · Fri

Akita → Kakunodate

Mass at Catholic Akita Church, then the samurai town of Kakunodate before our flight to Haneda.

七

Oct 31 · Sat

Haneda → Manila

Carry home a heart renewed—and memories that will last a lifetime.

Full day-by-day details, sites, and inclusions are in the downloadable Fact Sheet below.

A Personal Invitation

“You need a spiritual reset. Come and join me in Akita.”

As your leader, I will walk every step of this journey with you—offering reflections, prayer, and the kind of joyful fellowship that only a community of faith can give.

With a full-time pilgrimage chaplain and a dedicated local guide, you won’t have to worry about a single detail. You will simply show up ready to pray—and let God do the rest.

My earnest prayer is that you will lay down your anxieties at Our Lady’s feet and receive the peace your soul has been longing for. Space is limited. I do hope you’ll say yes.

May your dreams come true,

Bo SanchezPilgrimage Leader

Questions & Answers

The Pilgrim’s Guide

The things most people want to know—answered, so you don’t have to download a thing.

How much does the pilgrimage cost?

Land & tour cost starts at USD 3,555 per person (twin sharing), which includes your roundtrip economy airfare, hotels, most meals, tours, guide, and chaplain. The exact rate depends on the final group size.

A USD 1,000 reservation deposit secures your slot. Business Class seats are available on request (limited). For the complete, itemized breakdown, download the Fact Sheet below or email Beckie—we’ll gladly walk you through it.

What is included in the package?

Your pilgrimage package includes:

Roundtrip economy airfare (Manila–Tokyo–Akita–Manila) via PAL / Japan Airlines
Roundtrip airport transfers
4-star hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis
Daily breakfast, plus lunches and dinners as per itinerary
All tours and entrance fees with an English-speaking local guide
Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach transportation
A Filipino Tour Leader and a Pilgrimage Chaplain throughout the trip

What is NOT included?

A few items are paid separately:

Airline taxes (approx. USD 195, subject to change)
Tip fund (USD 60)
Travel insurance (USD 44 for 70 & below; USD 66 for ages 71–80)
Japan visa fee (approx. Php 4,500)
Drinks during meals and personal expenses

What exactly is the “miracle of Akita”?

In 1973, Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa received messages from the Blessed Mother in Akita. Soon after, a wooden statue of Our Lady began to weep human tears—101 times between 1975 and 1981—along with other phenomena witnessed by many.

After careful investigation, the local bishop declared the events of Akita to be of supernatural origin and worthy of belief. We will visit the convent that houses the statue and celebrate Mass there.

Will there be daily Mass?

Yes. A Pilgrimage Chaplain accompanies the group for the entire journey, and Mass is arranged at the significant sites we visit—including Takanawa Church, St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Akita convent, and Catholic Akita Church. This is a moving spiritual retreat, not merely a tour.

Do I need a visa for Japan?

Philippine passport holders need a Japan tourist visa. You’ll generally need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a completed application, passport-size photos, your PSA birth certificate, proof of income/bank certificate, and employment or business documents.

Processing typically takes 7–10 working days, and the visa fee is around Php 4,500. Our team will guide you through the full checklist once you reserve.

What is the weather like, and what should I pack?

Late October is one of the loveliest times in Japan—crisp air and autumn colors. Expect mild days in Tokyo (around 15–20°C) and cooler weather up north in Akita (around 8–15°C), especially in the evenings.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm layers and a light jacket, modest clothing for church visits, any personal medication, and of course your rosary. There is a fair amount of walking each day, so a reasonable level of mobility is recommended.

How do I reserve a slot?

Slots are limited and reserved on a first-come basis. To hold your place, submit a USD 1,000 deposit together with a photocopy of your passport (valid 6 months from departure), a Pilgrim’s Profile with a passport-size photo, and your travel insurance.

Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure. Simply fill out the form below, or email/call Beckie and we’ll take care of you from there.

Still have a question? We’d love to hear from you.

Email Beckie +632 8523-8582

Our Lady of Akita
with Tokyo

Do you need a spiritual reset?