The Essence of East Asia
TAIWAN - SOUTH KOREA - JAPAN — 14 Days
A sacred journey through the scenery of East Asia, blending with the depth of faith.
On this memorable pilgrimage, you will:
- Explore Taipei, from its old quarters to its modern districts.
- Release a sky lantern with your wish at Shifen — the old town of Shifen.
- Pray at the Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine and Myeongdong Cathedral.
- Experience the beauty of Seoul’s traditional royal palace at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
- Visit the cathedrals in Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. A private Mass will be offered for the group.
- Enjoy distinctive cuisine and experience the Shinkansen bullet train.
- Admire Mount Fuji, the old village of Oshino Hakkai, and relax in the mineral waters of an onsen.
From ancient palaces and shrines to the depth of faith at churches and martyrs’ shrines, each stop carries its own story and mark. Moments of prayer are interwoven with cultural experiences, distinctive cuisine, and unique natural scenery.
This journey is for those who wish to discover the traditional beauty of East Asia and hold onto gentle yet unforgettable memories for years to come.
Spiritual Director: Rev. Peter Linh Nguyen
Rev. Peter Linh Nguyen – Diocese San Mateo
Vietnamese Catholic priest who has served the Church through pastoral ministry, music, youth activities, charitable work, and community outreach. Born in Vietnam, he developed a love for music, parish life, and service from a young age. After later settling in the United States, he was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 2004.
Departing for the lands of East Asia
Meet the group at the airport, complete check-in procedures, and depart for Taipei, beginning a journey exploring the three distinct cultures of Taiwan, Korea, and Japan.
Taipei welcomes you with a vibrant city rhythm
Arrive at the airport and go through immigration. A vehicle and local guide take the group to Taipei. Check in at the hotel, dinner. *Schedule may change depending on flight times.
Mass celebrated for the group. Overnight in Taipei.
A quiet moment of faith amid Taipei
The journey begins at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The group visits and prays at the Catholic Church of the Holy Family, then takes in a panoramic view of the city from the 89th-floor observation deck of Taipei 101. In the afternoon, photos at Longshan Temple, exploring Ximending, strolling through the old quarter of Dihua Street, and enjoying food at the Ningxia Night Market.
Private Mass celebrated for the group. Overnight in Taipei.
Sending wishes to the sky on the sea breeze
The group visits Yehliu Geopark, admiring rock formations sculpted by nature. Stop at the old town of Shifen, where visitors write wishes and release sky lanterns amid the old railway tracks. In the afternoon, the group visits the hillside old town of Jiufen, enjoying local tea in this former gold-mining town.
Private Mass celebrated for the group. Overnight in Taipei.
Arriving in Seoul, tracing the footsteps of the martyrs
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Seoul.
Photo stop at Gwanghwamun Square and the peaceful Cheonggyecheon Stream in the heart of the capital. The group prays at Myeongdong Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which holds the relics of the martyred saints. Free time to explore and shop in the Myeongdong district.
Private Mass celebrated for the group. Overnight in Seoul.
Touching the ancient soul within modern Seoul
The group admires Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Stroll through the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, explore the cultural district of Insadong with its craft shops, and experience a traditional tea ceremony. In the afternoon, guests experience the oldest traditional local cuisine at Gwangjang Market.
Private Mass celebrated for the group. Overnight in Seoul.
Nami’s gentle welcome to early autumn
Depart for Nami Island, a picturesque island with tree-lined paths shaded by ginkgo trees. In the afternoon, the group visits the Garden of Morning Calm, designed with a harmonious blend of flowers, greenery, and traditional Korean landscaping.
Private Mass celebrated for the group. Overnight in Seoul.
Tracing the path of the martyrs, viewing Seoul lit at night
The group prays at the Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine and visits the museum, which preserves many valuable documents and artifacts.
Continue to the Gangnam district, exploring COEX Mall with its Starfield Library and towering bookshelves. In the afternoon, the group ascends Namsan Tower, taking in a panoramic view of the capital lit up at night.
Private Mass celebrated for the group. Overnight in Seoul.
Arriving in the Kansai region, a stop by the House of Our Lady
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Osaka. After clearing immigration at Kansai, the group prays at Tamatsukuri Catholic Church (Our Lady’s Cathedral) in Osaka.
Free time in the afternoon to shop and stroll in Shinsaibashi, followed by dinner with hot Chige Nabe (Korean kimchi stew).
Private Mass celebrated for the group. Overnight in Osaka.
Refined Kobe, Osaka glowing at night
Depart for Kobe, visiting the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum to learn about the traditional sake-making process. Continue to the port city of Kobe Harborland, with views over Osaka Bay.
Return to Osaka for a photo stop at Osaka Castle, exploring Dotonbori with its bright, bustling signboards. In the evening, experience a Tombori river cruise, viewing the city from the Dotonbori River. Shabu-shabu dinner.
Private Mass celebrated for the group. Overnight in Osaka.
Following the footsteps of St. Francis Xavier through the ancient capital
Depart for Kyoto, praying at St. Francis Xavier Kawaramachi Cathedral. Photo stop at the wooden veranda of Kiyomizu-dera, a famous ancient temple overlooking the old capital of Kyoto. In the afternoon, the group visits Fushimi Inari, walking along the Senbon Torii path with its thousands of red torii gates stretching up the mountainside. Afterward, the group travels to Toyohashi and experiences a leg of the journey aboard the Shinkansen bullet train — a symbol of Japan’s transportation technology.
Private Mass celebrated for the group. Overnight in Toyohashi.
Autumn in Yamanashi beneath the shadow of Mount Fuji
Depart for Yamanashi, experiencing seasonal fruit picking and tasting at a local orchard.
The group travels up to the Fifth Station of Mount Fuji, admiring the mountain and its majestic surrounding scenery. The group continues to Oshino Hakkai village, a cluster of eight crystal-clear ponds formed from Mount Fuji’s melted snow. In the evening, guests enjoy a Kaiseki or buffet dinner at the hotel and experience a traditional onsen hot spring bath.
Private Mass celebrated for the group. Overnight in Yamanashi.
From prayer to the rhythm of Tokyo
Depart for Tokyo, visiting Sekiguchi Cathedral (Our Lady’s Cathedral of Tokyo). Photo stop at the Tokyo Imperial Palace exterior and Nijubashi Bridge.
In the afternoon, the group visits Asakusa, paying respects at Sensoji Temple and exploring Nakamise Street. Guests take photos with Tokyo Skytree in the background. The group shops in the famous electronics district of Akihabara. BBQ dinner.
Private Mass celebrated for the group. Overnight in Tokyo.
Closing the three-nation East Asia journey
Breakfast, check-out procedures. Transfer to Haneda Airport for the return flight to the United States.
This concludes the Taiwan – Korea – Japan pilgrimage, filled with cultural, spiritual, and unforgettable memories. Carnival US Travel looks forward to welcoming you on future journeys.
Day 6–14 expand on click
Upon registration, a deposit per person is required to issue airline tickets, reserve hotels, and arrange transportation.
The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure.
First payment: $1,500 upon registration.
Second payment: $2,500 before March 30, 2027.
Final payment: remaining balance before June 30, 2027.
A 3% processing fee applies for credit card payments.
Guests over 75 years of age or more than 4 months pregnant — please contact our office before registering.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.
Guests absent at departure are considered to have cancelled with no refund.
The tour price does not apply to personal visit purposes or commercial travel purposes.
The tour price is based on a minimum group size of 35 adult guests or more. Therefore, if the number of guests is lower, a surcharge will apply.
The company shall not be responsible for missed sightseeing or visiting points in cases where sightseeing or visiting sites are closed without prior notice, traffic delays occur, or guests remain at a location beyond the scheduled visiting time.
The company shall not be responsible in the event of missed flights due to guests not being present at the airport according to the airline’s required time, or due to the guests’ personal reasons.
Depending on actual circumstances, the order of sightseeing points in the program may be changed, but all original sightseeing points will still be ensured.
In objective circumstances such as terrorism, natural disasters, visa processing timelines from the Consulate, or schedule changes by public transportation providers such as airlines or trains, the travel company reserves the right to change the itinerary for the convenience and safety of guests, and shall be exempt from liability for compensation for any resulting damages or losses.
Upon receiving the electronic ticket, guests are kindly requested to carefully check all information on the ticket. If any error is found, please contact Carnival US Travel immediately for timely assistance and correction.
Guests may complete online check-in beginning 24 hours before the pilgrimage departure date in order to save time and make the process more convenient.
For guests with disabilities or special health or personal needs, guests are kindly requested to have a family member accompany and assist them throughout the trip, and to bring a doctor’s certificate when completing procedures with the airline in order to request suitable seating arrangements as desired. At the same time, guests are kindly requested to notify Carnival US Travel of this special circumstance so that we may provide the best possible support.
If guests wish to select preferred seating positions such as front-row seats, window seats, or aisle seats, please note that the airline may apply additional surcharges for these services.
Guests aged 75 or older are required to have a doctor’s certificate confirming that they are fully healthy and fit to travel abroad, as well as a health commitment form with the company. Guests are required to be accompanied by a family member under 60 years old who is in good health.
Guests registering for the tour are kindly requested to carefully read the information regarding what is included and what is not included. This is to avoid confusion or misunderstanding about the services before registration.
"The most profound experience of my life. Fr. Joseph's daily reflections brought each sacred site to life in a way I never imagined."
"Carnival took care of absolutely everything. Hotels, transport, Mass every single day. Already planning to come back with my whole family."