The Japanese Ambassador to Greece paid an official visit to Mount Athos

Mr. Ito, the Japanese Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, paid an official visit to the monastic state of Mount Athos from July 17 to 18, 2026. The trip took place at the personal invitation of Yannis Paschalidis, a member of parliament representing Kavala and a member of the Greece-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group, according to Romfea.gr.

During his stay on Mount Athos, the Japanese diplomat visited the region’s administrative center, Karyes, where he toured the Protata Cathedral. The visit’s itinerary also included a visit to the Iveron Monastery, where Mr. Ito met with Timotheos, a monk of Japanese descent. During this meeting, they discussed the distinctive features of the Orthodox ascetic life and the spiritual traditions of the Holy Mountain.

The visit culminated with a visit to the Philotheos Monastery. The abbot of the monastery welcomed the guest and engaged him in a substantive conversation on matters of spirituality and the preservation of cultural heritage. Both sides emphasized the importance of such contacts for strengthening mutual understanding and friendly relations, based on a deep respect for the unique traditions of Japan and Mount Athos.