Journey to the hidden Christian islands of Nagasaki

When it comes to Japan’s southern islands, most travellers first think of Okinawa. In fact, there are hundreds of inhabited islands off Japan’s coasts offering spectacular natural views, scenic adventures, and an authentic look into centuries-old culture. For those looking for a journey off the beaten path, consider a trip to the Goto Islands (五島列島, Goto-retto). Located a short boat ride from Nagasaki Ferry Terminal in Kyushu, this archipelago boasts spectacular beaches and ocean recreation, while also preserving a fascinating history documenting Nagasaki’s little-known Christian history.

Head to the main island of Fukue (福江島, Fukue-jima), where you can spend your days bathing in the sun, hiking along cliffside coasts, and visiting Catholic churches from the 19th century. For an extended journey, hop to neighbouring islands such as Nakadori Island (中通島, Nakadōri-jima) to take in remote locales far off the beaten path.

Takahama Beach is the most popular sunbathing spot on the archipelago (Image credit: Discover Nagasaki)

Relaxing Beaches

The Goto Islands offer no shortage of beautiful beaches. Among them, Takahama Beach (高浜海水浴場 Takahama-kaisuiyokujō) is arguably the most famous. Conveniently located on the main island of Fukue, this white sand beach is considered one of the best in all of Japan, with crystal clear, gentle waters that are perfect for swimming. Surrounded by densely forested low-lying mountains, Takahama offers views that are particularly unique to Japan, making for a great photo opportunity. Other beaches on the Goto Islands include Kojushi Beach (香珠子海水浴場 Kojushi-kaisuiyokujō), Shiragahama Beach Park (白良ヶ浜海水浴場, Shiraragahama-kaisuiyokujō), and Tontomari Beach (頓泊海水浴場 Tontomari-kaisuiyokujō).

Guided scuba tours are available at select locations (Image credit: Discover Nagasaki)

Ocean Recreation

In addition to sunbathing, travelers can enjoy guided recreational activities such as stand-up paddleboarding (or SUP), snorkelling, and scuba diving. With a recent surge in popularity, SUP boards are available for rent across many of the Goto Island’s beaches, and local guides can assist with introductory lessons. For those interested in scuba diving, the Goto Diving Lagoon group offers guided tours to remote islands and inlets. Likewise, the Nice Buddy organization coordinates diving trips out of Shinkamigoto (新上五島 Shin-Kamigotō), one of the archipelago’s northern islands.

In addition to its beaches, the Goto Islands are known for their rugged coastline (Image credit: Discover Nagasaki)

Scenic Hikes and Picture-Perfect Views

To fully take in the spectacular island topography, head to Osezaki Lighthouse (大瀬埼灯台 Ōsezaki-tōdai) on the southern end of Fukue. Located on a cape of the same name, a 30-minute trail stretches from the lighthouse to a viewing point overlooking the craggy cliffs and verdant hillsides, as the ocean stretches out below. For further scenic adventures, consider a hike around Mount Onidake (鬼岳, Onidake), a dormant, flat-topped volcano overlooking the whole of Fukue Island. The nearby Abunze Coast (鐙瀬熔岩海岸 Abunze-yōgankaigan) showcases the remnants of Onidake’s past eruptions, with lava flow creating twisted sculptures of black rocks peeking out from the shallow water. Given the island’s size, these hikes can easily be packaged together for a single-day journey. 

Learn about the region’s hidden Christian past at Dozaki Church (Image credit: Discover Nagasaki)

Tropical Churches

Nagasaki has a peculiar history with Christianity, welcoming Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century, followed by a resurgence of French Catholic missionaries who journeyed here in the late 19th century. The Goto Islands are now home to numerous churches, giving the island a truly unique feel. To learn more about this history, take a trip to Dozaki Church (堂崎教会, Dozaki-kyokai), Imochiura Church (カトリック井持浦教会, Katorikku Imochiura Kyokai), and Mizunoura Church (カトリック水の浦教会, Katorikku Mizunoura Kyokai). The juxtaposition of Christian architecture with Japan’s verdant island topography makes for a one-of-a-kind sight.

Where To Stay

To really immerse yourself in the locale, book accommodations at Nordisk Village, a new glamping site on Fukue Island. Inspired by Nordic design, Nordisk Village balances the outdoor fun of camping with the comfort of first-class amenities. It also serves as a reservation portal for numerous recreational activities on the Goto Islands, allowing you to rent SUP boards, book scuba diving trips, arrange cycling rides, and more.

Nordisk Village Goto Islands (ノルディスク ヴィレッジ ゴトウ アイランズ)
Address: 1233 Tomiemachi Tao, Goto, Nagasaki 853-0203
Opening hours: 11am–9pm
Tel: +81 959-86-3900

Getting There

The Goto Islands’ main access point is Fukue Island, which is home to Goto-Fukue Airport and Fukue Port Terminal. Take an approximately 45-minute plane ride from Nagasaki or Fukuoka Airport, or board the one-hour Kyushu Syosen Jet Foil, which departs from other Nagasaki Ferry Terminal. There are also conventional ferry services available, and an overnight cruise departing from Hakata Port. Once you’ve arrived in Fukue, the neighboring islands can be reached by chartered boat or ferry.

Header image credit: Discover Nagasaki