- Silence: Exploring the Christian history of the Goto Islands in 5 days
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Goto Island
Endo Shusaku's critically acclaimed novel Silence, takes readers across the sea to the Goto Islands. These idyllic islands are known for their beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, scenic mountain-top views, camellia oil products, Goto Udon, and over 50 churches and Christian-related sites. Goto, meaning “five islands”, refers to Nakadori, Wakamatsu, Naru, Hisaka and Fukue Islands. Fly to Goto City (Fukue) or board the various boats that depart daily from Nagasaki City, Sasebo, or Hakata (Fukuoka Prefecture).
Starting Point: Nagasaki Port Terminal Building
DAY 1: FUKUE ISLAND (GOTO CITY)
As buses run infrequently to sightseeing spots on all islands, the islands are best toured by car. You can rent from the various rental car services near the port.
- Dozaki Church
- Goto Islands This is the oldest church in the Goto islands, and it was built by French missionaries. It now serves a museum displaying historical documents relating to Christians and the 300-year period of suppression of Christianity. It was designated as a Ta... VIEW MORE
During the transfer of residents between Omura Domain and Goto Domain in 1797, 108 Christian residents from Sotome moved and settled in Mukata. One can easily visualise Rodrigues’ landing on Goto at this beach.
Although not as famous as Goto’s more popular Takahama Swimming Beach, the beauty of Mukata does not pale in comparison. Nearest to the main streets of Goto City, this easy-to-access beach boasts clear waters and a quiet, serene setting - a fantastic reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. For a small fee, beach-goers may use the rental lockers and showers at the beach.
Goto Beef SteakReturn to the city area for lunch.
How about a delectable Goto Beef Steak?
Climb a mountain (enjoy the panoramic view!), take a dip in the sea (bring your snorkelling gear!) or go for a drive (see the countryside!).
- Mt. Onidake
- Goto Islands Mt. Onidake, a symbol of Goto, is a 315-meter cinder-cone volcano, which last erupted an estimated 18000 years ago. The volcano, which is covered in grass, is well-known as a venue for an annual kite-flying event, and as a leisure spot VIEW MORE
- Takahama Swimming Beach - Goto
- Goto Islands Takahama beach boasts some of the whitest sand and clearest water in all of Japan. It is one of the best known beaches of the Goto Islands, attracting holidaymakers from all over the country. The west-facing beach overlooks the Sagano Islands a... VIEW MORE
- Osezaki Lighthouse
- Goto Islands This white lighthouse is located at Osezaki Cliff, which was formed by erosion from the wild waves of the East China Sea. The combination of the lighthouse, the cliff and the surrounding natural environment presents a spectacular view. VIEW MORE
- Goto Diving Experiences
- Goto Islands The stunning white sand and multicoloured coral reefs of the Goto Islands provide the perfect place to explore some of the best marine environments Nagasaki has to offer. The complex makeup of the islets ensures a variety of diving spots, no matte... VIEW MORE
Naru Port
Take the 8:05am boat (Ferry Ocean) from Fukue (福江) to Naru (奈留). The ride takes 45mins.
- Egami Church
- Goto Islands Facing the Naru Strait, Egami Church stands on the coast surrounded by a grove of trees. In 1918, the descendants of settlers cooperated to build the church, under the design and surveillance of Tetsukawa Yosuke. Thanks to funds raised by that ye... VIEW MORE
Sankyodai Kobo (Sankyodai Workshop)
Create you own wooden trinkets at this small but unique woodwork shop! Woodburning classes are available and participants can try their hand at burning designs on pre-carved wood. Japanese is the main language used here, so be sure to come with an interpreter if you do not speak the language. Sankyodai Kobo's original designs of boxed fugu, churches and Goto Islands trinkets are sold at souvenir shops on the Islands. Here, you'll discover more designs like the horse mackerel with knife amongst other new designs! Please make reservations to visit the workshop.
Doinoura Port or Wakamatsu Port
Shinkamigoto Town comprises two islands - Wakamatsu and Nakadori. Steeped in Hidden Christian history, the town has a total of 29 Catholic churches on top of other related Christian sites! Coincidentally, Nakadori Island is shaped like a cross.
DAY 3: SHINKAMIGOTO TOWN
Begin your tour on Wakamatsu Island before crossing the bridge to Nakadori Island. We recommend changing to a hotel near the central or eastern part of Nakadori as the next day's boat is about an hour's drive from Wakamatsu.
- Christians’ Cave at Wakamatsu Island
- Goto Islands To evade the persecution of the Goto Kuzure, Christians hid themselves in a 50m-deep cave only accessible by boat. They were discovered when a passing boat saw smoke from their cooking fire, arrested and tortured. Later, this place came to be kn... VIEW MORE
- Wakamatsu Bridge
- Goto Islands The white truss bridge which joins Shinkamigoto’s Nakadori Island and Wakamatsu Island interweaves with the blue ocean, azure sky and the green mountains to create a splendid view over the Wakamatsu Strait. A popular viewing spot for this bridge i... VIEW MORE
Have lunch in Arikawa-go (Arikawa Town) before making the drive to your next stop. Near the port, you can try out Goto Udon. Exclusively produced in Shinkamigoto, these udon noodles are slippery smooth as camellia oil is used in their making process. A popular way of eating it is Jigokudaki where the noodles are served in a pot of boiling water. The udon is scooped out and dipped into ago (the local dialect for flying fish) broths or eggs.
- Kashiragashima Church
- Goto Islands Kashiragashima ChurchThis sandstone church, a rare sight in Japan, was built by Christians returning to the islands after the period of persecution, from stones they quarried themselves. The church is designated as an Important Cultural Property o... VIEW MORE
- Aosagaura Church
- Goto Islands The Aosagaura area was settled by Christians from Sotome, who battled harsh living conditions and severe oppression until the ban on Christianity was lifted in 1873. In 1878, they were finally able to build their church, taking charge of missionar... VIEW MORE
Catch the sunset at Yagatame!
- Yagatame Park
- Goto Islands Approaching the peaceful town of Nama from Aosagaura, Yagatame Park’s unique rock formation is hard to miss. Dubbed Nagasaki’s Totoro Rock, one can make out Ghibli’s famed character gazing out towards the East China Sea. Come summer, vibrant orang... VIEW MORE
Goto is also famous for seafood! Get a taste of local sushi or other fish delicacies like the puffer fish.
Nozaki Island
DAY 4: NOZAKI ISLAND
Nozaki Island, accessible from Ojika Town by the boat that runs twice a day, is an uninhabited island home to the World Heritage Site contender - Villages on Nozaki Island. Its most iconic sightseeing spot is Nokubi Church that stands over the village remains next to the elementary school. In this itinerary, we present the tour as a day trip but the more adventurous can choose to camp on the various spots in the school field. Classrooms have also been turned into sleeping areas.
Take the 6:25am boat for Ojika (小値賀) from Arikawa Port (有川港), then transfer to the 7:25am boat for Nozaki Island (野崎島).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please prepare food for lunch beforehand as no food is sold on the island. There is a vending machine for drinks. As you will be on an uninhabited island with few people (fellow travellers if any and the island's caretaker), take the necessary safety precautions. Wear suitable clothes if you are planning to explore forested areas, and choose appropriate shoes. Also make sure you have a watch or will be able to keep track of time! Last but not least, please respect the environment and keep it friendly for future visitors!
- Former Nokubi Church
- Hirado City, Matsuura City & Kitamatsuura District , Goto Islands In the Nozaki Island, located in the north of the Goto Islands, there used to be two Christian communities, called "Nokubi" and "Setozaki." In spite of the poverty due to the mountainous area and infertile soil, both communities built wooden churc... VIEW MORE
Nozaki Island has plenty of other sights to offer. Check out the surrounding areas, or trek through the forest. For pictures, look here. Always remember to be careful when exploring the island, especially if you do not have any hiking experience. Please stay on the path!
AFTERNOON OF DAY 4: OJIKA TOWN
Return to Ojika Town in the afternoon. Taking a walk through the streets of Ojika Town lined with beautiful traditional Japanese houses is akin to a walk back in time. Ojika's terrain is relatively flat, making cycling a possible option (rental bicycles are available at the port).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please get to the right port ahead of time!
Kominka Stay
Stay in a refurbished Kominka (traditional Japanese house) for the complete immersive experience. Check out the Ojika homepage for more information (information is only available in Japanese and reservations need to be made in Japanese, but all guests are welcome!)
DAY 5: OJIKA TOWN
Explore the streets of Ojika. Visit a shrine, or head to the beach! Bicycles are available for rent at the port for a small fee.
Return to mainland Nagasaki
Take the 2:10pm boat for Sasebo. Sightsee or return to Nagasaki City. Sasebo is also connected to Fukuoka Airport by buses and trains.
This itinerary takes you to 6 islands in 5 days, and only features main sightseeing spots. For a more immersive experience, we recommend spending more time on the islands that appeal to you most.
