About Nagasaki
A Goto Islands Model Itinerary
The Goto Islands are where you can admire churches, collectively registered as a World Heritage Site, as well as beautiful nature.The Goto Islands consist of several islands. Since a rental car is needed on each island, first plan which islands you want to visit.
In this next section, we introduce a 3-day plan exploring Kamigoto and Fukue, starting and ending in Nagasaki City.
Main Photo: Osezaki Lighthouse/Picture courtesy of Goto City
Day 1: Nagasaki City→ Kamigoto Island → Fukue Island
Take a high-speed boat from Nagasaki Port to Narao Port (Shinkamigoto) on the Goto Islands.
After arriving at Narao Port, rent a car and first visit Nakanoura Church. This wooden church stands along an inlet, and on calm, windless days, you can see its reflection beautifully mirrored in the water.
Afterwards, head to Kashiragashima Church, one of the sites that make up the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region,” a World Heritage Site. Built in the early 20th century from locally quarried stone, the church was constructed by faithful believers who carried two to three stones each day, despite the persecution of Christianity in Japan. It was completed over the course of about 10 years, giving the site great historical significance. (Advance reservation is required for visits. Please check the official website for details.)
Kashiragashima Church
・Address: 638 Kashiragashima, Tomojugo, Shinkamigoto-cho, Minamimatsuura-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Visiting Hours: 9:00–12:00 / 13:00–17:00
After enjoying Kamigoto, take a high-speed boat from Narao Port to your next destination, Fukue Island.
After arriving at Narao Port, rent a car and first visit Nakanoura Church. This wooden church stands along an inlet, and on calm, windless days, you can see its reflection beautifully mirrored in the water.
Afterwards, head to Kashiragashima Church, one of the sites that make up the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region,” a World Heritage Site. Built in the early 20th century from locally quarried stone, the church was constructed by faithful believers who carried two to three stones each day, despite the persecution of Christianity in Japan. It was completed over the course of about 10 years, giving the site great historical significance. (Advance reservation is required for visits. Please check the official website for details.)
Kashiragashima Church
・Address: 638 Kashiragashima, Tomojugo, Shinkamigoto-cho, Minamimatsuura-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Visiting Hours: 9:00–12:00 / 13:00–17:00
After enjoying Kamigoto, take a high-speed boat from Narao Port to your next destination, Fukue Island.
Day 2: Fukue
Located near Fukue Port is Fukue Castle (Ishida Castle), which was built in the late Edo period (1603-1868). It was the last coastal castle constructed in Japan and its beautiful stone walls can still be seen today.
Near Fukue Castle, you’ll also find sightseeing spots such as the Samurai Residences, a street lined with former homes of middle-ranking samurai with stone walls, and the Nizo Yamamoto Art Museum, dedicated to the celebrated animation art director.
Nizo Yamamoto... An animation film artist and background artist from Goto City, known for serving as the art director on numerous masterpiece animations such as Castle in the Sky and Princess Mononoke.
Nizo Yamamoto Art Museum
・Address: 2-2-7 Bukeyashiki, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Hours: 9:00 - 18:00
・Closed: Mondays, December 29 - January 3
We highly recommend renting a car to visit Osezaki Lighthouse, a stunning beacon standing atop a precipitous cliff. Located at the westernmost tip of Fukue Island, it is the spot where the sunset occurs latest in the Kyushu region. The white lighthouse perched on the jutting cliff creates a beautiful contrast with the deep blue sea and has been selected as one of "Japan's Top 50 Lighthouses." Why not come and experience this romantic scenery?
Near Fukue Castle, you’ll also find sightseeing spots such as the Samurai Residences, a street lined with former homes of middle-ranking samurai with stone walls, and the Nizo Yamamoto Art Museum, dedicated to the celebrated animation art director.
Nizo Yamamoto... An animation film artist and background artist from Goto City, known for serving as the art director on numerous masterpiece animations such as Castle in the Sky and Princess Mononoke.
Nizo Yamamoto Art Museum
・Address: 2-2-7 Bukeyashiki, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Hours: 9:00 - 18:00
・Closed: Mondays, December 29 - January 3
We highly recommend renting a car to visit Osezaki Lighthouse, a stunning beacon standing atop a precipitous cliff. Located at the westernmost tip of Fukue Island, it is the spot where the sunset occurs latest in the Kyushu region. The white lighthouse perched on the jutting cliff creates a beautiful contrast with the deep blue sea and has been selected as one of "Japan's Top 50 Lighthouses." Why not come and experience this romantic scenery?
Day 3: Fukue Island→ Nagasaki City
Travel Time
・Nagasaki Port → Narao Port (Shinkamigoto): Approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes by high-speed boat (three per day)
・Narao Port (Shinkamigoto) → Fukue Port: Approx. 30 minutes by high-speed boat (one per day)
・Fukue Port → Nagasaki Port: Approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes by high-speed boat (four per day)
A Fun Nagasaki Road Trip by Rental Car
Nagasaki Prefecture is home to many beautiful coastlines, and you’re sure to encounter many moving experiences during your rental car road trip.
Reserve a rental car and start an unforgettable journey in Nagasaki!
・Narao Port (Shinkamigoto) → Fukue Port: Approx. 30 minutes by high-speed boat (one per day)
・Fukue Port → Nagasaki Port: Approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes by high-speed boat (four per day)
A Fun Nagasaki Road Trip by Rental Car
Nagasaki Prefecture is home to many beautiful coastlines, and you’re sure to encounter many moving experiences during your rental car road trip.
Reserve a rental car and start an unforgettable journey in Nagasaki!
