五島の島たび【公式】- 長崎県五島市の観光・旅行情報サイト 五島の島たび【公式】- 長崎県五島市の観光・旅行情報サイト
Tourism guide for first-time visitors to Goto: Introducing islands where nature and history exist in harmony-1

Tourism guide for first-time visitors to Goto: Introducing islands where nature and history exist in harmony

Goto City stands on the Goto archipelago, islands that are part of Nagasaki Prefecture. It can be reached in around 30 minutes by plane from Nagasaki Airport, or around 40 minutes by plane from Fukuoka Airport.
There are plenty of activities here, including having fun in the beautiful cobalt-blue waters, traveling around scenic spots, and cycling and fishing, which can be enjoyed all year around! The Goto Islands are also known as the islands of prayer, where Christians secretly passed down their beliefs when Christianity was banned in Japan, and are dotted with churches built by these believers. The warm local hospitality is one of the charms of these islands where nature and history exist in harmony.
These islands are attracting attention even in Japan, where your mind and body can be fulfilled.

Contents

Where is Goto City on the Goto Islands, part of Nagasaki Prefecture?

The Goto Islands are an archipelago consisting of around 150 islands of varying size in the west of Nagasaki Prefecture.
The three southern islands—Fukue Island, Hisaka Island, and Naru Island—and the islands that surround them make up Goto City.

These islands retain magnificent scenery and an untouched natural world, including beautiful beaches. The average annual temperature is warm, at 17 degrees, making it comfortable here all year, and every season is the best season to travel.
Come for a visit, whether you're only here to enjoy the sea, or to savor the delicious island gourmet.

Churches built by hidden Christians

Fukue Island is dotted with church halls built by hidden Christians.
Slightly further away, Hisaka Island and Naru Island are home to churches and villages that are part of the World Heritage “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.” See the ingenuity of these believers, who had limited materials and skills, in Lourdes Grotto, made with island stone, and their hand-painted stained glass. 
These church halls stand in Goto’s stunning natural world. Please pray quietly and respect their rules and etiquette.

*You will need to make reservations in advance to tour the World Heritage Churches.

Look back at places from which students set off on a journey to China 1,200 years ago

Around 1,200 years ago, Fukue Island was the last port stop for students traveling from Japan to China.
The voyage from here to China was one on which they risked their lives. You’ll find places associated with the monk Kukai, who studied overseas, around the island; Miiraku, Myojoin Temple, the Hawser Stone of Shiraishi, and Daihoji Temple are recognized as Japan Heritage.
Try traveling around these spots, filled with the feelings of these students who crossed the ocean with do-or-die determination.

A contrast between white sands, cobalt-blue seas, and green plants! Make the most of Goto’s natural world

Goto’s sea is no less beautiful than Okinawa’s, and the islands are dotted with superlative beaches that feel very much like those of resorts. Takahama Beach is said to be one of the most beautiful in Japan, and was chosen as one of Japan’s top 100 beaches. Find your favorite beach and make the most of Goto’s seas, not only by swimming, but also by playing on the beach, snorkeling, diving, and everything in-between. 

The islands boast numerous scenic spots that offer stunning contrast to the green and abundant plants, including Mt. Onidake and Osezaki Lighthouse. Head off on an adventure to be soothed by Goto’s lush natural world!

Travel through wonderful scenery on a rental bicycle

Rental bicycles are a popular choice for getting around the islands. They let you enjoy things at your own pace, and are eco-friendly and healthy!
Why not head around the islands' highlights on a bicycle, including Fukue Island’s historic streetscapes, unexpected vistas, and the people living on islands along the coast. Electric bicycles are also available, giving people who are less confident in their physical abilities peace of mind.

The cobalt-blue seas hold some of Japan’s most popular fishing spots

You can catch many different types of fish throughout the year in Goto’s cobalt-blue seas, said to be some of the most beautiful in Japan, and great fishing spots are dotted around the outside of Fukue Island.
You can enjoy not only rock fishing and boat fishing, but also easy fishing from embankments, so even first-timers can take on the challenge!

From fresh seafood to phantom wagyu! Goto’s delicious gourmet dishes and souvenirs

When we think of Goto’s gourmet foods, we picture fresh seafood, such as glistening kibinago fish, and phantom wagyu reared on its magnificent grasslands; brand pork and chicken are also must-eats. Goto udon, one of Japan’s three great udons, is a local gourmet dish unique to Goto. Alcohol made on the islands, including wines, gins, and shochu, are also popular.

Here we introduce souvenirs that you can only buy on the islands, such as traditional confections made with Goto farm produce and processed products created with fresh Goto fish. Find a souvenir to remember your journey.

  • Kankoro mochi rice cakes-1

    Kankoro mochi rice cakes

    A natural food highly popular as a specialty product of Goto, made from sweet potato and glutinous rice kneaded together.

  • Onidake pudding-1

    Onidake pudding

    This hand-made pudding is created using the eggs of chickens reared with natural feed, Goto milk, and honey.

  • Kumagoro jam-1

    Kumagoro jam

    Made using seasonal Goto fruits, and popular for its fruitiness.

  • Chankoko-1

    Chankoko

    A popular Goto souvenir, with the soft sweetness of soybean flour and adzuki beans.

  • Hacchikankan-1

    Hacchikankan

    This Japanese confection has been familiar in Goto for a long time. Its fluffy texture is made using high-quality mochi rice and soybean flour.

  • Onisaba sushi-1

    Onisaba sushi

    Handmade sushi with fresh horse mackerel marinated in original vinegar.

  • Age-kamaboko-1

    Age-kamaboko

    Age-kamaboko (deep-fried fish cake) made from fresh Goto fish. Delicious as-is or lightly toasted.

Ranking of popular articles

You Might Also Like