[Start from Kumamoto] Guide to visiting Goto via Shimabara Peninsula

Kumamoto Prefecture lies almost in the center of Kyushu. The area around Mt. Aso, well known as a spectacular landscape used to represent Kyushu, is home to numerous must-see destinations. If you plan to base yourself in the city, don’t miss Kumamoto Castle (*under reconstruction as of 2024), one of Japan’s three great castles, and Suizenji Jojuen Garden, where you can enjoy nature in each of the four seasons as well as garden beauty. Local gourmet horse-meat sashimi and Kumamoto ramen are also must-haves.

Getting to Shimabara Peninsula

We recommend taking a ferry that transports both vehicles and foot passengers between Kumamoto and Nagasaki. You can get to Shimabara Peninsula (Taira Port) in Nagasaki in around 45 minutes from Kumamoto (Nagasu Port).

Mt. Unzen, rising from the center of the Shimabara Peninsula, towers above this area. The observatory on Myokendake, accessible by ropeway, commands views of Aso in Kumamoto and even Goto on days when the atmosphere is clear. In Shimabara, why not visit Shimabara Castle, with its white-walled castle tower, and Omisaki Station, popular as a social media photo spot?
Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell), Unzen’s famous tourist spot, is also known as a site of Christian martyrdom, and a stone martyrs’ memorial has been constructed here. The intense steam eruptions from all over this area create its hellish scenery. Enjoy an approximately 60-minute stroll around the walkway here.

Nagasaki City has an exotic atmosphere where Western and Eastern cultures mingle. Glover Garden in the Minami-yamate area is perfect for a stroll through a beautiful garden that blends Japanese and Western styles. Learn about peace in the Urakami area, in the Peace Park, Urakami Cathedral, and the Twenty Six Martyrs Museum and monument, and experience the history of the hidden Christians.
Try Nagasaki’s specialty noodle dishes, champon and sara udon, in Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, one of the three largest Chinatowns in Japan. From Inasayama Park Observatory, you can even see the Goto Islands on a fine day. At night, enjoy the sparkling romantic night scenery, one of the three new greatest night views in the world.

*Urakami Cathedral：We have been given permission from the archdiocese to publish the photos.

You can reach Huis Ten Bosch, a popular theme park, by car in around an hour from Nagasaki City. Walking through the park’s reproduction Dutch streets will surely make you feel as if you’ve traveled to Europe. This park holds a variety of events, making it fun in every season.

The Goto Islands are located in the west of Nagasaki Prefecture. This route takes you on your island journey starting from Fukue Island.
With spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, and great-tasting gourmet, these islands have a lot to offer! It's comfortable here throughout the year, and you'll find a fulfilling experience whenever you travel.

Getting to Goto (Fukue Island)

It takes around 1 hour 25 minutes to get from Nagasaki Port to Fukue Port on Fukue Island on the Jetfoil, the high-speed local boat service, or you can fly to the island in just 30 minutes.

Spend a leisurely time on the gentle slopes of Mt. Onidake, the symbol of Fukue Island, perfect for trekking. You can also enjoy sightseeing on foot in Fukue City. We recommend walking around Fukue Castle, the Street of the Samurai Quarter, and the Former Goto Lord's Residence, Garden, and Shinjigaike Pond in a kimono.
There are also a number of spots with wonderful views. Osezaki Lighthouse, offering a stunning contrast between the white lighthouse and the blue waters, is indescribably beautiful when the sun sinks into the East China Sea. Gyogasaki Park, one of our recommendations for a photo spot, boasts flowers blooming in every season and offers magical sunsets.

The islands boast superlative beaches, including Takahama Beach, said to be the most beautiful in Japan, and Kojushi Beach, easily accessible from the center of Fukue. These stunning beaches are worth a visit even outside of the sea swimming season.
You can see the wild coastline formed by lava from Mt. Onidake’s eruptions on the Abunze Lava Coast, close to Mt. Onidake.

The islands offer a full menu of experiences, from marine activities such as SUP experiences and diving, to golf and stargazing. We recommend participating in events to enjoy flowers and local festivals.

Try your hand at special activities in this favorite destination for anglers

You can enjoy not only real rock fishing and boat fishing, but also easy fishing from embankments, so even first-timers can take on the challenge!

Churches full of the history of the hidden Christians are dotted around the islands.
If you venture off Fukue Island, you can visit the Villages on Hisaka Island and Egami Village on Naru Island (Egami Church and its Surroundings), which are named assets of the World Cultural Heritage Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.

*If you wish to tour the Cultural Heritage churches, you must contact them in advance.

■Fukue Island
Dozaki Church
Fukue Church
Handomari Church
Mizunoura Church
Miiraku Church
Imochiura Church

■Naru Island
Egami Church

■Hisaka Island
Former Gorin Church