Nagasaki’s Gotō Islands: A Treasure House of Unique Festivals and Natural Beauty

The sinking sun casts a warm glow over the silhouette of the Takasaki point on Nakadōri Island.

The author during the Hetomato Festival, complete with soot-smeared face.

A woman perches on a sake barrel for a game of battledore. Bizarre sights like this are everywhere during Hetomato.

Men in loincloths grapple for possession of the waradama.

A woman has her face smeared with soot. Hegura is believed to provide protection against illness during the coming year.

A succession of young women are lifted onto the giant straw sandal and carried through the streets. The locals have been carrying on like this for centuries, though they’ve long since forgotten why.

A soot-daubed boy appeals in vain for his father’s sympathy.

Sunrise and sunset are magic hours at Arikawa Bay.

Young people on their best behavior in the solemn setting of a traditional coming-of-age ceremony.

Surrounded by green mountains, the beautiful waters of Takahama beach have been voted among the best in Japan.

During the hot summer months, the Dondon-buchi waterfall is a favorite swimming hole for the local children. 

Performing the chankoko dance during Obon to pacify the spirits of the dead.

Colorful costumes and vibrant drumming are among the attractions of the ōmondē dances.

Oneonde is another Obon dance performed in memory of the dead.