Touring Nagasaki’s Gotō Islands by Boat

The former Nokubi Church, one of the sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are around 50 Catholic churches scattered throughout the islands.

The Ōsezaki cliffs are a spectacular natural site on the Gotō Islands.

Ondake volcano—more of a grassy knoll than a rocky peak—is 15 minutes by car from Fukue Airport.

Beautiful views of numerous islands are visible from Bandake, the highest point on the Gotō Islands.

The Taiko overnight ferry connects Hakata with the Gotō Islands.

The relaxation room on the Taiko is equipped with massage chairs.

The Ōura Church, where “hidden Christians” revealed themselves in 1865.

A jetfoil shoots across the water as though it’s flying.

The Pegasus offers a smooth, swift ride, but passengers must fasten seatbelts and cannot go out onto the deck.

The Narushio, which links Sasebo with Uku and Ojika.

Sunset viewed from the deck of the Narushio, with islands slipping by as the ship goes on its way.

Gotō udon noodles contain camellia oil, which makes them very chewy.

Kattoppo is a luxurious dish made using a whole hakofugu boxfish.

The origins of the Hetomato Festival, celebrated here in the Shimosakiyama district on Fukue, are lost in the mists of time.

The red cliffs of Akatagi on Nakadōri contrast beautifully with the deep blue sea.