World Heritage Island: Goto Islands - A 4-Day, 3-Night Adventure

Purpose Enjoy the Goto Islands, home to World Heritage sites, by exploring both Kamigoto (Upper Goto) and Shimogoto (Lower Goto)! Schedule Day 1 Fly from Haneda Airport to Nagasaki Airport, then take another flight to Goto Fukue Airport. From there, a 45-minute bus ride will take you to the city center. Stay overnight at APA Hotel Nagasaki Ekiminami, located near Nagasaki Port. Since this trip was planned after work, I took the latest flight available. Day 2 Take a high-speed ferry from Nagasaki Port to Tainoura Port in Kamigoto, a journey of about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The ferry is operated by Goto Sangyo Kisen, and reservations are required. Transportation on the island is limited, so renting a car or hiring a sightseeing taxi is necessary. I opted for a sightseeing taxi and toured Kamigoto for about 3 hours, focusing on its churches. Visited spots include: - Old Tainoura Church - Hamaguri Beach - Kaido Shrine - Kurosaki Pass & Observatory - Kashiragashima Church - Aosagaura Church - Shirakusa Observatory The taxi dropped me off at Goto Islands Resort Hotel Margherita, marking the end of the day’s sightseeing. This small hotel is located on Nakadori Island, shaped like a cross, in the northern part of the Goto Islands. Perched on a hill overlooking the sea, it offers stunning sunset views. The Italian cuisine served at the hotel was also delightful. Day 3 I arranged for a taxi to take me to Wakamatsu Port Terminal, where I boarded the Goto Islands Cruise. The cruise departed from Wakamatsu Port Terminal and stopped at Naru Island (Egami Church), Hisaka Island (Old Gorin Church), the Christian Cave, Harinomen, and finally Fukue Port Terminal. From Fukue Port Terminal, I walked to Campana Hotel for my overnight stay. For dinner, I reserved a table at Tsubaki Chaya, a restaurant where I enjoyed delicious Goto seafood by the hearth. Since the hotel is near Kaizuko Beach, I arrived early to enjoy the beautiful seaside. Day 4 I joined a full-day sightseeing bus tour of Goto. The morning itinerary included: - Departure from Campana Hotel at 9:05 AM → Fukue Port at 9:20 AM → Imochiura Church (Lourdes) at 10:15 AM → Osezaki Lighthouse at 10:40 AM → Takahama Beach at 11:45 AM → Mizunoura Church (viewed from the bus) → Arrival at Fukue Port at 12:50 PM. Lunch was free time, and I enjoyed Goto Udon noodles near the port. The afternoon itinerary included: - Departure from Fukue Port at 1:50 PM → Dozaki Church at 2:10 PM → Samurai Residence Street (viewed from the bus) → Abunze Lava Coast (Visitor Center) at 3:20 PM → Return to Fukue Port at 4:10 PM. From Goto Fukue Airport, flights are available to Fukuoka or Nagasaki Airport. A bus from Campana Hotel takes you directly to the airport. I took the latest flight from Fukue Airport to Fukuoka Airport and then transferred for my return journey. Notes The Goto Islands are remote, so weather conditions can significantly impact travel, especially ferry schedules. Many of the churches, which are part of the World Heritage sites, have specific rules, such as restrictions on photography and events. Be sure to follow the rules. Transportation Public buses are limited on the Goto Islands, except on Fukue Island. Utilize tours, taxis, or rental cars effectively. Flights to Fukue Island are available, making access from Fukuoka or Nagasaki Airport convenient. Travel between Kamigoto and Shimogoto requires ferry transportation, so carefully check ferry schedules. Hotels Campana Hotel is conveniently located near the port on Fukue Island, with nearby restaurants and a convenience store within walking distance. Margherita Hotel, located in Kamigoto, is a charming hotel inspired by churches. However, its location is remote, with no nearby facilities, so plan accordingly. The Italian cuisine and beautiful interior make it worth the stay. Scenic Spots The sea is stunningly beautiful. The contrast at Osezaki Lighthouse is breathtaking, and Takahama Beach boasts incredible water clarity.