Live the Island Life Off Nagasaki’s Coast

Explore Japan's hidden history on Ojika Island

Refresh yourself with a ferry trip to Ojika Island. Feel the sand between your toes as you stare out at pristine blue oceans, then retire to a lavishly restored kominka, or traditional farmhouse. Ojika is a treasure trove of these establishments, with seven having been renovated and remodeled into restaurants and inns by renowned researcher of Eastern culture, Alex Kerr.

Make a pilgrimage to the almost-uninhabited Nozaki Island, 30 minutes away by boat and home to the former Nokubi Church, once a place of worship for those who became known as Japan's "Hidden Christians." Then go hiking and tackle Nozaki's rugged terrain.

Back on Ojika, embark on a bike or hiking tour, or even seek out a workshop where you’ll learn to make peanut-flavored tofu, an island favorite. With its idyllic natural environment protected as part of Saikai National Park, you’ll see why Ojika has earned its name as one of Japan's most beautiful villages.

Access: From Hakata Station, take the Midori-Huis Ten Bosch Line to Sasebo Station (about one hour 50 minutes), then walk to Kujiraze Terminal (about 10 minutes) and take a high-speed boat to Ojika (about one hour 30 minutes). An overnight ferry is also available from Hakata Port to Ojika.

Ojika island