National Parks Of Japan
Duration
3 days
Season
Jul to Sep
Plan your visit carefully and allow plenty of time for your activities in the park. Always check the latest weather information, and avoid overexerting yourself if you feel unwell.

ITINERARY

Step into the slow flow of time on these islands of prayer.

Saikai National Park consists of nearly 400 islands with scenic landscapes, including Kujukushima, Hirado Island, and the Goto Islands. Besides the natural environment with beautiful seas and rugged terrain, the area has long been populated, and was an enclave of Hidden Christian culture. There are numerous churches throughout the islands. Their architecture amid the landscape offers an extraordinary experience blending faith-based culture and natural scenery. Take your time exploring the Goto Islands while enjoying amazing coastal scenery, encountering Hidden Christian culture, and tackling adventurous activities like sea kayaking to uninhabited islands.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Admire the natural landscape of Fukue Island and some of the most beautiful starry sky views in all of Japan.

  • Enjoy the grassland scenery on Mount Onidake.

  • Take a Wakamatsu Seto cruise to experience the archipelago landscape and learn about the culture of the Hidden Christians.

Trip Overview

Enjoy a drive around Fukue Island's natural landscape and a stargazing tour
Hike Mount Onidake and journey by boat to Hidden Christian churches on the Kamigoto Islands
Encounter archipelago scenery and the history of the Hidden Christians aboard a Wakamatsu Seto cruise
Day 1

Enjoy a drive around Fukue Island's natural landscape and a stargazing tour

In the morning, take a high-speed ferry from Nagasaki Port to Fukue Port. After learning about the formation of the Goto Islands at the Abunze Visitor Center, stroll along the Abunze Lava Coast. From the observation deck on Mount Onidake, enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding archipelago. Then, enjoy a drive by rental car to Osezaki. From the Osezaki Lighthouse observation deck, take in sweeping views of 15 kilometers of dramatic cliffs, beautiful layers of sandstone and shale, and the East China Sea.

After lunch at NEW Pandora, a restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients, enjoy a 1.5-hour SUP experience in the stunningly blue waters of Koura Beach. Then spend about an hour driving around the island, stopping at Tontomari Beach and Takahama Beach, and admiring the view of both beaches from the Gyoran Kannon Observation Point. Once you have checked in at your hotel on the Abunze Lava Coast, you take a nighttime guided tour to gaze at the gorgeous starry sky. Only a remote island with its minimal interference from city lights can offer such a view. You’ll love the breathtaking beauty of the same night sky that people gazed at in ancient times.

Day 2

Hike Mount Onidake and journey by boat to Hidden Christian churches on the Kamigoto Islands

After breakfast, set out on a hike up Mount Onidake, the iconic landmark of Fukue Island. Formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, the mountain is known for its elegant, gently sloping shape. You then walk a loop trail around Mount Onidake, which is now covered in picturesque grass. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, taking in the island's townscape and the Kamigoto Islands in the distance.

Next, head to Fukue Port to shop for souvenirs and have lunch before boarding a ferry to Aokata Port on Nakadori Island, one of the Kamigoto Islands. Enjoying the scenery from the deck along the way, and visit Yakezaki Catholic Church when you land. The peaceful sight of the church standing in the village speaks to the history of this "Island of Prayer." Afterward, travel toward your accommodations near Hamaguirihama Beach while admiring views of national park landscapes such as the cliffs of Yagatame Park, Hamanna, and Kurosaki Pass.

Day 3

Encounter archipelago scenery and the history of the Hidden Christians aboard a Wakamatsu Seto cruise

On the final day, cruise through the Wakamatsu Seto Strait, weaving along the varied coastline. In addition to enjoying the archipelago scenery, you will learn about the culture of the Hidden Christians. For lunch, savor seafood nurtured by the Goto Islands' intricate terrain. Afterward, drive around the islands to visit churches and beaches. You'll encounter natural scenery and much more, including the Narao Ako Tree that is over 670 years old. In the evening, take a high-speed ferry from Narao Port to Nagasaki Port for your trip onward.

Related Itineraries