Goto Islands

 World Heritage Islands! We will introduce plenty of attractions of sightseeing in the Goto Islands


  1. Goto World Heritage Sites

The Goto Islands are a remote island consisting of about 130 islands located in the western part of Nagasaki Prefecture. Among them, five major islands such as Fukue Island, Hirado Island, Hisaka Island, Ose Island, and Ojika Island have churches and villages that were registered as World Heritage Sites in 2018 as Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Regions. there is. You can feel the history and culture of people who kept their faith even when Christianity was banned in the Edo period.


  2. The complex topography of the Goto Islands is full of natural sightseeing spots!

The Goto Islands have complex topography such as rias coasts and faults formed by volcanic activity. Therefore, there are many scenic spots surrounded by the beautiful sea and greenery. For example, Matsuura Valley is a valley in the northern part of Fukue Island, where you can enjoy seasonal scenery such as autumn leaves and cherry blossoms. The Oseto Ohashi Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Japan, with a total length of 1.6 km connecting Fukue Island and Ose Island. The ocean overlooking the bridge is emerald green.


3. Fukue Island Church

Fukue Island, which has the largest population in the Goto Islands and is convenient for transportation, is recommended as a base for sightseeing in the Goto Islands. Fukue Island has many other attractions besides the churches and villages registered as World Heritage Sites. For example, Oura Cathedral is the oldest wooden Gothic church in Japan, and its beautiful white exterior is impressive. Also, the Fukue Castle ruins are the only castle ruins in Japan that are called castles on the sea, and are now maintained as a park.


  4. Castle Town Hirado

Hirado, which has the second largest population in the Goto Islands, is a historic city that flourished as a castle town of the Matsuura clan that lasted for over 400 years, and has historical sites such as Hirado Castle and samurai residences. It also has a unique culture influenced by Christian culture and exchanges with the Netherlands. For example, Hirado castella is a confectionery that the people of Hirado have adapted from the Dutch castella, and is characterized by its fluffy texture and sweetness. Hirado Ohashi is a 1.3km long bridge that connects Hirado Island and the mainland, and is one of the largest arch bridges in Japan. From the bridge, you can see the scenery of Hirado Castle and Nagasaki City on the opposite bank.


  5. Gourmet of the Goto Islands

The Goto Islands are rich in fresh seafood unique to remote islands surrounded by the sea. In particular, Goto Udon is famous as a specialty of the Goto Islands. Goto udon is thick, chewy noodles made only from wheat flour and salt water. Goto somen is thinner and lighter than Goto udon, and is often eaten cold. We also recommend meat dishes such as Goto beef and Goto herb pork, as well as local dishes such as Goto rice and Goto sushi.


  6. Summary

The Goto Islands have many places to see and taste, such as churches and villages registered as World Heritage Sites, beautiful nature and scenic spots, castle towns where you can experience history and culture, fresh and delicious seafood and local cuisine. Please fully enjoy the charm of the Goto Islands while feeling the relaxed time and atmosphere unique to remote islands.




Here is a website where you can obtain detailed information about Goto Islands.

https://goto.nagasaki-tabinet.com/

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