What to know
The Goto Islands (五島列島, Gotō-rettō, literally "five-island archipelago") lie about 100 kilometers west of Kyushu in the East China Sea, part of Nagasaki Prefecture. As the name suggests, the chain comprises five main islands and many smaller ones. Fukue Island and Nakadori Island are the most populated and frequently visited.
The islands are famous for their Christian heritage. Due to their isolation, they became a refuge for "Hidden Christians" who secretly practiced their faith during the two-century ban on Christianity. The ban was lifted in 1873, and today dozens of churches dot the islands. Four of these were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the summer of 2018.
Beyond the churches, the Goto Islands boast stunning natural scenery: beautiful beaches, mountains, and charming traditional fishing villages. One of the best ways to appreciate the landscape is from a ferry traveling between islands, offering views of the rugged coastlines.
Historically, the Goto Islands served as the last port of call for Japanese missions to Tang China from the 7th to 9th centuries. Many scholars, including Kukai and Saicho—who later introduced Shingon and Tendai Buddhism to Japan—departed from here. Several sites linked to Kukai remain popular tourist attractions today.
