Journey into the sacred and hidden history of the Goto Islands! This premium 1-day island-hopping tour takes you deep into the UNESCO World Heritage Hidden Christian Sites. You will travel by ferry and a private water taxi to explore historic churches nestled in pristine nature, including the famous Former Gorin Church and Egami Catholic Church. The adventure culminates in a thrilling coastal cruise past the legendary Christian Cave and the natural Harinomendo rock arch.
Options
Private Plan (Flat rate for 1–5 people)
Private Plan (for 6~8 people)
The Highlight
A fairytale-like pastel wooden church nestled deep within a lush, quiet forest.
The Experience
Egami Catholic Church Set against a backdrop of vibrant green woods on Naru Island, the Egami Catholic Church is celebrated as one of the most beautiful wooden churches in Japan. Built in 1918 by local Christians who saved up their earnings from fishing, this UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece features a charming cream-colored exterior, light blue window frames, and hand-painted stained glass designed to resemble cherry blossoms.
Former Gorin Church Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Former Gorin Church is a rare architectural treasure built in 1881. Tucked away in a remote, peaceful cove with no direct road access, this simple wooden structure beautifully blends traditional Japanese home-building techniques with western gothic ribbed vault ceilings. It stands as a silent, moving monument to the faith and resilience of the Hidden Christians who once lived in this isolated settlement.
Christian Cave Accessible only by water taxi, the Christian Cave is a historic sea cave located on the rugged cliffs of Wakamatsu Island. During the height of the religious persecution in the Edo/Meiji period, several Christian families hid inside this narrow cave to practice their faith in secret. Today, a white statue of Christ stands inside the cave, visible from the boat as a symbol of remembrance.
Harinomendo Harinomendo is a fascinating natural rock formation on the coast of Naru Island, created by centuries of ocean erosion. When viewed from the sea, the opening of this collapsed sea cave forms a silhouette that bears a striking resemblance to the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus. It is said that Hidden Christians used to pray toward this natural formation from their boats during times of persecution.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Itinerary
- Include: Lunch
- 08:45Meet at Fukue Port Terminal 1F (in front of Goto Tourism Association Shop)
- 09:10We will travel from Fukue Port to Tanoura Port using the scheduled ferry *Seagull*.
- Hamawaki Church (view from car)
- Memorial Church and Monument to Martyrdom at the Site of Royanosako Jail
- Former Gorin Church
- Visit Egami Church (World Heritage)
- Lunch at Naru Island
- From our chartered cruise, we can view the natural rock formation known as 'Harinomendo'—which resembles the Madonna and Child—as well as the historic Christian Cave, which preserves the poignant history of Japan's hidden Christians
- 14:30The tour concludes at 14:30. For those returning to Fukue Island, the scheduled ferry is as follows: Wakamatsu Port 14:55 ⇒ Fukue Port 16:40
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
Weather on the ferry and open water taxi can be windy and chilly, even in summer. We recommend bringing a light windproof jacket.
The tour involves traveling by a regular ferry and a smaller, bumpy private water taxi (chartered boat). If you are prone to seasickness, please take motion sickness medication at least 30 minutes before departure (08:45 AM).
Important Booking Information
Please speak in soft whispers when inside the chapels.
The cruise to the Christian Cave and Harinomendo relies on safe sea conditions. If the waves are too high, the water taxi segment may be canceled or altered for safety. We appreciate your understanding.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 11 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 8 ~ 10 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel during 3 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel on 2 day(s) before departure, will charge 40%
- Cancel on 1 day(s) before departure, will charge 50%
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)
