Goto Islands: Private All-inclusive Tour of UNESCO's Hidden Christian Heritage

Egami Catholic Church

Perched amidst lush green forests on Naru Island, Egami Catholic Church is renowned as one of Japan's most stunning wooden churches. Constructed in 1918 by local Christians who pooled their fishing earnings, this UNESCO World Heritage jewel boasts a delightful cream-hued exterior, light blue window frames, and hand-painted stained glass that evokes the beauty of cherry blossoms.

Former Gorin Church

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Former Gorin Church is a unique architectural gem established in 1881. Nestled in a secluded, tranquil cove without direct road access, this modest wooden edifice seamlessly merges traditional Japanese building styles with western gothic ribbed vault ceilings. It serves as a poignant testament to the faith and perseverance of the Hidden Christians who once inhabited this remote community.

Christian Cave

Only reachable by water taxi, the Christian Cave is a historic sea cave situated on the rugged cliffs of Wakamatsu Island. During the severe religious oppression in the Edo/Meiji period, numerous Christian families sought refuge within this narrow cave to secretly practice their beliefs. Presently, a white statue of Christ resides inside the cave, visible from the boat as a poignant symbol of remembrance.

Harinomendo

Harinomendo is an intriguing natural rock formation along the coast of Naru Island, shaped by centuries of ocean erosion. When observed from the sea, the entrance of this collapsed sea cave creates a silhouette resembling the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus. It is said that Hidden Christians would pray towards this natural feature from their boats during periods of persecution.

Highlights

• A whimsical pastel-hued wooden church located deep within a tranquil, verdant forest.

Itinerary

• Meet at Fukue Port Terminal 1F (in front of Goto Tourism Association Shop)
• We 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
• The tour concludes at Wakamatsu Port.
• The ferry schedule for the return to Fukue Island is as follows: Depart Wakamatsu Port at 14:55 → Arrive at Fukue Port at 16:40 (Accompanied by an interpreter-guide; the ferry fare is included in the tour price.)

Price Details

Included

• Lunch
• Admission fee
• Ferry fare
• Car fare
• Local guide
• English guide
• Chartered cruise fee

Not included

• Expenses not mentioned
• Tips

Important Information

• Please speak in soft whispers when inside the chapels.

• 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).

• 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.

Purchase Notice

• Please refrain from bringing large luggage.

• The itinerary includes a section of mountain trail that involves walking downhill for approximately 500 meters.

• Please refrain from participating if you are not confident in your mobility, as the tour involves boarding and disembarking from the boat and walking sections. (Wheelchairs are not permitted.)

• Please note that you may not be able to tour the interior of the church due to Mass (worship services) or other events.

• Please be aware that the tour may be canceled due to rough seas; please understand this before booking.

• Note: Infunt who require a seat on any mode of transportation, please book them at the adult rate. If a seat is not required for a toddler, the travel fare will be free. However, please be sure to specify the number of children at the time of booking.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 11 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 10 day(s) before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 3 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• 2 day(s) before the activity date: 40% cancellation fee
• 1 day(s) before the activity date: 50% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 100% cancellation fee