Searching for the Simple Life?
Located 80km off the coast of Nagasaki city, Fukue-shima is a perfect
place for a detox from the city. Abounding in natural beauty, its rolling
hills and azure beaches are as-yet untapped by the commercial tourist
industry and can be accessed by a 40 minute flight from Fukuoka.
by Marika Galadza
To see and to do…
If you make it into Fukue on a Friday after work, you’ll find the largest town on the largest of the Goto Islands doesn’t offer much in terms of nightlife. This is perfect, however, since you’ll want to get an early start to your weekend! Catching a sunrise (or sunset) along the coastline is like watching the Japanese flag unfurl before your eyes. Takahama Beach in Miiraku and Osezaki Lighthouse in Tamanoura are great places to view the natural inspiration for the hinomaru. For rooms with a view, you can rent private cabins at San San Camping Villagein Tomie town or Gyougasaki Park. Both offer spacious and affordable accommodation as well as BBQ facilities.
Not just a recreational park, Gyougasaki is also historically significant as being the last point of departure on the expeditions to China made by Kukai, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Come here in late summer and you’ll catch the fields of colorful cosmos flowers at their peak.
Head along Highway route 162 and you’ll hit the lush green foothills of Okura. Here, you can feast on locally-grown brunch at Katashi, an organic-foods, crafts and alternative health co-op where 600 yen gets you a set meal that patrons eat together along a narrow table. Afterwards treat yourself to an in-house shiatsu massage by Yuko at Akounoki Chiryouin. For only 3,500 yen you get an hour and a half of unparalleled muscular bliss.
Across from Katashi you’ll find a sign for Otomari, a dragnet fishing spot for tourists. Here you can try your hand at the local pastime, but if fishing doesn’t tackle your fancy you can also go surfing,snorkeling, or scuba diving and catch a glimpse of Tomie’s pink sango and Fukue’s coral reef up close.
More landward inclined? Single speed bikes can be rented at Furusatokan Pavilion in downtown Fukue or at San San camping village in Tomie town and are great for perusing the ocean side bike path to Osezaki Lighthouse or the Miiraku area at a leisurely pace.
Culture vultures can check out one of the many Catholic churches scattered around the island. Dozaki Church, located North of downtown Fukue, is one of the oldest. Built in 1879, it now serves as a museum with exhibits on the kakure (hidden) Christians exiled under the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Next, work your way back into town to see Goto’s second most famous tourist destination, Mt. Onidake. At 315 meters tall,Onidake looms over Fukue city and is home to the Baramon kite flying festival every May. The views as well as the high winds from this old volcano’s caldera will blow you away.
Finally, reminisce over the day’s sights with a nightcap at Oruka.This eclectic restaurant is heavy on quirk and curry spice. If you get on the owner’s good side he will proudly immortalize you in Polaroid (along with most of the other diners he’s had since 1973)on one of the trinket-infested walls.
On day #2 pack your sunscreen and head to one of Japan’s most pristine beaches, Takahama. White sands and generous waves make this a popular spot for beach bums and surfers alike.Positioned above the surf, a monument to kannon, the goddess of mercy, serves as protector to weary seafarers. Her powers won’t exempt you from a sunburn though! Other notable surf and sun therapy spots are Koujushi, Mukata and Tontomari Beaches.
Make your last stop Abunze. Snuggled behind Mt. Onidake, and within 10 minutes of the airport, Abunze boasts a black lavaformed beach and quaint pottery shop next to the visitors’ center.Reward your sightseeing efforts with lunch at the Bike House,located on route 164 along the ocean in Shimosakiyama. Retro bike paraphernalia as well as antique photographs detailing some of the island‘s local history adorn the walls. Exhibit even a minute understanding of Japanese and owner Mr. Ideguchi will gladly tell you all about the Hetomato festival held here in January. A sight to behold, Hetomato consists of macho men and boys, smeared with soil and clad in nothing but loincloths, hoisting unsuspecting single women onto a 300 kg straw sandal. Can’t quite envision it? You’ll just have to come back in winter to see for yourself.
So what will a weekend romp in the inaka cost you? Rental cars range around 5,700 yen per day while an entire private beachfront chalet costs as little as 2,500 yen per night if shared amongst friends.Add to the bill a hyaku-en shop compass and you’re all set to get lost and find yourself amidst one of the many picturesque back roads and turquoise inlets the island has to offer.
Getting There and Around
Air
ANA
Fukuoka – Goto Fukue (approx. 40 min.)
One-way ticket: 18,300 yen (fares change seasonally)
2Toll free: 0120-029-222
Ferry direct from Fukuoka
Nomo Shosen
Hakata Futo Bayside Place – Goto Fukue Port (approx. 9.5 hrs.)
One-way ticket: adult 4,710 yen 2092-291-0510
Train from Fukuoka to Nagasaki
JR Kyushu
Hakata – Nagasaki (approx. 2 hrs.) One-way ticket: adult 4,710 yen
2092-411-1616
Ferry from Nagasaki to Goto
Kyushu Shosen
Nagasaki Port – Goto Fukue Port
Jetfoil (approx. 85 min.) / One-way ticket: adult 6,300 yen
Ferry (approx. 3.5 hrs) / One-way ticket (second class): 2,520 yen
2095-822-9153
Car Rental (Fukue)
Nissan Rent a Car
2-3-1 Higashihama-machi, Goto City 20959-72-5175
Accommodations
San San Camping Village
1333 Tsuchitori Tomie-cho, Goto City 20959-86-2920
Gyougasaki Park Cabins
1218-1 Kishiku, Kishiku-cho, Goto City 20959-82-0402
Restaurants
Oruka (near Fukue Port)
16-1 Shinminato-machi, Goto City
20959-72-8311
Katashi Shokudo
1-4-3 Miono Goto City 20959-72-7002
Bike House
983-4 Shimosakiyama-cho, Goto City
20959-73-6588
Activities
Goto Diving Sensuikan
1614 Tamanoura Tamanoura-cho, Goto City
20959-87-2223 (Mike for English 090-5937-5406)
Akounoki Chiryouin (massage by Yuko)
2462-1 Hirazou-cho, Goto City 20959-74-6588
Dozaki Church
2019 Okuura-cho, Goto City 20959-73-0705
シンプルライフを目指して
長崎港からほんの80キロ程離れた処に位置する福江島は、福岡から飛行機でわずか40分！自然豊かで大らかな空気に包まれた五島列島のひとつ、福江島は日々のシティライフからデトックスするのに最適な場所。
週末の街中で過ごすナイトライフも魅力的だけれど、たまには美しい白浜のビーチに囲まれた福江島で朝日や夕日を眺めるなんてどう？日本一美しい自然海岸といわれる高浜海岸や東シナ海に面して沖合い27キロまで照らす三井楽灯台、断崖絶壁に立つ大瀬崎灯台などを訪れて、圧巻の景色を感じるがまま身を委ねる、そんな贅沢も味わえる。宿泊はもちろん自然を堪能出来るキャビンがお薦め。さんさん富江キャンプ村や魚津ヶ崎公園キャンプ場では一人から利用できるバンガロー等の宿泊施設があるし、もちろんバーベキューも！
美しい自然に溢れる福江島は、釣りやサーフィン、シュノーケリングなども人気で、この地特有の珊瑚礁は必見。さんさんキャンプ村ではレンタサイクル（2時間200円）もあるので、大瀬崎灯台へと続く海沿いを走るのも壮快だし、カルデラの鬼岳から続く黒い溶岩海岸、鐙瀬（あぶんぜ）も見てほしいな。
お腹が空いたら港近くにある”かたし食堂”で地元の食材を使った定食をいただき、休憩がてら祐子さんの指圧マッサージを受けるのもお薦めよ。
五島には高浜以外にも、香珠子海水浴場（増田町）、六方海水浴場（平蔵町）、頓泊海水浴場（玉之浦町頓泊）など遠浅で美しい白浜のビーチがたくさんあるから、お気に入りを探してビーチ巡りも楽しめるはず。友だちとレンタカーを借りてビーチを望むバンガローに泊まる、そんなシンプルライフを求めて今週末は五島に脱出しよう！
Searching for the Simple Life?
Located 80km off the coast of Nagasaki city, Fukue-shima is a perfect
place for a detox from the city. Abounding in natural beauty, its rolling
hills and azure beaches are as-yet untapped by the commercial tourist
industry and can be accessed by a 40 minute flight from Fukuoka.
by Marika Galadza
To see and to do…
If you make it into Fukue on a Friday after work, you’ll find the largest town on the largest of the Goto Islands doesn’t offer much in terms of nightlife. This is perfect, however, since you’ll want to get an early start to your weekend! Catching a sunrise (or sunset) along the coastline is like watching the Japanese flag unfurl before your eyes. Takahama Beach in Miiraku and Osezaki Lighthouse in Tamanoura are great places to view the natural inspiration for the hinomaru. For rooms with a view, you can rent private cabins at San San Camping Villagein Tomie town or Gyougasaki Park. Both offer spacious and affordable accommodation as well as BBQ facilities.
Not just a recreational park, Gyougasaki is also historically significant as being the last point of departure on the expeditions to China made by Kukai, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Come here in late summer and you’ll catch the fields of colorful cosmos flowers at their peak.
Head along Highway route 162 and you’ll hit the lush green foothills of Okura. Here, you can feast on locally-grown brunch at Katashi, an organic-foods, crafts and alternative health co-op where 600 yen gets you a set meal that patrons eat together along a narrow table. Afterwards treat yourself to an in-house shiatsu massage by Yuko at Akounoki Chiryouin. For only 3,500 yen you get an hour and a half of unparalleled muscular bliss.
Across from Katashi you’ll find a sign for Otomari, a dragnet fishing spot for tourists. Here you can try your hand at the local pastime, but if fishing doesn’t tackle your fancy you can also go surfing,snorkeling, or scuba diving and catch a glimpse of Tomie’s pink sango and Fukue’s coral reef up close.
More landward inclined? Single speed bikes can be rented at Furusatokan Pavilion in downtown Fukue or at San San camping village in Tomie town and are great for perusing the ocean side bike path to Osezaki Lighthouse or the Miiraku area at a leisurely pace.
Culture vultures can check out one of the many Catholic churches scattered around the island. Dozaki Church, located North of downtown Fukue, is one of the oldest. Built in 1879, it now serves as a museum with exhibits on the kakure (hidden) Christians exiled under the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Next, work your way back into town to see Goto’s second most famous tourist destination, Mt. Onidake. At 315 meters tall,Onidake looms over Fukue city and is home to the Baramon kite flying festival every May. The views as well as the high winds from this old volcano’s caldera will blow you away.
Finally, reminisce over the day’s sights with a nightcap at Oruka.This eclectic restaurant is heavy on quirk and curry spice. If you get on the owner’s good side he will proudly immortalize you in Polaroid (along with most of the other diners he’s had since 1973)on one of the trinket-infested walls.
On day #2 pack your sunscreen and head to one of Japan’s most pristine beaches, Takahama. White sands and generous waves make this a popular spot for beach bums and surfers alike.Positioned above the surf, a monument to kannon, the goddess of mercy, serves as protector to weary seafarers. Her powers won’t exempt you from a sunburn though! Other notable surf and sun therapy spots are Koujushi, Mukata and Tontomari Beaches.
Make your last stop Abunze. Snuggled behind Mt. Onidake, and within 10 minutes of the airport, Abunze boasts a black lavaformed beach and quaint pottery shop next to the visitors’ center.Reward your sightseeing efforts with lunch at the Bike House,located on route 164 along the ocean in Shimosakiyama. Retro bike paraphernalia as well as antique photographs detailing some of the island‘s local history adorn the walls. Exhibit even a minute understanding of Japanese and owner Mr. Ideguchi will gladly tell you all about the Hetomato festival held here in January. A sight to behold, Hetomato consists of macho men and boys, smeared with soil and clad in nothing but loincloths, hoisting unsuspecting single women onto a 300 kg straw sandal. Can’t quite envision it? You’ll just have to come back in winter to see for yourself.
So what will a weekend romp in the inaka cost you? Rental cars range around 5,700 yen per day while an entire private beachfront chalet costs as little as 2,500 yen per night if shared amongst friends.Add to the bill a hyaku-en shop compass and you’re all set to get lost and find yourself amidst one of the many picturesque back roads and turquoise inlets the island has to offer.
Getting There and Around
Air
ANA
Fukuoka – Goto Fukue (approx. 40 min.)
One-way ticket: 18,300 yen (fares change seasonally)
2Toll free: 0120-029-222
Ferry direct from Fukuoka
Nomo Shosen
Hakata Futo Bayside Place – Goto Fukue Port (approx. 9.5 hrs.)
One-way ticket: adult 4,710 yen 2092-291-0510
Train from Fukuoka to Nagasaki
JR Kyushu
Hakata – Nagasaki (approx. 2 hrs.) One-way ticket: adult 4,710 yen
2092-411-1616
Ferry from Nagasaki to Goto
Kyushu Shosen
Nagasaki Port – Goto Fukue Port
Jetfoil (approx. 85 min.) / One-way ticket: adult 6,300 yen
Ferry (approx. 3.5 hrs) / One-way ticket (second class): 2,520 yen
2095-822-9153
Car Rental (Fukue)
Nissan Rent a Car
2-3-1 Higashihama-machi, Goto City 20959-72-5175
Accommodations
San San Camping Village
1333 Tsuchitori Tomie-cho, Goto City 20959-86-2920
Gyougasaki Park Cabins
1218-1 Kishiku, Kishiku-cho, Goto City 20959-82-0402
Restaurants
Oruka (near Fukue Port)
16-1 Shinminato-machi, Goto City
20959-72-8311
Katashi Shokudo
1-4-3 Miono Goto City 20959-72-7002
Bike House
983-4 Shimosakiyama-cho, Goto City
20959-73-6588
Activities
Goto Diving Sensuikan
1614 Tamanoura Tamanoura-cho, Goto City
20959-87-2223 (Mike for English 090-5937-5406)
Akounoki Chiryouin (massage by Yuko)
2462-1 Hirazou-cho, Goto City 20959-74-6588
Dozaki Church
2019 Okuura-cho, Goto City 20959-73-0705
Searching for the Simple Life?
Located 80km off the coast of Nagasaki city, Fukue-shima is a perfect
place for a detox from the city. Abounding in natural beauty, its rolling
hills and azure beaches are as-yet untapped by the commercial tourist
industry and can be accessed by a 40 minute flight from Fukuoka.
by Marika Galadza
To see and to do…
If you make it into Fukue on a Friday after work, you’ll find the largest town on the largest of the Goto Islands doesn’t offer much in terms of nightlife. This is perfect, however, since you’ll want to get an early start to your weekend! Catching a sunrise (or sunset) along the coastline is like watching the Japanese flag unfurl before your eyes. Takahama Beach in Miiraku and Osezaki Lighthouse in Tamanoura are great places to view the natural inspiration for the hinomaru. For rooms with a view, you can rent private cabins at San San Camping Villagein Tomie town or Gyougasaki Park. Both offer spacious and affordable accommodation as well as BBQ facilities.
Not just a recreational park, Gyougasaki is also historically significant as being the last point of departure on the expeditions to China made by Kukai, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Come here in late summer and you’ll catch the fields of colorful cosmos flowers at their peak.
Head along Highway route 162 and you’ll hit the lush green foothills of Okura. Here, you can feast on locally-grown brunch at Katashi, an organic-foods, crafts and alternative health co-op where 600 yen gets you a set meal that patrons eat together along a narrow table. Afterwards treat yourself to an in-house shiatsu massage by Yuko at Akounoki Chiryouin. For only 3,500 yen you get an hour and a half of unparalleled muscular bliss.
Across from Katashi you’ll find a sign for Otomari, a dragnet fishing spot for tourists. Here you can try your hand at the local pastime, but if fishing doesn’t tackle your fancy you can also go surfing,snorkeling, or scuba diving and catch a glimpse of Tomie’s pink sango and Fukue’s coral reef up close.
More landward inclined? Single speed bikes can be rented at Furusatokan Pavilion in downtown Fukue or at San San camping village in Tomie town and are great for perusing the ocean side bike path to Osezaki Lighthouse or the Miiraku area at a leisurely pace.
Culture vultures can check out one of the many Catholic churches scattered around the island. Dozaki Church, located North of downtown Fukue, is one of the oldest. Built in 1879, it now serves as a museum with exhibits on the kakure (hidden) Christians exiled under the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Next, work your way back into town to see Goto’s second most famous tourist destination, Mt. Onidake. At 315 meters tall,Onidake looms over Fukue city and is home to the Baramon kite flying festival every May. The views as well as the high winds from this old volcano’s caldera will blow you away.
Finally, reminisce over the day’s sights with a nightcap at Oruka.This eclectic restaurant is heavy on quirk and curry spice. If you get on the owner’s good side he will proudly immortalize you in Polaroid (along with most of the other diners he’s had since 1973)on one of the trinket-infested walls.
On day #2 pack your sunscreen and head to one of Japan’s most pristine beaches, Takahama. White sands and generous waves make this a popular spot for beach bums and surfers alike.Positioned above the surf, a monument to kannon, the goddess of mercy, serves as protector to weary seafarers. Her powers won’t exempt you from a sunburn though! Other notable surf and sun therapy spots are Koujushi, Mukata and Tontomari Beaches.
Make your last stop Abunze. Snuggled behind Mt. Onidake, and within 10 minutes of the airport, Abunze boasts a black lavaformed beach and quaint pottery shop next to the visitors’ center.Reward your sightseeing efforts with lunch at the Bike House,located on route 164 along the ocean in Shimosakiyama. Retro bike paraphernalia as well as antique photographs detailing some of the island‘s local history adorn the walls. Exhibit even a minute understanding of Japanese and owner Mr. Ideguchi will gladly tell you all about the Hetomato festival held here in January. A sight to behold, Hetomato consists of macho men and boys, smeared with soil and clad in nothing but loincloths, hoisting unsuspecting single women onto a 300 kg straw sandal. Can’t quite envision it? You’ll just have to come back in winter to see for yourself.
So what will a weekend romp in the inaka cost you? Rental cars range around 5,700 yen per day while an entire private beachfront chalet costs as little as 2,500 yen per night if shared amongst friends.Add to the bill a hyaku-en shop compass and you’re all set to get lost and find yourself amidst one of the many picturesque back roads and turquoise inlets the island has to offer.
Getting There and Around
Air
ANA
Fukuoka – Goto Fukue (approx. 40 min.)
One-way ticket: 18,300 yen (fares change seasonally)
2Toll free: 0120-029-222
Ferry direct from Fukuoka
Nomo Shosen
Hakata Futo Bayside Place – Goto Fukue Port (approx. 9.5 hrs.)
One-way ticket: adult 4,710 yen 2092-291-0510
Train from Fukuoka to Nagasaki
JR Kyushu
Hakata – Nagasaki (approx. 2 hrs.) One-way ticket: adult 4,710 yen
2092-411-1616
Ferry from Nagasaki to Goto
Kyushu Shosen
Nagasaki Port – Goto Fukue Port
Jetfoil (approx. 85 min.) / One-way ticket: adult 6,300 yen
Ferry (approx. 3.5 hrs) / One-way ticket (second class): 2,520 yen
2095-822-9153
Car Rental (Fukue)
Nissan Rent a Car
2-3-1 Higashihama-machi, Goto City 20959-72-5175
Accommodations
San San Camping Village
1333 Tsuchitori Tomie-cho, Goto City 20959-86-2920
Gyougasaki Park Cabins
1218-1 Kishiku, Kishiku-cho, Goto City 20959-82-0402
Restaurants
Oruka (near Fukue Port)
16-1 Shinminato-machi, Goto City
20959-72-8311
Katashi Shokudo
1-4-3 Miono Goto City 20959-72-7002
Bike House
983-4 Shimosakiyama-cho, Goto City
20959-73-6588
Activities
Goto Diving Sensuikan
1614 Tamanoura Tamanoura-cho, Goto City
20959-87-2223 (Mike for English 090-5937-5406)
Akounoki Chiryouin (massage by Yuko)
2462-1 Hirazou-cho, Goto City 20959-74-6588
Dozaki Church
2019 Okuura-cho, Goto City 20959-73-0705
