Goto Islands Private Tour of UNESCO Hidden Christian Sites

8 hoursEnglishBook 2 days aheadNagasaki, Japan

From

$655

Explore the rich history of the Goto Islands on this private, all-inclusive tour. Journey through UNESCO-listed Hidden Christian Sites, including the stunning Egami Catholic Church and the Former Gorin Church, both masterpieces of architecture nestled within nature. Enjoy a coastal cruise to see the historic Christian Cave and the unique Harinomendo rock formation that resembles the Virgin Mary. This 8-hour excursion includes charter car and cruise, lunch, round trip ferry rides, and a knowledgeable to enrich your experience with local insights.

Included

Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Ferry fee (Fukue port ⇒ Tanoura port, Wakamatsu port ⇒ Fukue port)
Admission fee
English Interpreter
Specialized Guide for Christian Pilgrimages (Japanese)
Chartered cruise fee

Not included

Expenses not mentioned

What you'll do

Hamawaki Church (view from car)
Catholic Rōya-no-Sako Martyrdom Memorial Cathedral
15 minAdmission included
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.
25 minAdmission included
Egami Church
1131 Narumachi Okushi, Goto, Japan
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.
30 minAdmission included
Naru Island
Goto, Japan
Lunch on Naru Island. We’ll enjoy a meal featuring fish caught that very day. *Photo for illustrative purposes only.
50 minAdmission included
Christian Cave
Wakamatsugo, Shinkamigoto-cho, Japan
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.
1 hour

Meeting and pickup

3 locations

Pickup details

Fukue Port Terminal 1st Floor (In front of the Goto City Tourism Association Souvenir Shop)

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Weather on the ferry and open water taxi can be windy and chilly, even in summer. We recommend bringing a light windproof jacket.