【Beginner's Guide to Traveling to the Goto Islands】Explanations of various access methods!＜Nagasaki＞

First things first! A comprehensive guide to accessing the Goto Islands

Access Method 1: Airplane

You can access the Goto Islands by plane as there is the Goto-Tsubaki Airport on Fukue Island. However, as of February 2022, the airports with routes to Goto-Tsubaki Airport are only "Nagasaki Airport" or "Fukuoka Airport." If you are coming from another prefecture, you need to make a stopover at either of these airports, so please keep that in mind! For this route, "ANA (All Nippon Airways)" and "ORC (Oriental Air Bridge)" are operating flights in codeshare (excluding some flights). It's convenient because you can purchase tickets from both ANA and ORC!

Access Method 2: Ferry

There are ferry services to the Goto Islands from "Hakata Port," "Nagasaki Port," and "Sasebo Port." From Hakata Port, Nomo Shosen operates regular ferries, and from Nagasaki Port, Kyushu Shosen operates jet foils and ferries. From Sasebo Port, you can visit Kamigoto Island. Let me introduce you to the representative ports of the Goto Islands!

● Fukue Port

Fukue Island is the largest island in the Goto Islands. Fukue Port serves as its gateway. Ships arrive and depart not only from Fukuoka and Nagasaki but also from various islands in the Goto Islands. It offers numerous scenic spots, historical churches, and stargazing from Mt. Onidake Observatory. It's a must-visit island for your first trip to the Goto Islands.

● Ojika Port

Ojika Island is located at the northern end of the Goto Islands. It can be accessed from Hakata Port and Sasebo Port. Most of the island is designated as the Saikai National Park and has earned the title of "the most beautiful village in Japan." You can leisurely enjoy the island's laid-back atmosphere.

● Aokata Port

Aokata Port is located on Nakatō Island in Shinkamigoto Town. It is a transit point for the Taiko Ferry that operates between Hakata Port and Fukue Port. Shinkamigoto Town, where Aokata Port is located, is home to tourist spots such as the "Togashima Tenshudo Church" and "Christian Caves." Be sure to visit them!

● Arikawa Port

Arikawa Port is located in Kamigoto, the northern gateway to Shinkamigoto Town. There is the "Whale Guesthouse Museum," where you can learn about the whaling history of the town. Why not make a stop there?

● Ukuhira Port

Ferries operate from Ojika Port, Sasebo Port, and Hakata Port. It serves as the gateway to Uku Island. Uku Island, a naturally rich island made of volcanic rock, is said to be the island where the defeated Heike Clan arrived after the Battle of Dan-no-ura. You can feel the historical romance from numerous historical sites and cultural heritage.

Which is the most cost-effective access method?

If you want to choose the most cost-effective access method, I highly recommend the jet foils and ferries! While airplanes significantly reduce travel time, the ticket prices can exceed 10,000 yen, which can be a drawback... Depending on your budget and if you have enough time, choosing jet foils and ferries can be a cheaper option. Both airplanes and ferries have their pros and cons. Consider your travel schedule and other sightseeing plans beyond the Goto Islands when choosing your access method.

A detailed explanation of access routes to the Goto Islands!

By Airplane: From Nagasaki Airport or Fukuoka Airport to Fukue Island

As mentioned earlier, you can access the Goto Islands by plane from Nagasaki Airport or Fukuoka Airport. Currently, the only airport with flights landing and taking off is Goto-Tsubaki Airport on Fukue Island. The travel time to the Goto Islands from both Nagasaki and Fukuoka airports does not differ significantly. If you are accessing the Goto Islands from another prefecture via a connecting flight, allow for about an hour of buffer time considering potential congestion.

Nagasaki to Fukue Island (Goto City): 40-45 minutes Fukuoka to Fukue Island (Goto City): 30 minutes

As for fares, it's slightly more cost-effective to depart from Nagasaki. The ticket prices generally range from around 11,800 yen, depending on the travel season and whether you choose ANA or ORC. Departing from Fukuoka costs around 18,210 yen. It is recommended to use the airport in your own prefecture as the base for your trip.

From Nagasaki Port: Using Jet Foils or Ferries to Fukue Island (Goto City) or Nakatō Island (Shinkamigoto Town)

Nagasaki Port is located in the center of Nagasaki City. From here, there are services to both Kamigoto and Shimogoto. To reach Kamigoto (Nakatō Island), disembark at Narao Port or Arikawa Port, and to reach Shimogoto (Fukue Island), disembark at Fukue Port.

Nagasaki Port to Fukue Island (Goto City): Jet foils and ferries operated by Kyushu Shosen are available. The travel time by jet foil is just under 2 hours. The fare for adults starts from 7,000 yen. Although it is a relatively short duration for high-speed access, the ferry takes longer, ranging from 3 hours and 10 minutes to 3 hours and 55 minutes. However, the fare is more reasonable, starting from just under 3,000 yen.

Nagasaki Port to Nakatō Island (Shinkamigoto Town): The representative ports on Nakatō Island (Shinkamigoto Town) are Narao Port and Arikawa Port. Kyushu Shosen operates services to these ports, including jet foils and ferries. Here are the travel times:

Nagasaki Port to Narao Port: Jet foil - shortest time is 1 hour and 10 minutes, ferry - 2 hours and 35 minutes to 5 hours and 20 minutes. Nagasaki Port to Arikawa Port: High-speed boat - 1 hour and 43 minutes. Belt Line offers discounted boarding tickets, so be sure to check them out if you're interested!

From Sasebo Port: Using High-speed Boats or Ferries to Nakatō Island (Shinkamigoto Town), Ojika Island, and Uku Island

There are three ports accessible from Sasebo Port: Arikawa Port, Ojika Port, and Ukuhira Port. To reach Arikawa Port, ferries bound for Kamigoto operated by Kyushu Shosen, such as "Ferry Najimi" and "Ferry Inori," are available. The travel time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the fare is 2,940 yen (one way), making it relatively quick and accessible. To reach Nosaki Island, where the old Nokubi Church stands, take the ferry to Ojika and transfer to the municipal ship. Ojika Port and Ukuhira Port are served by high-speed boats "Sea Queen" and "Big Us 2," operated by Kyushu Shosen. The travel time to Ojika Port is about 2 hours and 10 minutes, and to Ukuhira Port is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

From Hakata Port: Using Overnight Ferries to Fukue Island (Goto City) or Nakatō Island (Shinkamigoto Town)

Hakata Port offers the overnight ferry service "Taiko" operated by Nomo Shosen. Departing from Hakata Port at night, the ferry stops at the four islands of the Goto Islands and arrives at Fukue Port the next morning. This convenience allows you to easily embark on a trip to the Goto Islands even after finishing work on a weekend. Arriving in the morning also allows for longer sightseeing time on the islands.

Moreover, the Taiko ferry is well-equipped with soundproof facilities, ensuring a comfortable sleep on the ship. It can also accommodate the loading of automobiles, making it a perfect choice for those considering renting a car for sightseeing. The downward departure to the Goto Islands is at 23:45 from Terminal 2 of Hakata Pier. It arrives at Aofata Port on Nakatō Island (Shinkamigoto Town) at 5:40 and at Fukue Port on Fukue Island (Goto City) at 8:15. As for fares, they vary depending on the type of accommodation room. For a cost-effective option, consider adding 2,200 yen to the passenger fare for the use of a green sleeper.

Furthermore, for those considering Aofata Port, there is good news! There is a free rest area in the terminal where you can spend your time leisurely if you arrive early in the morning or have time until your scheduled activities.

A summary of essential information you should know before your trip

Conquer Inter-Island Access and Fully Enjoy the Goto Islands

Whether it's your first time or you're a repeat visitor, I highly recommend exploring the distinctive islands of the Goto Islands! From the largest Fukue Island to the captivating Kirishitan sites of Kuga Island and Naro Island, the breathtaking emerald-green beaches of Wakamatsu Island and Nakatō Island, and other islands such as Ojika Island, Nosaki Island, and Uku Island, there is no shortage of attractions. The only way to travel between these islands is by boat. Enjoy island hopping by taking advantage of the regular services and sea taxis operated by Kyushu Shosen and Nomo Shosen. If you are planning a 2-day, 1-night trip, here's a sample itinerary:

• Sightseeing in Goto City: Land on Fukue Island and explore Fukue Island → Naro Island → Kuga Island.
• Sightseeing in Shinkamigoto Town: Land on Nakatō Island and explore Nakatō Island → Wakamatsu Island and other nearby islands.

If you have more than two nights to leisurely explore both Goto City and Shinkamigoto Town, it is convenient to pre-book tickets for the inter-island routes connecting Fukue Island and Kamigoto Island (Nakatō Island).

Make Your Kyushu Trip More Comfortable with "Kyushu Norimono Info.com"

Traveling in unfamiliar territory can be quite challenging with the need to research transportation options. From taking a flight, transferring to buses, and even checking ferry schedules to reach the Goto Islands, it can be a hassle to look up timetables and operating conditions. That's where "Kyushu Norimono Info.com" comes in handy. This website allows you to conveniently check information about public transportation, railways, buses, ferries, and flights throughout Kyushu! With the fluctuating operational status due to the COVID-19 pandemic, being able to gather information on the site is beneficial. By doing thorough research before your trip and deciding how to get to your tourist destinations and navigate within Kyushu, you can enjoy a smooth travel experience!

You're All Set for Accessing the Goto Islands!

In this guide, we've covered various ways to access the Goto Islands. There are several factors to consider, such as whether you'll be basing your trip in Fukuoka or Nagasaki, whether you prefer a relaxed journey or quick access, and if you want to keep costs down. If you're traveling from another prefecture, taking a flight is by far the fastest option, but it can also exceed your travel budget if the airfare is high. Additionally, you'll need to purchase tickets in advance. On the other hand, traveling by ferry is cheaper, allows for easy ticket reservation changes, but it does come with the drawback of longer travel times.

We encourage you to compare the pros and cons of each option and customize your travel plan accordingly.

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