Naru Island

Official Travel Guide to Naru Island in the Goto Islands

ABOUT NARUSHIMA

Narushima is a quiet escape for travelers looking for the off-the-beaten path

If you love traveling to places that have not been overtaken by crowds or commercial tourism, Narushima is exactly the kind of hidden gem you are looking for.

A quiet island in the center of the Goto Islands

Located near the center of the Goto archipelago, this quiet island remains largely unknown to the outside world. It was an independent island town until it merged with Goto City in 2004, and it only recently caught global attention in 2018, when its charming Egami Church and surrounding village became part of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing.

Despite its world-class heritage, Narushima remains untouched, offering a rare look at a side of Japan few outsiders ever see.

Pilgrimage routes walked by Hidden Christians

For centuries, Narushima's rugged, isolated geography served as a vital sanctuary for Japan's Hidden Christians (Kakure Kirishitan) fleeing persecution on the mainland. To survive, these resilient communities blended into the island's existing Shinto and Buddhist villages, practicing their faith in secret behind closed doors.

Today, local community members are working to restore the historic, centuries-old pilgrimage routes once walked by generations of Hidden Christians, offering modern travelers a chance to walk through living history.

Deep blue seas and emerald water

No portrait of Narushima is complete without its pristine, untouched beauty: deep blue seas and crystal-clear emerald water. The island is strikingly scenic for its raw, dramatic nature.

As part of Goto Islands Geopark, Narushima's coastlines are defined by breathtaking geological wonders.

Rich currents, fishing, and seafood

For outdoor and leisure enthusiasts, these nutrient-rich currents have earned Narushima a legendary reputation among Japanese fishermen.

The surrounding waters boast an incredible variety of fish, celebrated by visiting anglers as some of the most delicious seafood in the entire country.

The best part is the people

The best part of Narushima, though, is the people. Today's locals are the direct descendants of the Hidden Christians, Buddhists, and Shinto parishioners who have lived side by side, supporting one another for generations.

It is a remarkably friendly, tight-knit community of around 1,700 islanders that genuinely welcomes visitors. There are plenty of hands-on local experiences to try, from heading out on a fishing boat to learning traditional island crafts. If you want to slow down, connect with history, and experience authentic island life, Narushima is a place you will not want to skip.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Find what you need for a trip to Naru Island

Check how to get to Naru Island

See routes from Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Fukue to Naru Island by boat, plus the basics of getting around the island.

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Find sightseeing spots

Browse places to visit on Naru Island, including history, culture, nature, beaches, viewpoints, and museums.

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Find activities

Look for SUP, fishing, sea activities, crafts, and other experiences that match your time on Naru Island.

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Find places to stay

Browse inns, guesthouses, private rentals, and other stays to match your travel style.

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Find restaurants

Search for lunch, dinner, cafes, bars, and other places to eat on the island.

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Find spots on the map

Plan your route while checking sightseeing spots, activities, stays, and restaurants.

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NEWS

News

News
2025-06-19 01:52
Goto City Community Revitalization Volunteers — Island Navi Team Now Recruiting!
News
2025-06-19 17:52
July 6 is Naru Day!
News
2026-06-22 18:30
The Naru Day Event Is Back Again This Year 🚩
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FEATURED INFORMATION

Featured Information

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TRAVEL BASICS

Things to know before visiting

How do I get to the island?

You can travel to Naru Island by ferry from either Nagasaki Port or Fukuoka Port. Both high-speed vessels and car ferries operate on these routes. Services may be canceled or delayed depending on the weather, so we recommend checking the latest service information in advance. Fukuoka → Naru Island (Taiko ferry) Nomo Shosen https://www.nomo.co.jp/taiko/ Nagasaki ⇔ Fukue Island / Naru Island (ferry) Kyushu Shosen https://kyusho.co.jp/ Fukue Island ⇔ Naru Island (ferry) Goto Ryokyakusen https://goto-ryokyakusen.com/ Fukuoka → Goto Fukue Airport Nagasaki → Goto Fukue Airport (Codeshare flights operated by ORC, ANA, and JAL) ORC https://www.orc-air.co.jp/ ANA https://www.ana.co.jp/ja/jp/ JAL https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/ja/ For more information, please see: https://naru-island.com/access

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Are there places to eat?

Yes, there are several places to eat, including restaurants serving set meals and cafés. They may become crowded during the tourist season and on weekends, so we recommend making a reservation and checking opening hours in advance. For more information, please see: https://naru-island.com/en/foods

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Can I rent a bicycle?

Electric bicycles are available for rent at Naru Rent-A-Car. They are convenient for sightseeing and short trips. Naru Rent-A-Car (inside Naru Port Terminal) Address: 1817 Ura, Naru Town TEL 0959-64-2148 https://www.naru-rentalcar.jp/

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