Fukue Island Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and explore in Fukue Island with our comprehensive travel guide. From historical sites to outdoor adventures, find everything you need to plan your trip to Fukue Island today.


Introduction to Fukue Island

Fukue Island is a paradise located in the heart of the East China Sea. With its pristine beaches, lush forests, and rich cultural heritage, it draws visitors from around the world every year. As part of the Gotō Islands, in Nagasaki prefecture, on Kyushu island, Fukue Island offers an array of exciting activities and attractions, making it the perfect getaway destination.

List of Places to Visit in Fukue Island

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Fukue Island has a long history, and visitors can learn about it by visiting its various museums and historical sites. Some of the most popular places to visit are:

  1. Fukue Island Remote Island Memorial Museum: An informative museum showcasing the history, culture, and folklore of the island.
  2. Fukue Island Port Tower: A 35-meter tall observation tower offering breathtaking views of Fukue Island and its surroundings.
  3. Dozaki Church: A unique church built by the local Japanese residents during the 19th century, which blends Eastern and Western architectural styles.
  4. Osezaki Lighthouse: A historical lighthouse nestled on the edge of a cliff, providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan.

Natural Attractions of Fukue Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Fukue Island boasts some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Japan. Some of the must-visit natural attractions on the island include:

  1. Kotohira Shrine: A scenic shrine known for its beautiful gardens, cherry blossom trees, and stunning landscape views.
  2. Osezaki Beach: A picturesque white sand beach ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports.
  3. Mt. Onidake: A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of the island, with a height of 627 meters.
  4. Kujukushima Islands: A group of over a hundred prehistoric-looking islands, with unique rock formations and a vibrant marine life.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fukue Island

Fukue Island is a hiker’s paradise with plenty of hiking and biking trails providing breathtaking views of the island’s natural beauty. Some of the best trails include:

  1. Mount Onidake Trail: A moderate 5 kilometer trail with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most popular hikes on the island.
  2. Dozaki Coast Walkway: A scenic 3 kilometer coastal walkway located in the western part of Fukue Island, providing stunning sunset views.
  3. Nishisonogi Kaido Route: A 30-kilometer bike route that connects Karatsu City and Nagasaki City via Fukue Island, offering picturesque views of the ocean along the way.

Best Things to Do in Fukue Island: Activities and Tours

Fukue Island offers plenty of activities and tours that cater to all travel styles and budgets. Some popular activities and tours include:

  1. Island Hopping Tour: Explore the surrounding islands of Fukue Island, including the Kujukushima Islands, with a guided tour.
  2. Sea Kayaking Tour: Paddle through the crystal-clear waters surrounding Fukue Island, while admiring the island’s stunning coastal views.
  3. Fukue Island Cultural Day Tour: A full-day tour that takes visitors to some of the most significant cultural and historical sites of Fukue Island, including the Fukue Island Remote Island Memorial Museum and Kotohira Shrine.

Week-Long Itinerary for Fukue Island

To experience the best of Fukue Island, we recommend the following week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Arrive at Fukue Island and explore the Dozaki Coast Walkway.
2 Visit the Fukue Island Remote Island Memorial Museum and Dozaki Church.
3 Hike Mount Onidake Trail, and enjoy the panoramic views.
4 Take the Island Hopping Tour and explore the Kujukushima Islands.
5 Relax at Osezaki Beach and take a Sea Kayaking Tour.
6 Take the Fukue Island Cultural Day Tour and visit Kotohira Shrine.
7 Shop for souvenirs and enjoy the island’s culture before departing.

Food and Drink Scene of Fukue Island

Fukue Island is a paradise for foodies, offering a wide range of delectable cuisine and beverages. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Tonkatsu Donburi: A rice bowl dish topped with breaded pork cutlets, onions, and eggs, a local specialty.
  2. Matsubagani Crab: A local variety of snow crab that is caught and eaten fresh from the surrounding waters.
  3. Goto Udon: A type of udon noodle that is unique to the Gotō Islands.

Local Beverages

  1. Fukue Shima Shochu: A specialty local spirit made from sweet potatoes and water from the island’s natural springs.
  2. Gotō Island Sake: A locally brewed sake made with rice cultivated on the island, with a unique taste.

Where to Stay in Fukue Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Fukue Island offers many accommodation options that cater to all travel styles and budgets. Some of the most popular places to stay include:

  1. Esperanza Hotel Fukue Island: A luxurious, beachfront hotel located next to Osezaki Beach.
  2. Fukuejima Guesthouse: A charming guesthouse located in the heart of Fukue Island, offering traditional Japanese-style accommodation at an affordable price.
  3. Sasamaya: A cozy hostel located near Mount Onidake, ideal for backpackers and hikers.

What to Buy in Fukue Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Fukue Island offers a wealth of shopping opportunities, with plenty of souvenir shops and local markets selling unique products. Some popular items include:

  1. Yūzen-Zome: Fukue Island is known for its Yūzen-Zome textile, which features colorful and intricate designs that are hand-drawn.
  2. Matsumae Ume Juice: A specialty juice that is made with the island’s most famous crop, the Matsumae Ume plum.
  3. Handmade Glassware: Fukue Island has a rich glassware-making tradition, and it’s possible to buy handcrafted glasses and other glassware as souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Fukue Island

Fukue Island has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can learn about it by attending some of the island’s traditional events and festivals. Some of the most popular cultural events include:

  1. Fukuejima Gakkou Udon: A traditional event held during the summer, featuring a local style of Udon noodle-making, which brings together the community for a day of fun, food, and entertainment.
  2. Fukuejima Daimyo Gyoretsu: A re-enactment of a parade that was held over four hundred years ago to welcome a feudal lord to the island.

Best Time to Visit Fukue Island

The best time to visit Fukue Island is during the spring and autumn months, from March to May and September to November. This is when the weather is mild, and the island is less crowded, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fukue Island

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try local dishes and beverages.
  • Follow hiking and biking trail etiquette.
  • Take your shoes off when entering a home or a temple.

Don’t:

  • Take photos of people without permission.
  • Litter in natural areas.
  • Overdo on sake, shochu, and other local alcohols.

Safety and Health

Safety in Fukue Island

Fukue Island is a very safe travel destination, but visitors should take necessary precautions such as:

  • Bring proper hiking and outdoor gear.
  • Follow traffic regulations if biking or wildlife watching.
  • Check weather reports before engaging in outdoor activities.

Health in Fukue Island

There are no specific health risks associated with visiting Fukue Island, but it is recommended to bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and other personal healthcare items.

Getting to Fukue Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Fukue Island

Fukue Island has its own airport, the Goto Fukue Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in Japan.

Bus Stations Near Fukue Island

There are multiple bus services that connect Fukue Island to the neighboring areas of Nagasaki Prefecture.

Other Options

One can also opt for ferry and rail services to reach Fukue Island from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Fukue Island

Public transportation is limited in Fukue Island, so renting a car or a bicycle is the best way to get around and explore.

Where to Go Next from Fukue Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the nearby islands and cities that visitors can explore after visiting Fukue Island include:

  1. Nagasaki City, a nearby historical city with a rich cultural heritage.
  2. Sasebo City: A city famous for its waterways, theme parks, and hot springs.
  3. Hirado Island: A scenic island famous for its Dutch and Portuguese influences.

Conclusion

Fukue Island is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exciting outdoor activities. Whether you are interested in hiking or exploring historical sites, Fukue Island has something to offer everyone. Plan your visit today and experience all that Fukue Island has to offer.

Fukue´s most iconic sight, the Osezaki lighthouse. Fukue´s most iconic sight, the Osezaki lighthouse. Douzaki Church Douzaki Church Ishida castle Ishida castle