Immerse yourself in history and unique culture. Enjoy a trip to Sasebo, Kujukushima, and Kuroshima in Nagasaki without renting a car

A comfortable electric scooter tour! Enjoy the nature and history of Kuroshima

Kuroshima is where hidden Christians migrated during the Edo period, and even now, after the period of prohibition, many believers live there. The village of Kuroshima was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2018 as one of the constituent assets of the "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region."

The island is said to have been called "Kuroshima" (Black Island) because the dense subtropical vegetation makes it appear black from the sea. The water is highly transparent, surrounded by rugged ria coastlines, and you can experience untouched nature, including the prefectural natural monument, a dike, along the coast.

This is a charming remote island with plenty to see, including the island's symbol, Kuroshima Cathedral, an observation deck overlooking the ocean, and meals made with local ingredients.

Access to Kuroshima from Sasebo Station

From Sasebo Station, take a bus (about 40 minutes, get off at Ainoura Pier, a short walk away) or the MR Matsuura Railway (about 30 minutes, get off at Ainoura Station, a 5-minute walk) to Ainoura Port. From there, take a ferry (Kuroshima Passenger Ferry) for about 35 minutes to Kuroshima Port. Cars can also board the ferry, but advance reservations are required.

Comfortable island tour on an electric scooter

The island has many hills and tourist spots scattered around, so if you want to get around efficiently, we recommend renting an electric scooter. It's almost the same as a moped scooter, and you can control the speed with the accelerator on your right hand, so it's easy to operate.

The maximum speed is 30km, so even those who are not used to driving can drive it with confidence. Enjoy an exhilarating island tour while feeling the pleasant sea breeze.

Electric scooter rental (Kuroshima Tourism Association)

Travel by electric scooter (time required: approx. 7 minutes)

Visit Kuroshima Cathedral, a World Heritage Site

Kuroshima Cathedral was completed in 1902 (Meiji 35) after two years of construction, thanks to the donations and volunteer labor of Kuroshima's Catholic faithful, under the design and guidance of French priest Father Marmand. Some of the approximately 400,000 bricks used were fired on the island, and granite from Kuroshima was used for the foundations, entrances, and cornerstones.

In 2018, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region." Please note that you need to contact the site in advance if you wish to visit.

Kuroshima Catholic Church

Travel by electric scooter (time required: approx. 1 minute)

Enjoy island cuisine lunch at a cozy guesthouse in the mountains

Yamashita Ryokan, located near Kuroshima Cathedral, is a private lodging run by a single family and has a homely atmosphere.

Anyone can dine here, even if they're not staying at the hotel. You can enjoy "island cuisine" made with fresh seafood that the owners go out to catch with their families, and vegetables that are grown in the island's red soil and on their own farm. The ingredients used in the dishes vary depending on the season, and the menu includes home-style cooking packed with seasonal ingredients such as sea urchin and abalone.

In addition to meals, you can also experience making your own puffed buns, a traditional Kuroshima food, and, depending on the season, cracking a sea urchin, giving you a taste of everyday life on the island.

Yamashita Ryokan, a guesthouse in Kuroshima, Sasebo City

Travel by electric scooter (time required: approx. 5 minutes)

The island's only cafe, "Cafe Umisaki"

Cafe Umisaki is the only cafe on Kuroshima, located inside the Tensui Factory, which bottles the mineral-rich natural water of Kujukushima.

Upon entering the store, you will find yourself in a relaxing space enveloped in the scent of wood. There are 44 sets of cups lined up on the shelves, including Arita ware, Mikawachi ware, and Hasami ware, so you can choose your favorite cup and enjoy your coffee.

In addition to the "Kuroshima Blend" (450 yen), which uses specialty coffee beans roasted and blended to match the natural water of Kuroshima, light meals such as pilaf and spaghetti are also available. Why not enjoy a leisurely moment on Kuroshima with a cup of aromatic coffee?

Cafe Umisaki

*Some content was updated on May 20, 2022.

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