船名 Ship | 小値賀 Ojika | 野崎 Nozaki | 小値賀 Ojika |
---|---|---|---|
はまゆう Hamayu | 7:25発 DEP.7:25 | 8:00着 ARR.8:00 8:05発 DEP.8:05 | 8:25着 ARR.8:25 |
はまゆう Hamayu | 14:30発 DEP.14:30 | 15:05着 ARR.15:05 15:10発 DEP.15:10 | 15:30着 ARR.15:30 |
船名 Ship | 小値賀 Ojika | 野崎 Nozaki | 小値賀 Ojika |
---|---|---|---|
はまゆう Hamayu | 7:25発 DEP.7:25 | 8:00着 ARR.8:00 8:05発 DEP.8:05 | 8:25着 ARR.8:25 |
はまゆう Hamayu | 11:10発 DEP.11:10 | 11:30着 ARR.11:30 11:35発 DEP.11:35 | 11:55着 ARR.11:55 |
はまゆう Hamayu | 14:30発 DEP.14:30 | 15:05着 ARR.15:05 15:10発 DEP.15:10 | 15:30着 ARR.15:30 |
船名 Ship | 小値賀 Ojika | 野崎 Nozaki | 小値賀 Ojika |
---|---|---|---|
はまゆう Hamayu | 11:10発 DEP.11:10 | 11:30着 ARR.11:30 11:35発 DEP.11:35 | 11:55着 ARR.11:55 |
はまゆう Hamayu | 14:30発 DEP.14:30 | 15:05着 ARR.11:10 15:10発 DEP.11:10 | 15:30着 ARR.15:30 |
【 Hamayu Boarding Point】
DAY 1 | 4:40 | Departing from Hakata at 23:45 ↓ Arriving on Ojika Island at 4:40 -Use the nap room inside the ferry terminal to catch up on sleep. |
6:30 | -Visit Ojika Island Tourism office located inside the ferry terminal to receive a visitor's pass as well as all the necessary information. Complete your payment if applicable. -You can leave your baggage at Ojika Island Tourism office while you are on Nozaki Island. |
|
7:25 | 【Departing from Ojika Island】 -Hamayu (town-run boat) fee is 520 yen one way. Please pay on board. |
|
8:00 | 【Arriving on Nozaki Island】 【Staying Overnight】 |
|
15:10 | 【Departing from Nozaki Island】 | |
15:30 | 【Arriving on Ojika Island】 【Staying Overnight】 |
|
DAY 2 | AM | AM: Sightseeing・Lunch on Ojika Island |
13:10 | 【Departing from Ojika Island】 -Arriving at 17:50 to Hakata port with Ferry Taiko. |
船名 Ship | 博多発 Hakata | 小値賀着 Ojika | 所要 Journey |
---|---|---|---|
フェリー太古 Taiko | 23:45 | 4:40 | 4:55 |
船名 Ship | 小値賀発 Ojika | 博多着 Hakata | 所要 Journey |
---|---|---|---|
フェリー太古 taiko | 13:10 | 17:50 | 4:40 |
Information
(Ferry Taiko)
※Reservations can be made up to 1 month in advance.
※Advance reservation is advised for those travelling in May and August.
Phone Reservations (9:00-17:00)
Hakata Reservation Center: Tel 0570-01-0510
Ojika Reservation Center: Tel 0959-56-2821
Internet Reservations
※Members only.
DAY 1 | 13:45 | 【Arriving on Ojika Island】 -Departing at 10:30 from Sasebo with Ferry Inori. |
【Visit Ojika Island Tourism 】 -Visit Ojika Island Tourism office located inside the ferry terminal to receive a visitor's pass as well as all the necessary information. Complete your payment if applicable. -You can leave your baggage at Ojika Island Tourism office while you are on Nozaki Island. |
||
【PM】 Sightseeing・Staying Overnight on Ojika Island | ||
DAY 2 | 7:25 | 【Departing from Ojika Island】 -Hamayu (town-run boat) fee is 520 yen one way. Please pay on board. |
8:00 | 【Arriving on Nozaki Island】 【Staying Overnight】 |
|
15:10 | 【Departing from Nozaki Island】 | |
15:30 | 【Arriving on Ojika Island】 |
|
【Staying Overnight】 | ||
DAY 3 | AM | AM: Sightseeing・Lunch on Ojika Island |
13:55 | 【Departing from Ojika Island】 -Arriving at 16:50 to Sasebo port with Ferry Inori. |
船名 Ship | 佐世保発 Sasebo | 小値賀着 Ojika | 所要 Journey |
---|---|---|---|
高速船シークイーン Sea Queen | 9:25 | 10:55 | 1:30 |
フェリーいのり Inori | 10:40 | 13:55 | 3:15 |
高速船シーエンジェル Sea Angel | 12:20 | 14:35 | 2:15 |
高速船シークイーン Sea Queen | 16:10 | 18:00 | 1:50 |
フェリーいのり Inori | 17:05 | 19:40 | 2:35 |
船名 Ship | 小値賀発 Ojika | 佐世保着 Sasebo | 所要 Journey |
---|---|---|---|
高速船 シークイーン Sea Queen | 7:20 | 9:10 | 1:50 |
フェリーいのり Inori | 7:45 | 10:20 | 2:35 |
高速船 シークイーン Sea Queen | 11:00 | 12:50 | 1:50 |
フェリーいのり Inori | 14:05 | 16:40 | 2:35 |
Nozaki Island is practically uninhabited and has limited services. Inside the Nature Village visitors will find toilets, bathrooms, shower rooms, as well as shared rest facilities and kitchen. Please consider taking a break in Nozaki Nature Village, especially on the days with challenging weather conditions.
Day Use | Nozaki Nature Village is a place where you can take a break, eat lunch or even take a much needed nap. Some of the facilities include: toilets, shower rooms and shared kitchen. |
Lodging | For those who wish to stay overnight spacious shared and private Japanese tatami-style rooms are available. ※Please note that only shampoo and body soap are provided. Please bring your own toiletries, pajamas, and towels. |
Shared Space | ・There are no shops or restaurants on Nozaki Island. Ojika Island has a number of grocery strores where you can purchase food and drinks for your trip to Nozaki Island. ※There is a cold drink vending machine inside the Nature Village on Nozaki Island. ・Visitors can use the shared kitchen inside Nature Village to prepare food. The kitchen is equipped with the stove, refrigerator, microwave, rice cooker, and basic utensils. |
Mobile Phones & WIFI | ・Nozaki Island has poor signal reception, especially in the forested areas. Please note that Softbank does not have any signal. |
No Littering | Please do not litter. Make sure you take garbage with you when leaving the island. |
Nozaki Nature Village
Entrance・Lodging・Rental Fees
【Day Use】
Entrance Fee (per person) | Min. Nr. | Max. Nr. | Available Facilities | |
Day Use | 1,000 yen | – | – | Toilets, warm shower, fully equipped kitchen, rest/dining area. |
【Lodging/Off Season】
Entrance Fee (per person) | Min. Nr. | Max. Nr. | Available Facilities | |
Lodging | 3,500 yen | – | 12 | 1st Floor: 4 shared rooms (25 m², 12 guests) 1 private room, bunk bed (10 m², 2guests) 2nd Floor: 2 shared rooms (13 m², 5 guests) 1 private room (18 m², 2 guests) |
【Lodging/Peak Season】
Golden Week 4/27(Sat)~5/6(Mon), July and August
Entrance Fee (per person) | Min. Nr. | Max. Nr. | Available Facilities | |
Shared Rooms | 4,000yen | − | 12 | Female and male dormitory rooms |
Private Rooms | 5,000yen | 2 | 12 | 1st Floor: 4 shared rooms (25 m², 12 guests) 1 private room, bunk bed (10 m², 2 guests) 2nd Floor: 2 shared rooms (13 m², 5 guests) 1 private room (18 m², 2 guests) |
Fixed Tents | 2,000yen | 2 | 4 | Fixed outdoor tents. 2~4 guests per tent |
※All lodging prices listed are excluding tax (1,000 yen Day Use fee icludes tax).
※Infants stay for free. Children under 6 years old receive a 50% discount.
【Groups】
Fees | Min. Nr. | Max. Nr. | Available Facilities | |
Groups | Please contact Ojika Island Tourism for more details: yoyaku@ojikajima.jp 0959-56-2646 | − | 70 | Groups of up to 70 people can be accommodated. |
Cancellations after booking is complete may result in cancellation fees, as outlined in the policy below. The calculation of cancellation fee is based on Japanese time. Please check the details before booking.
Nr. of Guests | Cancellation Date | Cancellation Fee |
---|---|---|
1-9 Guests | Scheduled Arrival Date | 100% of Total Amount |
1 Day in Advance | 50% of Total Amount | |
3 Days in Advance | 30% of Total Amount | |
10+ Guests | Scheduled Arrival Date | 100% of Total Amount |
3 Days in Advance | 70% of Total Amount | |
14 Days in Advance | 50% of Total Amount | |
30 Days in Advance | 20% of Total Amount | |
90 Days in Advance | 10% of Total Amount |
The small brick church is an important testimony to the deep-rooted faith of the 17 suppressed Christian families who used to inhabit the island. The Nokubi land was first developed in 1716 by the Oda family: wealthy merchants from the neighboring Ojika Island. Back in the Edo period, their ancestors came to Ojika from Iki (near Fukuoka), where they subsequently grew to prominence through whaling, saké making, and new land development. Despite their efforts, however, the settlers struggled to cultivate the land on the steep slopes of Nokubi, giving up on their project eventually.
Then, 80 years later, in 1797, the Goto domain, who did not have enough labor force, made an agreement with the Omura domain in the mainland Kyushu to have people sent over for their land development projects. As a result, around 100 peasants from Sotome region crossed the sea, most of whom were Hidden Christians, looking for a safer place for their forbidden faith. Two of the migrant families came to Nozaki Island, and after overcoming many hardships, cultivating land on the steep slopes in the harsh coastal wind, they managed to settle in Nokubi.
Following the *Discovery of Hidden Christians at Oura Cathedral in 1865, the same year, Nokubi Christians visited Oura Cathedral to receive baptism. Christianity was still banned, however, and they were reported to the officials in Ojika Island. 8 families from Nokubi and 7 from Funamori (50 people in total), were captured and taken to Hirado island. There, they were tortured and forced to give up their religion.
When they returned home, they found their village destroyed, and all belongings missing. It was not until 1873, when the ban was lifted, that the Christians in Nozaki island were finally able to live their lives free of persecution.
*Discovery of Hidden Christian
In March 1865, the Hidden Christians from Urakami came to the Oura Cathedral and told the priest, Father Petitjean, that they were of the same faith as he was. The Pope was greatly moved when he heard of the story declaring it to be the “Miracle in the East”.
To mark the end of suppression, the Christian community of Nokubi constructed a wooden church in 1882. Later, the 17 families agreed to launch a much bigger project to replace it with a brick church, designed by a famous church architect Tetsukawa Yosuke. The total cost of the project came up to 3,000 yen (around 200 million yen today), and workmen hired for construction doubted that the 17 families living in poverty could come up with such a huge sum of money.
At first, the parishioners tried to get a loan from Ojika Island but failed to raise anything as nobody wanted to support the construction of a church. Undiscouraged, they led a communal life that involved adults eating only two meals per day, as well as doing all the heavy construction labor themselves. Funds were also raised from kibinago herring fishing.
At last, in October 1908, the church was completed. The whole sum of 3,000 yen was paid back in full right at the inauguration. The Hidden Christians, who faced religious persecution for many years, could finally raise their heads up high, gazing proudly at the beautiful brick churchー a monument to their undying faith.
With its newfound religious freedom, the Christian communities flourished over time until the country’s growing economy ironically forced people out of the island. The subsistence economy was replaced by the cash economy, and the island had little to offer when it came to making cash.
In Funamori in the south, there were 34 households at the end of the war. Yet by 1965, there were only 13 left, and the following year all 45 people moved to the mainland Ojika. In Nokubi, the population counted 171 in 28 households just after the war. In 1970, it was down to 6 households with a total of 28 people who too left in the following year, putting an end to the 150 year-long history of Christian faith in Nozaki island.
Now devoid of its parishioners, the church is no longer functioning but its historic value has been rightly recognized. In 1985, the town restored the church to its original condition, recognizing it as an Important Cultural Heritage of Ojika Town. In 1989, it was registered as a cultural property by Nagasaki prefecture. In 2018, after years of preparation and consideration, “Remains of Villages on Nozaki Island” was listed as a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nozaki is also a part of the Important Cultural Landscape of the Ojika Islands, selected in 2011 by the Japanese government.
Today the former Nokubi Church, built with the sweat and tears of suppressed Christian families, stands guard over the deserted land. A bold statement of faith and vision— it keeps the memory of its parishioners alive for years to come.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The former Nokubi church is currently undergoing major repair works that are scheduled to be completed in June 2025. During the renovations, the church building is covered by scaffolding, and is off-limit to visitors. hank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Nozaki Island is practically uninhabited and has limited services. Please be informed of the following points.
Limited Access
船名 Ship | 小値賀 Ojika | 野崎 Nozaki | 小値賀 Ojika |
---|---|---|---|
はまゆう Hamayu | 7:25発 DEP.7:25 | 8:00着 ARR.8:00 8:05発 DEP.8:05 | 8:25着 ARR.8:25 |
はまゆう Hamayu | 14:30発 DEP.14:30 | 15:05着 ARR.15:05 15:10発 DEP.15:10 | 15:30着 ARR.15:30 |
船名 Ship | 小値賀 Ojika | 野崎 Nozaki | 小値賀 Ojika |
---|---|---|---|
はまゆう Hamayu | 7:25発 DEP.7:25 | 8:00着 ARR.8:00 8:05発 DEP.8:05 | 8:25着 ARR.8:25 |
はまゆう Hamayu | 11:10発 DEP.11:10 | 11:30着 ARR.11:30 11:35発 DEP.11:35 | 11:55着 ARR.11:55 |
はまゆう Hamayu | 14:30発 DEP.14:30 | 15:05着 ARR.15:05 15:10発 DEP.15:10 | 15:30着 ARR.15:30 |
船名 Ship | 小値賀 Ojika | 野崎 Nozaki | 小値賀 Ojika |
---|---|---|---|
はまゆう Hamayu | 11:10発 DEP.11:10 | 11:30着 ARR.11:30 11:35発 DEP.11:35 | 11:55着 ARR.11:55 |
はまゆう Hamayu | 14:30発 DEP.14:30 | 15:05着 ARR.11:10 15:10発 DEP.11:10 | 15:30着 ARR.15:30 |
Clothing Guide
Advance Notice
Please notify Ojika Island Tourism office in advance about your visit to Nozaki Island.
Without notice, Nokubi Church may be locked or the town boat may be canceled in the event of bad weather. It is important to check in with the office to avoid disappointment.
The weather is variable on Nozaki. With prior notice, you can stay informed of possible boat cancellations or other safety issues related to weather.
※It is best if you inform the tourism office about your visit at least 1 week in advance.
Walking Only
Bring Food and Drinks
Former Nokubi Church
Safety Guidelines
Leave no Trace
Other Rules
Nozaki Island is a protected site where certain activities are regulated or prohibited by law.
-Do not feed the deers. They are wild animals and feeding them can disrupt their ecosystem.
-Do not pick or disturb plants as well as shellfish or seaweed.
-No pets are allowed.
-Open fires and fireworks are prohibited.
-Camping is not allowed outside the Nature Village.
Take a Break Inside the Nature Village
For inquiries and reservations, please contact Ojika Island Tourism.
Devoid of human presence, the ruins of dwellings stand frozen in time.
They offer a fascinating look into the lives of those who used to call this island home.
Atop a hill, among the terraced fields, carved into volcanic land,
Stands a church — a symbol of faith.
Hope and determination inherent in the building still linger,
Even with parishioners long gone.
Set deep in an ancient forest, majestic rock formation — a sacred place of worship,
Has long evoked strong feelings of awe and wonder.
An island with a story — close your eyes, and in the stillness,
Hear the coastal wind whisper it to you.
Nozaki Island is the treasure trove of unique flora and fauna, including the primary forest around Okino Kojima Shrine on the north side and Japanese wood pigeons, one of Japan’s protected species. All around the island, you can see some 400 Japanese wild deer roaming in the wild.
In 2007, “Remains of the Nokubi and Funamori Villages” (as well as the pathway between them) was added to the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites as a component of “Churches and Christian Sites in Nagasaki”. In October 2016, the titles were renamed to “Remains of Villages on Nozaki Island” and “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region”, respectively. In July 2018, the property was officially inscribed on the World Heritage List as “Remains of Villages on Nozaki Island”ー one of the 12 components that make up “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region”. Nozaki island is also a part of “Important Cultural Landscapes of the Ojika Island”, designated in 2011 by the Japanese Government.
After a long hike in the deep forest dotted with megalithic mossy stones, you will come out to the ancient shrine and Oe-Ishi, the giant rock formation behind it. Okino-Kojima shrine (the Sea Kojima shrine) was built so it would face its twin shrine in Ojika Island, Chino-Kojima (the Land Kojima shrine), in 704 A.D. The priest, who was in charge of the shrine was the last person to leave Nozaki Island in 2001.
*The trail to Okino-Kojima Shrine can be tough with unstable rocks, dense vegetation, and few signboards. There are also possible encounters with wild boar. To avoid accidents, please do not attempt going to the shrine without a guide. Thank you for your cooperation.
Behind Okino-Kojima Shrine stands the magnificent Oe-Ishi. The imposing rock formation is shaped like torii (traditional Shinto gate), measuring 24 meters high, 12 meters wide, and the top slab 5 x 3 meters. Whether these stones were placed by humans or naturally formed is unknown. Many local myths and legends revolve around Oe-Ishi, such as the one about Kojima deity appearing on top of Oe-Ishi. Also, some people say that the Shinto ceremonial dance used to be performed on top of Oe-Ishi in the ancient days.
*The trail to Oe-Ishi can be tough with unstable rocks, dense vegetation, and few signboards. There are also possible encounters with wild boar. To avoid accidents, please do not attempt going to the shrine without a guide. Thank you for your cooperation.
Explore Nozaki with a guide.
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