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.
*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.
*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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