A group of 208 small islands ranging in the west coast of Nagasaki Prefecture forms the Kujikushima Islands. The islands belong to the city of Sasebo and Hirado with around 1000 inhabitants residing on Kuroshima and Takashima. Most of the inhabitants are the descendants of Catholics who fled from persecution after the Shimabara Rebellion of 1637 during the early Edo period. The largest island is the Kuroshima, which means “Black Island” can be accessed by ferry from Ainoura, which is located in the north of Sasebo multiple times a day. Traditional architectural structures and farmhouses still remain on the island, along with beautiful rice terraces, which is unique in Japan. The Kuroshima Tenshudo church is a rare brick church located on this island, which is regarded as an Important National Heritage site of Japan. The 50 minute Pearl Queen cruise offers travelers a view of the uninhabited islands that normally can’t be entered. The Mirai pirate ship is popular among families with children for treasure hunting games and staff members dressed in pirate costumes, offering a both fun and scenic adventure for the entire crew. The view at Yumiharidake Observatory on the main island of Kyushu offers a romantic and scenic view of the Kujukushima Islands, especially during sunset with the constant changing colors of the surroundings. Hollywood blockbuster “The Last Samurai” featured the same coastal beauty of Japan attracting thousands of travelers to visit each year.
