Guida
Kukajima Village is a constituent part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Region.' This settlement was formed through the migration policies of the Goto Clan, where settlers moved to undeveloped lands to maintain their unique religious practices in secret. The village is characterized by its structural layout adapted to the natural topography and its integration with the surrounding forest. Within the village, you can find chapels that tell the story of the era of religious persecution, churches built after the lifting of the ban on Christianity, and Christian cemeteries that have endured since the period of prohibition.
In 1566, following the missionary work of Luis de Almeida, Christianity spread to Kukajima. However, with the imposition of the ban on Christianity during the Edo period, the faith was forced underground. Hidden Christians migrating from the Sotome region settled in these remote areas, developing the land while secretly practicing their faith away from Buddhist settlements. A significant historical event occurred in 1868, known as the 'Goto Collapse,' a period of intense persecution. In Kukajima, the 'Ro-ya no Saku Incident' resulted in 42 martyrs, marking one of the final instances of intense persecution just before the lifting of the ban. Following the intervention of a British envoy, the believers were eventually able to openly return to the Catholic faith.
Kukajima boasts several sites of immense historical importance. First is the 'Ro-ya no Saku Martyr Memorial Church,' built to honor those who died during the era of persecution; it serves as a profound reminder of the village's past. The 'Old Gorin Church' is another essential site, where visitors can observe architectural styles such as the wooden plank walls that utilized local shipbuilding techniques. Additionally, the village features various churches built after the religious ban was lifted, the Christian cemeteries in Nagasato and Okai, and the 'Origami Observatory.' The observatory, built by the local islanders, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire island landscape.
As Kukajima Village is an outdoor historical site, it is best visited during daylight hours. The most pleasant times to visit are during April or May when the weather is stable and mild. When exploring the historical buildings and cemeteries, it is highly recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for sunlight exposure. Please be aware that street lighting is limited at night, making movement within the village difficult after dark.
Visitors can experience the traditional way of life around the village. Some local farm and fishing-based stays (Minshuku) are available, which may offer programs related to local agriculture or fishing. Nature lovers can also explore the natural beauty of the 'Nagahama Camellia Primeval Forest' and the 'Kamegawa Camellia Primeval Forest.' Observing the unique stone-stacking techniques and the way the village structure adapts to the rugged terrain is a unique cultural experience found only here.
Kukajima is one of the islands in the Goto Archipelago. Access is primarily via Fukue Island. You can travel from either Fukue Port or Okura Port using the ferry or high-speed boat services operated by Kiguchi Kisen. Once on the island, transportation can be managed via rental cars, taxis, or local community taxis. For local information, the 'Kukajima Tourism and Exchange Center' offers guidance within a building designed in the style of a mid-Meiji era samurai residence.