Kuroshima Island (Nagasaki prefecture)

This island is 12km to the west of Sasebo City. It is 12.5km in diameter, and the biggest in Kujukushima Islands. The origin of the name of the island has various theories. but the prevalent theory is that the island looked black from the abundance of trees.

The villages in Kuroshima Island were designated a world heritage in 2018 under the term, “Hidden Christians Sites in the Nagasaki Region”. Approximately 300 years ago, Christianity started gaining traction in Japan, yet it was banned. Thus, in the late Edo period, escaped Christians came to this island. The Catholic Christians, and their descendants, are living on the island to date, and make up over 80% of the residents.

In 1902, the brick-laden Kuroshima Catholic Church was built. Some of the bricks are made using Kuroshima’s natural red clay. The ceiling is painted like wood, which shows the work of Catholic devotees.

Visitors can also see a giant tree over 100 years old. The observatory will give you a beautiful glimpse of the ocean. They can also indulge, and create their own dumplings, and tofu.

Visitors can stay in hotels or cafes during their visit. Since there is no public transportation on the island, it is best to rent an electric-powered bicycle or scooter.