Nokubi Church Nozaki Island
An isolated island featuring a majestic brick church, offering stunning coastal views and a glimpse into hidden Christian history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for ferry access & views
Nokubi Church Nozaki Island
Best Time
Best for ferry access & views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An isolated island featuring a majestic brick church, offering stunning coastal views and a glimpse into hidden Christian history.
"A challenging journey to a breathtaking church on an uninhabited island, worth the effort for the views and history."
Check Ferry Status First
Ferry cancellations are common due to weather. Confirm with Ojika tourist info before departing! ⚠️
Charter Boat Backup Plan
If the ferry is canceled, a charter boat is an option, but costly. Splitting the fee with others can help. :moneybag:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 65 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nokubi Church
Central Nozaki Island
A majestic brick church standing alone on a hill, offering stunning views and beautiful stained glass.
Scenic Island Walk
Various trails
Enjoy breathtaking ocean and mountain vistas as you traverse the island's paths, often accompanied by curious deer.
Hidden Christian History
Throughout the island
Learn about the fascinating history of hidden Christians with insights from local guides.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weather & Ferry Woes
Tick Alert & Steep Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Ferry Status First
Ferry cancellations are common due to weather. Confirm with Ojika tourist info before departing! ⚠️
Charter Boat Backup Plan
If the ferry is canceled, a charter boat is an option, but costly. Splitting the fee with others can help. :moneybag:
Wear Hiking Gear
Steep trails and ticks! Long pants and sturdy shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Local Guide Recommended
Gain deeper insights into the island's history and culture with a knowledgeable local guide. :bustsinsilhouette:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Ferry Status First
Ferry cancellations are common due to weather. Confirm with Ojika tourist info before departing! ⚠️
Charter Boat Backup Plan
If the ferry is canceled, a charter boat is an option, but costly. Splitting the fee with others can help. :moneybag:
Wear Hiking Gear
Steep trails and ticks! Long pants and sturdy shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Local Guide Recommended
Gain deeper insights into the island's history and culture with a knowledgeable local guide. :bustsinsilhouette:
Respect Sacred Spaces
Photography is not allowed inside active churches. Be mindful of the island's spiritual significance. 🙏
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nozaki Island offers a unique, albeit challenging, travel experience centered around the striking Nokubi Church and its dramatic island setting. Visitors praise the stunning scenery and the historical significance, particularly regarding hidden Christians. However, the journey is heavily weather-dependent, with frequent ferry cancellations and the potential for costly charter boat alternatives. The steep terrain and presence of ticks are also noted drawbacks.
"Don't think! feel."
中村裕希（なかむー）
""In the event of a cancellation, we'll land on a chartered boat."
This island is located in the open sea, so if there's a storm, the municipal ferry will be canceled.
Even if the weather is good, the sea is a different story.
When I visited, the weather was very nice, but the wind was a bit strong. I took a high-speed boat from Nagasaki Port to Ojika, but it was very bumpy.
Considering that the ferry might be canceled, I arrived in Ojika and found that the municipal ferry was indeed canceled.
On this day, there were about 10 people heading to Nozaki Island. I checked the tourist information center to find out how to get there and found out that there was a charter boat.
The charter fee was 16,500 yen one way and 33,000 yen round trip.
It may seem expensive, but that's the price for the boat, not per person.
So, the 10 people going to Nozaki Island split the cost. I paid 3,300 yen and headed to Nozaki Island.
The municipal ferry usually arrives at a port further back, but the charter boat arrives at a port closer to the island.
This is a viewpoint that seems to be either far or near from Ojika.
We arrived at the port and disembarked, but the climb was extremely steep and very challenging. We still had a long way to go to the church.
I won't explain about the church.
We had some time before our charter boat came to pick us up. While resting in a gazebo-like spot, I found a tick on my foot. Honestly, it was the first time I'd ever seen a tick. I wonder what would happen if I got bitten? There were deer wandering around the area.
The wind was incredibly strong out in the open sea, and there was nowhere to relax near the port where our charter boat would pick us up.
I was bored and exposed to the wind.
I was so bored that I looked at the church multiple times.
If you just want to photograph the church, I recommend waiting a few hours after disembarking.
It's best to wear hiking attire when you disembark. Skirts and shorts are a good bet for ticks.
Regarding disembarking, it's important to check with the Ojika tourist information center."
食塩相当量
"We went to Nozakijima on the town-run boat Hamayu, and the waves were so high that it was exciting to be hit by the waves, but it was fun.
After getting off the boat, you will receive an explanation of the precautions at the visitor center before departing.
If you walk for 20 to 30 minutes and make the final uphill climb, you'll reach the church, but it's a pretty church even from a distance, and the shape, bricks, and stained glass are lovely.
The views of the ocean and mountains are amazing while walking, and the deer are cute as they stare intently at us.
There are also wild boars and bees, so be careful.
I highly recommend that you go."
e m
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
First, take a high-speed boat or ferry from Nagasaki Port to Ojika Island. From Ojika, a municipal ferry (Hamayu) operates to Nozaki Island. However, this ferry is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. If the ferry is canceled, a charter boat is available, though it's expensive. It's crucial to check the ferry schedule and weather with the Ojika tourist information center beforehand.
If the municipal ferry is canceled due to weather, you can arrange a charter boat. This can be costly (around 16,500 yen one-way), but the cost can be split among a group. The charter boat may also dock at a different, closer port to the church.
The journey involves multiple legs and is highly dependent on weather. The sea can be rough, and ferry cancellations are common. Once on the island, expect steep climbs.
The most common route is via ferry from Ojika Island. However, due to its exposed location, always have a backup plan or be prepared for potential cancellations.
The journey from Nagasaki to Ojika can take a few hours by ferry. The subsequent ferry to Nozaki Island is shorter, but travel time is highly variable due to potential delays or cancellations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a specific entry ticket for Nozaki Island itself, but you will need to pay for the ferry fare to get there. If you opt for a charter boat, that will be a separate, significant cost.
Ferry operating hours can vary and are subject to weather conditions. It's best to confirm the latest schedule with the Ojika tourist information center.
Nozaki Island is accessible via ferry, but the ferry service is weather-dependent. It's advisable to visit on days with clear skies and calm seas for the best chance of access.
While the church itself is a historical site, there is no specific entrance fee mentioned. However, access to the island and the church is contingent on ferry services.
The Ojika tourist information center is the best resource for ferry schedules, weather updates, and any local advice regarding visits to Nozaki Island.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the striking Nokubi Church. You can also enjoy scenic walks with ocean and mountain views, and learn about the island's history, particularly that of hidden Christians. Keep an eye out for the local deer population.
Yes, there are walking trails on Nozaki Island, but they can be quite steep, especially the final ascent to the church. Sturdy footwear is essential.
It's highly recommended to wear hiking attire, including long pants, to protect against ticks and the elements. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must due to the steep terrain.
Be aware of ticks, especially if wearing shorts. The island also has wild boars and bees, so exercise caution. The sea can be rough, and ferry services are weather-dependent.
Currently, part of the church's ceiling has peeled off, and entry is not permitted. However, you can admire and photograph the exterior of the church.
📸 📸 Photography
The Nokubi Church, standing majestically on the hill against the sky, is a prime subject. The scenic island trails offering ocean and mountain vistas also provide excellent photographic opportunities.
You can photograph the exterior of Nokubi Church. However, photography is not permitted inside churches that are still used as places of prayer.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the church and the island's landscapes. However, prioritize visiting when the weather is good and ferries are running.
The main restriction is regarding photography inside active places of worship. Otherwise, enjoy capturing the natural beauty and the unique architecture.
A versatile lens for landscapes and architecture would be ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for the church and surrounding scenery. A sturdy tripod might be useful if you plan for longer exposures, but be mindful of the wind.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit