Kuroshima Island (Nagasaki Prefecture)

Located about 12 km west of mainland Sasebo, Kuroshima is an inhabited island with a circumference of 12.5 km and the largest of the Kujukushima Islands. There are several theories about the origin of its name, but the most widely accepted is that the island looked black from the sea because of its dense tree cover.

The Villages on Kuroshima Island are one of the component sites of the Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2018. Christianity is believed to have reached the island about 300 years ago. In the late Edo period, Christians fleeing persecution settled here, and even today, 80% of the islanders are Catholic.

The brick Kuroshima Catholic Church was built in 1902 (Meiji 35). Some of its bricks were made by firing Kuroshima’s red clay. The dedication of the island’s Catholic community can also be seen in details such as the ceiling’s hand-painted wood-grain pattern.

Attractions around the island include a giant akō tree over 100 years old and Warabi Observatory, which overlooks the sea. Visitors can also try making traditional fukure manju steamed buns and Kuroshima tofu.

The island has inns and cafés, making overnight stays possible. As there is no public transportation, renting an electric-assist bicycle or electric scooter is recommended.