Fukue Island, Goto Islands: Dosaki Cathedral and Onidate Drive Along Azure Seas

A scenic coastal drive course around azure seas, making a day trip around Fukue Island, gateway to the Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture. Begin your morning at Dosaki Cathedral (堂崎天主堂), a red brick church standing by the water's inlet, touching the prayer-filled history passed down through Goto. Climb Onidate (鬼岳), its round silhouette entirely covered in grass, and the townscape of Fukue and azure seas will spread out below your feet. At midday, reach Furusato-kan on the samurai residences street lined with stone walls, and savor Goto udon (五島うどん) hand-stretched with camellia oil. In the afternoon, drive to Takahama Beach (高浜海水浴場), said to be Japan's most beautiful, and leisurely walk the white sandy shore and pristine emerald waters. Conclude at Onoseki Lighthouse (大瀬埼灯台), standing in white stone upon the cliffs. Gazing at the grand panorama of the East China Sea and the sunset sinking into it from the observation platform, the island's day closes beautifully.