Summer | Kyushu Tourism Organization

Breathtaking Seascape at Takahama Beach

Day 1
Ranked among the top 100 beaches in Japan for both beauty and swimming, Takahama Beach is a gorgeous site on the west coast of Fukue. Because of its distance from the city center, about 45 minutes by car, it is rarely crowded, and social distancing should be easy here most days of the year. The water remains shallow far away from the shore, making it a safe beach for children or non-swimmers to play in. Full facilities, including bathrooms and showers, are available during the peak summer season. Be sure to stop at the Gyoran Kannon Observation Point, where a large Buddhist statue overlooks one of the best views of Takahama Beach from the cliffs.

Scenic Views from Osezaki Lighthouse

The Osezaki Lighthouse is an icon of Fukue Island, and approaching it is all the more exciting when you first see it from the observation deck on the bluffs above. To fully appreciate the journey through the surrounding natural beauty, take the hour-long round-trip hike from the parking lot down to the lighthouse. Even on a warm summer day, the hike is comfortable, as much of the trail is in the shade of a dense grove of camellia trees. On the outcropping the lighthouse stands on, feel the cool ocean breeze on your face as you soak in the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. The hike is demanding but well maintained with paved paths and staircases, so you’ll be glad you made the effort.

Goto Island Glamping

At the glamping facility "Kinnago Ajiro," ,each unit is equipped with a comfortable bed, a private bathtub and shower room. Visitors can also roll open a large sliding door to let in fresh air and sunlight. From the observatory on the mountain behind the site, visitors can see the islands of Eisujima on the right, Yaneojima and Tatarajima directly ahead, and the inhabited island of Kabukijima behind. At night, visitors can sit around the campfire and admire the thousands of stars in the Goto Islands' night sky.

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Experience

Day 2
Whether you are a seasoned SUP surfer or have never set foot on one, Fukue is the perfect place to enjoy your next SUP experience. The waters on the east coast of Fukue can be calm as glass in the summer, so even the most inexperienced beginner can learn how to stand on a paddleboard with ease, assisted by one of the island’s friendly instructors. When you’re comfortable standing on your own, take a leisurely paddle inside the breakwater, or venture out along the coastline until you arrive at nearby Kojushi Beach, where a vehicle will be waiting to bring you back to where you started.

Local Dining at Tsubaki Chaya

Summer in Kyushu wouldn’t be complete without a taste of the Goto Islands’ unique cuisine. At Tsubaki Chaya, feast on numerous seasonal delights including various fish, shellfish, and island-grown vegetables as they are grilled in front of you at your table. You’ll also sample kankoro mochi, a sweet dish made with pounded rice and local sweet potatoes that originated in the Goto Islands. Tsubaki Chaya sits on a bluff overlooking the Fukue coastline, so enjoy the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows while you fill your belly with fresh Goto delicacies.