Kujukushima is the collective name for a spectacular group of islands scattered across the sea between Hirado and Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture. Stretching for approximately 25 kilometers along the coast, the area consists of 208 islands, creating one of Japan’s most remarkable island landscapes. The islands are exceptionally close together, and the region is known for having one of the highest concentrations of islands in the country.
The scenery is defined by a beautiful contrast between deep-blue seawater, lush green islands, and the intricate coastline. The area’s ria coastline, formed by the sea entering deeply indented land, creates numerous coves, inlets, and sheltered waterways. From different viewpoints, the islands appear in constantly changing arrangements, making Kujukushima an appealing destination for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys coastal scenery.
One of the best ways to appreciate Kujukushima is to visit its designated scenic viewpoints. Sasebo City has selected a collection of viewpoints known as the Kujukushima Eight Scenic Views, or Kujukushima Hakkei, from which visitors can admire the distinctive island scenery.
Each viewpoint offers a different perspective on the relationship between the islands, the sea, and the winding coastline. Depending on the location and time of day, the landscape can appear peaceful and softly colored or dramatic, with sunlight reflecting off the water and illuminating the green islands.
For travelers who want to appreciate the scale of the island group, visiting a scenic lookout is an excellent complement to exploring the area from the water. Together, the elevated viewpoints and boat excursions reveal different aspects of this remarkable coastal landscape.
Sightseeing boats operate in the Kujukushima area, allowing visitors to explore the island scenery from close to sea level. A cruise offers an opportunity to pass among the islands and appreciate their varied shapes, rocky shores, green vegetation, and sheltered bays.
Unlike a view from land, the scenery from a boat changes continuously as the vessel moves through the waterways. Islands overlap and separate in the distance, while the surrounding sea provides a vivid contrast to the greenery. This makes a cruise one of the most memorable ways to experience the area’s natural beauty.
Kujukushima is also a popular destination for marine recreation. Sea kayaking and yachting are among the activities enjoyed in the area, giving visitors opportunities to experience the islands and coastline from the water at a more leisurely pace.
These activities offer a different kind of encounter with the landscape, allowing participants to appreciate the sheltered bays, intricate shoreline, and natural beauty of the islands at close range. Available activities and suitable routes depend on local conditions, so visitors should check current arrangements before setting out.
Most of the 208 islands are uninhabited or consist of rocky outcrops. Only four islands in the group are inhabited: Kuroshima and Takashima, along with Maejima and Todomarijima, which are connected to the mainland by bridges.
The limited number of inhabited islands helps preserve the area’s distinctive natural character. Across the island group, the combination of rocky shores, green vegetation, and blue water creates a landscape that feels far removed from the bustle of the city, even though the islands lie within reach of Sasebo and the surrounding communities.
The entire Kujukushima area is included in Saikai National Park, a protected area recognized for its scenic coastal landscapes and island environments. Kujukushima has also been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Landscapes, reflecting its national importance as a place of natural beauty.
In addition, the bay has been recognized by the international nongovernmental organization known as the World-Bays Club, which brings together bays noted for their exceptional beauty and natural value.
With its closely clustered islands, intricate ria coastline, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for boat cruises and marine sports, Kujukushima is one of Nagasaki Prefecture’s outstanding destinations for enjoying the natural beauty of Japan’s coastal regions.
Saikai Pearl Sea Resort / sightseeing boat/50 min., Sasebo Station / bus/25 min.