Goto Islands Sailing Guide for Yachts. The Goto Islands lie west of Nagasaki and form a chain of large and small islands extending across the entrance to the East China Sea. The group includes Fukue, Hisaka, Naru, Wakamatsu, Nakadori, Ojika, Uku, and numerous smaller islands. Harbours are well protected, approaches are fully charted, and depths are consistent across the main anchorages. This Goto Islands sailing guide for yachts sets out the operational details for approaches, inter island movement, berthing, fuel, provisioning, and local procedures.
The islands are not a port of entry. Yachts arriving from overseas complete formalities at Nagasaki, Sasebo, or Fukuoka before entering the region. Once cleared, movement throughout the Goto Islands is unrestricted and harbours are straightforward to use.
Approaches from the east pass through the waters west of Nagasaki and into the island group. Offshore depths range from 50 to 100 metres and shoal gradually toward the island chain. Channels between the islands carry 10 to 40 metres depending on location. All major passages are charted and free of unmarked hazards.
Traffic consists of ferries, local fishing vessels, and inter island cargo boats. They follow predictable tracks. AIS improves situational awareness in narrow channels. Visibility can be reduced by sea fog in spring and early summer.
The Goto Islands are separated by channels that carry 10 to 40 metres. Tidal streams vary by location. The strongest streams occur in the narrow passages between Wakamatsu and Nakadori where flow can exceed 3 knots at peak. Wider channels such as those around Fukue and Naru carry weaker streams.
Most harbours have direct approaches with depths of 5 to 10 metres. Anchorages are located in bays with 5 to 15 metres over sand or mud. The seabed is generally uniform.
Fukue Port. Main harbour of the Goto Islands. Depths in the approach channel are 10 to 14 metres. Berths for visiting yachts are located on public pontoons with 3 to 5 metres. Fuel is available at commercial wharves with 5 to 7 metres.
Tomie. Secondary harbour on Fukue Island. Approach depths are 8 to 12 metres. Inner basin carries 3 to 5 metres. Suitable for short stops.
Miiraku – The west side of Fukue Island. Approach depths are 10 to 15 metres. Inner harbour carries 4 to 6 metres.
Narao. Wakamatsu Island. Approach depths are 10 to 20 metres. Inner harbour carries 4 to 6 metres. Fuel available at commercial wharf.
Arikawa. Nakadori Island. Approach depths are 10 to 18 metres. Inner harbour carries 4 to 6 metres.
Public pontoons available.
Ojika Port. Ojika Island. Approach depths are 10 to 20 metres. Inner harbour carries 4 to 6 metres.
Uku Port. Uku Island. Approach depths are 10 to 18 metres. Inner harbour carries 4 to 6 metres.
Anchorages are located in bays
across the island group.
The Goto Islands experience a
maritime climate with moderate winds and frequent changes in visibility.
Provisioning varies by island. Fukue has the most complete provisioning footprint. Other islands have smaller but reliable sources.
Fukue Island. Maruwa Fukue. Full service supermarket with vegetables, fruit, meat, seafood, dairy, frozen food, noodles, sauces, dry goods, snacks, bakery items, household supplies, and a small imported goods section.
YouMe Mart Fukue. Regional supermarket with vegetables, fruit, meat, prepared foods, rice, noodles, sauces, packaged goods, frozen items, and daily staples.
Coop Fukue. Agricultural cooperative supermarket with strong local produce, tofu, miso, dairy, Kyushu grown vegetables, and basic dry goods.
Nakadori and Wakamatsu. Small supermarkets in Arikawa and Narao carry vegetables, fruit, meat, seafood, dairy, noodles, sauces, packaged goods, and frozen items. Stock reflects local demand and is replenished through regional distribution.
Ojika and Uku. Each island has one main supermarket carrying vegetables, fruit, meat, seafood, dairy, noodles, sauces, packaged goods, and frozen items. Stock levels are steady.
Convenience stores are present on Fukue, Nakadori, Wakamatsu, Ojika, and Uku.
Fukue Island. Fukue Farmers Market. Retail friendly farmers market offering Kyushu vegetables, citrus, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, herbs, and seasonal specialties.
Local Weekend Markets. Small weekend markets and occasional pop up stalls in central Fukue. Stock includes local produce, baked goods, and regional food items. Small greengrocers across the island carry vegetables, fruit, tofu, pickled goods, dried goods, and basic pantry items.
Other Islands
Nakadori, Wakamatsu, Ojika, and Uku have small greengrocers carrying vegetables, fruit, tofu, pickled goods, and basic dry items.
Fukue Island. Fukue Fish Market Retail Area. Main seafood hub with a public retail section selling fresh fish, shellfish, and seasonal local catch. Turnover reflects daily landings.
Fukue Port Coastal Vendors. Small stalls near the port selling local catch including mackerel, squid, sardines, and seasonal species.
Fukue Town Fish Shops. Long established fishmongers in the town centre selling whole fish, fillets, and processed seafood.
Other Islands. Arikawa, Narao, Ojika, and Uku each have small fish stalls selling locally caught coastal species. Quantities vary by day.
Fuel is available at
commercial wharves in Fukue, Narao, Arikawa, Ojika, and Uku.
Alongside depths range from 5 to 7 metres. Fuel is dispensed by hose from fixed
pumps.
Petrol is purchased ashore in approved containers.
Potable water is available at public pontoons in Fukue and Arikawa. Other islands provide water through harbour offices or designated taps.
Fukue has basic mechanical and electrical services. Specialist support including engine diagnostics and electronics is available in Nagasaki. Haul out facilities in the Goto Islands are limited to small local vessels.
Harbour etiquette follows standard Japanese practice. Vessel movement is steady and predictable. Fishing vessels have priority in narrow areas. Waste is sorted and disposed of at designated points. Local officials expect punctuality and clear communication.
The Goto Islands provide a chain of sheltered harbours with reliable depths, straightforward approaches, and a complete provisioning footprint centred on Fukue. Fuel and water are accessible across the main islands. This Goto Islands sailing guide for yachts provides the operational detail required for safe movement throughout the archipelago. Goto Islands Sailing Guide for Yachts for all you need to know.