【A Sky Full of Promises】 Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
‘A Sky Full of Promises’ (commonly known as Aokana) is a popular work featuring the fictional sport “Flying Circus” as its subject matter. The beautiful setting for this work is the Goto Archipelago in Nagasaki Prefecture. In this article, we provide a comprehensive explanation of detailed spot information for each island, efficient ways to visit them, and access methods for those planning an actual pilgrimage to sacred sites.
The Relationship Between A Sky Full of Promises and the Goto Archipelago
In the world of ‘A Sky Full of Promises,’ a near future is depicted where flying through the sky using anti-gravity shoes called “Gravio” has become commonplace. The fictional islands where the main characters live are modeled after the Goto Archipelago in Nagasaki Prefecture.
The Goto Archipelago is located in the western sea off Nagasaki Prefecture and consists of 152 large and small islands. The landscapes of the five major islands—Fukue Island, Nakatsutsu Island, Hisaka Island, Naru Island, and Wakamatsu Island—appear throughout the work, with beautiful coastlines, historic churches, and the peaceful island lifestyle coloring the world of the work.
Since the broadcast of the anime version, the Goto Archipelago has become established as a sacred site for “Aokana” fans, and in 2026, regional collaboration projects commemorating the 10th anniversary of the television anime broadcast were held in Goto City and Shinkamigoto Town, deepening the area’s connection to the work.
Access Methods to the Goto Archipelago
Access by Airplane
Fukue Airport (Goto Tsubaki Airport)
- Approximately 30 minutes from Nagasaki Airport (ANA, Oriental Air Bridge)
- Approximately 40 minutes from Fukuoka Airport
- 3-4 flights per day
When using Fukue Island as your base, airplane is the most time-efficient option. However, since the number of flights is limited, early reservations are necessary.
Access by Ferry and High-Speed Boat
From Nagasaki Port
- Jet foil (high-speed boat): Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes to Fukue Port
- Ferry: Approximately 3 hours 10 minutes to Fukue Port
- To Narao Port (Nakatsutsu Island): Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes by jet foil, approximately 4 hours 40 minutes by ferry
From Sasebo Port
- Ferry: Approximately 2 hours 50 minutes to Narao Port
For those with time to spare or who want to bring vehicles, ferry is recommended. You can also enjoy the scenic view of the Goto islands approaching from the sea.
Transportation Within and Between Islands
Rental Car
For sacred site pilgrimage, a rental car is absolutely recommended. Many sacred sites on each island are difficult to access by public transportation, and a car is essential for efficient touring.
- Around Fukue Port: Multiple options including Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, and local operators
- Fukue Airport: Rental car counters also available in the airport
- Nakatsutsu Island: Several companies around Arikawa Port and Narao Port
During busy seasons (Golden Week, summer vacation, Silver Week), vehicles fill up quickly, so reservations at least one month in advance are recommended.
Buses and Taxis
Goto Bus operates on each island, but with limited service, it is not suitable for sacred site pilgrimage. Taxis offer sightseeing taxi plans, but fees become quite high.
Inter-island Transport
- Fukue Island ↔ Hisaka Island: Approximately 20 minutes by scheduled ferry
- Fukue Island ↔ Naru Island: Approximately 40 minutes by ferry
- Nakatsutsu Island ↔ Wakamatsu Island: Connected by Wakamatsu Bridge (accessible by car)
- Fukue Island ↔ Nakatsutsu Island: Approximately 2 hours by ferry
① Sacred Sites on Nakatsutsu Island and Wakamatsu Island
Nakatsutsu Island is located in the northern part of the Goto Archipelago and is the center of Shinkamigoto Town. Wakamatsu Island is connected by the Wakamatsu Bridge, allowing them to be toured together.
No.01 Abandoned Bus on Prefectural Road 218
Scenes in the Work
An abandoned bus standing on a hilltop overlooking the sea, impressively used in the anime opening and game key visuals. It appears multiple times in important scenes, such as when Asuka and Mashiro have conversations.
Access Information
- Location: Wakamatsu-gō, Shinkamigoto Town, Minami-Matsura County, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Parking: Space for a few cars on the roadside
- Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Arikawa Port
Located along the seaside of Prefectural Road 218. The mountain road has many curves, so careful driving is necessary. The abandoned bus is situated on private land, so please view it while respecting proper etiquette.
Photography Tips
The composition of clear blue sky and sea with the abandoned bus matches the atmosphere of the work. The time from morning to early afternoon is best for front-lit photography. Surrounding vegetation is dense, so the appearance changes by season.
No.02 Aozagaura Church Bus Stop
Scenes in the Work
The scenery around the church and bus stop appears in the game and anime versions, faithfully recreated.
Access Information
- Location: Namagō, Shinkamigoto Town, Minami-Matsura County, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Parking: Dedicated parking lot across from the church
- Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Arikawa Port
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (not available during Mass)
Aozagaura Church is designated as an Important Cultural Property and features beautiful brick architecture. Interior viewing is also possible, but advance contact is recommended (Nagasaki and Amakusa Region Hidden Christian Heritage Information Center: 0959-42-0964).
Precautions
The church is an active religious facility. When visiting, remain quiet, limit photography to the exterior, and prohibit interior photography. Avoid clothing with excessive exposed skin, and remove hats before entering.
No.03 Narao Port Terminal
Scenes in the Work
The model for a flashback scene of young Asuka in episode 9 of the anime version. Also used in the PS4 version key visual.
Access Information
- Location: Narao-gō, Shinkamigoto Town, Minami-Matsura County, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Parking: Free parking lot in front of the terminal
- Access: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Arikawa Port, directly accessible by ferry from Nagasaki Port
Narao Port is located at the southern end of Nakatsutsu Island and is a major port for ferries from Nagasaki Port and Sasebo Port. The terminal building exterior, waiting room, and port scenery appear in the work.
Surrounding Facilities
There are dining halls and shops around Narao Port, where you can enjoy local cuisine such as Goto udon. Sacred site pilgrimage is possible while waiting for the ferry.
Other Nakatsutsu Island Spots
Hamewaki Church
One of the models for churches appearing in the work. A simple wooden church where you can feel the history of faith in Goto.
Arikawa Port Area
The gateway to Nakatsutsu Island, with shopping street scenery incorporated into the work.
② Sacred Sites on Naru Island
Naru Island is located northeast of Fukue Island, a quiet island with a population of approximately 2,000.
No.04 Miya-no-Hama Beach
Scenes in the Work
A beautiful beach used in flashback scenes from anime episode 9 and the PS4 version key visual. Depicted as an impressive scene with white sand and emerald green sea.
Access Information
- Location: Ura, Naru-chō, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Parking: Free parking lot at the beach (approximately 20 cars)
- Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Naru Port
- Swimming Season: Mid-July – late August
Selected as one of the “Clean Beach 100” by the Ministry of the Environment. High transparency makes it suitable for snorkeling.
Photography Tips
The sea color on clear days best matches the work’s atmosphere. Outside the summer season, fewer people allow for leisurely photography. However, winter brings strong winds and high waves, so caution is necessary.
No.05 Naru Senjo-Shiki
Scenes in the Work
The expansive grassland scenery is used as background for scenes of flying in the work.
Access Information
- Location: Tomari, Naru-chō, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Parking: None (parking on roadside)
- Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Naru Port
A vast grassland facing the sea where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Goto-nada Sea on clear days. Wind is often strong, so watch for items being blown away.
Access to Naru Island
- From Fukue Port: Approximately 40 minutes by ferry, approximately 25 minutes by high-speed boat
- From Nagasaki Port: Direct ferry access possible (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes)
Few rental car companies on the island, so advance reservation is essential. Rental bicycles are available, but for visiting sacred sites with distance between them, physical fitness is required.
③ Sacred Sites on Hisaka Island
Hisaka Island is located northeast of Fukue Island, a small island with a population of approximately 200. It is home to “Hisaka Island Settlement,” a component property of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Regions.”
Former Gori Church Building
Scenes in the Work
Considered one of the models for churches appearing in the work.
Access Information
- Location: Warabi-chō, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Visiting: Advance reservation required (Nagasaki and Amakusa Region Hidden Christian Heritage Information Center)
- Access: Approximately 30 minutes on foot from Tanōura Port, or approximately 10 minutes by car
Designated as an Important Cultural Property and a UNESCO World Heritage component property. Advance reservation is absolutely required for visiting.
Access to Hisaka Island
- From Fukue Port: Approximately 20 minutes by scheduled ferry (4-5 departures per day)
- Arrives at Tanōura Port
Hisaka Island has almost no accommodations or rental cars. Day trips are standard, with movement on foot or by pre-arranged taxi. Since scheduled ferry times are limited, planned behavior is necessary.
④ Sacred Sites on Fukue Island
Fukue Island is the largest island in the Goto Archipelago and the center of Goto City. It is the most convenient island as a base for sacred site pilgrimage.
Fukue Shopping Arcade
Scenes in the Work
The shopping arcade appears in game and anime versions, such as scenes where the main characters shop.
Access Information
- Location: Fukue-chō, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Parking: Multiple paid parking lots nearby
- Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Fukue Port
The arcade features restaurants and souvenir shops, allowing you to feel the local atmosphere. You can also enjoy local cuisine such as Goto udon and Goto beef.
Samurai Mansion Street (Around Ishida Castle Ruins)
Scenes in the Work
The historic streetscape is used as background in the work.
Access Information
- Location: Bukeyashiki, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Parking: Ishida Castle Ruins parking lot available
- Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from Fukue Port, approximately 15 minutes on foot
A street retaining vestiges of Edo-period samurai residences, with beautiful scenery created by stone walls and hedges.
Oose Cape Lighthouse
Scenes in the Work
A white lighthouse standing on a cliff, appearing impressively in anime and game versions.
Access Information
- Location: Tamanonura, Tamanonura-chō, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Parking: Free parking lot before the lighthouse
- Access: Approximately 60 minutes by car from Fukue Port
- Hiking: Approximately 20 minutes on foot from parking lot to lighthouse
Selected as one of “Japan’s 50 Best Lighthouses,” this beautiful lighthouse stands at the edge of cliffs protruding into the East China Sea. A well-maintained walking trail extends from the parking lot to the lighthouse, but with ups and downs, proper footwear is necessary.
Photography Tips
The contrast between clear blue sky and white lighthouse is beautiful and matches the work’s atmosphere. Wind is often very strong, requiring caution when using tripods.
Takahama Beach
Scenes in the Work
A beautiful beach appearing in flashback scenes from anime episode 9, with exceptional water transparency.
Access Information
- Location: Kaizu, Miiraku-chō, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Parking: Free parking lot at beach (approximately 50 cars)
- Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Fukue Port
- Swimming Season: Mid-July – late August
Selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Best Shores” and “Japan’s 88 Best Bathing Beaches.” The emerald green sea and white sand create spectacular views representing Goto.
Daien-ji Temple (Five-Story Pagoda)
Scenes in the Work
Considered a model for temples appearing in the work.
Access Information
- Location: Okuura-chō, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Parking: A few spaces in front of the temple
- Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Fukue Port
A temple characterized by its five-story pagoda built in the Meiji era.
Furusato-kan (Goto Tourism History Museum)
Scenes in the Work
Building exterior and surrounding scenery appear in the work.
Access Information
- Location: Ikeda-chō, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Closed: Mondays (following day if Monday is a holiday)
- Admission: General 200 yen
- Parking: Available (free)
- Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Fukue Port
A museum where you can learn about Goto’s history and culture, deepening your understanding of Goto during sacred site pilgrimage.
⑤ Sacred Sites in Nagasaki City
Important sacred sites exist in Nagasaki City outside the Goto Archipelago.
Udon Shimaya (Model for Mashiro Udon)
Scenes in the Work
An actual udon restaurant that served as the model for “Mashiro Udon” appearing in the work. An important spot appearing multiple times in game and anime versions.
Store Information
- Location: Hamaguchicho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (subject to change)
- Closed: Irregular
- Parking: A few spaces in front of the store
- Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Nagasaki Station, approximately 5 minutes on foot from “Hamaguchicho” streetcar stop
A popular restaurant serving Goto udon and an established sacred site pilgrimage spot for work fans. Goto udon, a thin noodle with firmness, is characterized by its mild “ago dashi” (flying fish stock) flavor.
Ordering Tips
To recreate scenes from the work, “kakae udon” (noodles in broth) or “kamaage udon” (boiled noodles) are recommended. During busy times, waiting time may occur, so visit with time to spare.
Other Nagasaki City Spots
Nagasaki cityscape and streetcars are also used as backgrounds in the work. You can enjoy sacred site pilgrimage combined with Nagasaki sightseeing before and after traveling to the Goto Archipelago.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
2 Nights, 3 Days Fukue Island-Centered Course
Day 1
- Nagasaki Airport → Fukue Airport
- Rental car pick-up
- Fukue shopping arcade, Samurai Mansion Street, Daien-ji Temple, Furusato-kan
- Stay in Fukue City area
Day 2
- Takahama Beach
- Oose Cape Lighthouse
- Day trip to Hisaka Island (using scheduled ferry)
- Stay in Fukue City area
Day 3
- Day trip to Naru Island (Miya-no-Hama Beach, Naru Senjo-Shiki)
- Rental car return
- Fukue Airport → Nagasaki Airport
3 Nights, 4 Days Goto Archipelago Full-Length Course
Day 1
- Nagasaki Port → Narao Port (ferry)
- Rental car pick-up
- Narao Port Terminal, Aozagaura Church
- Stay on Nakatsutsu Island
Day 2
- Abandoned bus and other Nakatsutsu Island sacred sites
- Ferry to Fukue Island
- Stay in Fukue City area
Day 3
- Tour Fukue Island sacred sites (Takahama Beach, Oose Cape Lighthouse, etc.)
- Stay in Fukue City area
Day 4
- Day trip to Naru Island or Hisaka Island
- Fukue Airport → Nagasaki Airport or Fukue Port → Nagasaki Port
4 Nights, 5 Days Complete Coverage Course
Above plus detailed exploration of Wakamatsu Island, stays on each island, and sacred sites in Nagasaki City. Recommended for those with ample time who wish to tour sacred sites thoroughly.
Best Seasons for Sacred Site Pilgrimage and Precautions
Best Seasons
Spring (April – May)
- Mild climate and comfortable weather
- Beautiful fresh greenery
- Golden Week is crowded, so early reservation of rental cars and accommodations is essential
Summer (July – August)
- Beaches are open, allowing maximum experience of seascapes in the work
- Typhoon season brings risk of ferry cancellations
- Very crowded season
Fall (September – November)
- Relatively stable weather
- Fewer tourists, allowing leisurely touring
- September requires typhoon vigilance
Winter (December – March)
- Fewest tourists, allowing quiet pilgrimage
- Rough seas increase ferry cancellation risk
- Cold-weather preparation necessary
- Some facilities closed seasonally
Precautions
Weather and Transportation
As the Goto Archipelago is remote islands, weather significantly impacts transportation. Ferries especially may be canceled due to sea conditions. Plan with schedule flexibility and spare days.
Rental Cars
During busy seasons, reservations are very difficult to obtain. Advance reservation at minimum one month, preferably 2-3 months, is advisable. Limited gas stations require frequent refueling.
Accommodations
Accommodations on the Goto Archipelago are limited, with few options on Nakatsutsu and Naru islands. Early reservation is necessary. Fukue Island has the most accommodations.
Church Visits
Churches are active religious facilities. Respect visiting etiquette and always contact in advance if recommended. Churches cannot be visited during Mass times.
Abandoned Bus
Located on private land, trespassing is prohibited. Be considerate of surrounding residents by not littering or making noise.
Items to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (walking required for lighthouses and churches)
- Sunscreen and hat (strong sunlight)
- Warm clothing (winter and windy locations)
- Camera and smartphone (bring chargers)
- Work reference materials (screenshots useful for location identification)
Enhancing Your Sacred Site Pilgrimage Experience
Preparation with the Work
Playing the game versions (PC, PS4, Switch) and watching the anime before visiting helps you better understand each location’s significance and meaning, deepening your emotional connection.
Enjoying Local Cuisine
Goto Udon
One of Japan’s three great udon varieties, characterized by thin noodles. Typically eaten with “ago dashi” (flying fish stock).
Goto Beef
Black-haired wagyu cattle raised on the Goto Archipelago. Tender with concentrated umami flavor.
Fresh Seafood
Fish and shellfish caught near Goto are exceptional. Notably horse mackerel, mackerel, and yellowtail.
Kankoromochi
A traditional Goto sweet made with sweet potato. Perfect for souvenirs.
Regional Events
Goto City and Shinkamigoto Town occasionally hold work-related events. Check official sites and local tourism associations for information.
Photography Tips
Prepare screenshots beforehand to photograph scenes matching the work’s angles. Weather significantly affects atmosphere, so check forecasts when planning schedules.
The Charm of Nagasaki Prefecture’s Goto Archipelago
Through sacred site pilgrimage, you can experience the Goto Archipelago’s abundant nature, history, and culture. You will understand why this location became the work’s setting through discovering its historic churches, beautiful coastlines, and the warmth of island residents.
The Goto Archipelago is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Regions,” preserving Christian history from the prohibition era to the present. Combining sacred site pilgrimage with learning this historical background creates a deeper travel experience.
Summary
The sacred site of ‘A Sky Full of Promises,’ Nagasaki Prefecture’s Goto Archipelago, is a charming place where beautiful nature and rich history converge. Sacred sites connected to the work are scattered across Fukue Island, Nakatsutsu Island, Hisaka Island, Naru Island, and Wakamatsu Island, making it a must-visit destination for fans.
Successful sacred site pilgrimage requires careful planning. Early reservations for rental cars and accommodations, weather-conscious scheduling, and confirmed transportation between islands are essential.
Sacred site pilgrimage to the Goto Archipelago, where you can actually experience the work’s world, will surely become an unforgettable memory. Through beautiful scenery, delicious meals, and encounters with warm people, your love for the work will deepen.
Please use this guide to plan your ‘A Sky Full of Promises’ sacred site pilgrimage to Nagasaki Prefecture’s Goto Archipelago. A wonderful experience awaits in Goto, where blue skies and blue seas spread wide, immersing you in the work’s world.
