May 9th Goto Islands Narao Sightseeing - 2019 Spring Cruise (Kyushu)

The northeasterly wind strengthened before dawn, and I was awakened by the rocking of the boat and the sound of waves hitting it. 'Narao Port is the worst port on Nakadori Island in the Goto chain; when the wind turns northeasterly, the wind and waves come directly in from the harbor entrance (which opens to the northeast),' said a fisherman who came to the pier in the morning.

Perhaps feeling sorry for me seeing my boat in such a battered state, he gave me a live sea bream he had just caught by line fishing. At dinner, I had it as sashimi for an appetizer and made soup with the rest; it was so delicious that there are no words to describe it.

When I asked several local fishermen about 'Narao Port,' they had a very poor opinion of it. I received advice that 'in addition to northeasterly winds, the harbor gets chaotic when the wind blows from the south as well, so if you are going to moor, the land side of the ferry pier is better than this pier,' so I went to see the site.

That location is shown in the photo below, and by the afternoon, two sailing cruisers were moored there. They seem to know it well. However, if the sea is rough and the boat rolls heavily due to the waves, there is a possibility that the flying bridge will hit the pier roof, so I would not choose it. That said, the wind is significantly reduced as it is in the shadow of the ferry terminal.

I procured a light car from 'Narao Rent-a-Car' and set out to tour 'Nakadori Island,' where 'Narao Port' is located. First was the 'Kashiragashima Church'.

Next, I visited the 'Aosagaura Church.' This is the church where Kanako Higuchi, playing the Madonna role, meets the protagonist in my favorite movie, 'Tora-san' (Otoko wa Tsurai yo).

And then, the wooden 'Nakanoura Church'.

I heard that 'Narao Port' boasted top-class prosperity on 'Nakadori Island' during the Showa era. However, it is a shadow of its former self now.
I think that is why they are tolerant of us mooring pleasure boats. A hotel called 'Margherita' recently opened in the area; I heard that 'Kiwami Corporation' (Benitora Gyozabo) from Tokyo completely renovated an existing facility (the former hot spring hall) in Narao City to start it. Since it was just after the renovation, it was very clean and stylish. Day-trip bathing is also possible, and while it is usually 800 yen for adults (non-island residents), it is 400 yen for those over 60! It was quite impressive.