About this Stay
I stayed at Resort Hotel Margherita, located in Shin-Kamigoto Town in Nagasaki Prefecture, part of the beautiful Goto Islands.
The name Margherita comes from the Italian word for the marguerite daisy, known in Japanese as hinagiku. True to its name, this hotel is especially renowned for its excellent Italian cuisine.
The restaurant uses fresh local ingredients such as seafood caught in the waters around the Goto Islands, Goto beef, and island-raised pork. Each dish is carefully prepared and beautifully presented, creating a refined and dignified dining atmosphere. The wide variety of breads served is also baked in-house at the hotel.
I enjoyed both dinner and breakfast during my stay, and was impressed by the outstanding quality of the meals, which reflect a strong commitment to authentic Italian flavors. It was a truly memorable dining experience.
Nagasaki Port
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Park near the Port
Before heading to the Goto Islands by ferry from Nagasaki Port, I took a stroll through Mizube no Mori Park, a waterfront park located near the port.
View of Mt. Inasa and Nagasaki Port
This is a view of Mt. Inasa and Nagasaki Port, seen while walking through Mizube no Mori Park.
Mt. Inasa has an observation deck and television towers at its summit, and several hotels are built along its slopes. Along the waterfront, large cranes and buildings of shipyards line the shore. The deep blue sea adds to the scenery—it is truly a beautiful view.
Ferry Terminal
Inside the Nagasaki Port Ferry Terminal.
Inside the Ferry Terminal
The interior of the ferry terminal is designed with the image of a ship in mind.
Display of Nagasaki Prefecture Specialties
Inside the ferry terminal, there was a showcase displaying local specialty products from Nagasaki Prefecture.
Boarding Ticket
This is the high-speed ferry ticket to Arikawa Port in Shin-Kamigoto Town. The fare was 4,500 yen.
Waiting Area
The waiting lounge inside the ferry terminal.
Boarding
The ferry has arrived, and it is time to board.
Passenger Cabin
The passenger cabin inside the ferry.
Departure
The ferry has departed from Nagasaki Port.
Megami Bridge
We passed under Megami Bridge, which spans the entrance to Nagasaki Port.
Inside the Cabin
Another view of the passenger cabin. Seats are assigned.
Arikawa Port
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Arrival in Shin-Kamigoto
We arrived at the Arikawa Ferry Terminal in Shin-Kamigoto Town.
Arikawa Port Ferry Terminal
After disembarking from the ferry, we headed toward the Arikawa Port Ferry Terminal.
Whale Monument
This is a whale monument located at the ferry terminal.
Arikawa in Shin-Kamigoto Town has a history of prosperity through whaling during the Edo period. Behind this monument is the Shin-Kamigoto Whale Museum (Geihin-kan).
Hotel Shuttle Bus
A staff member holding a sign was waiting for us at the terminal for the hotel shuttle bus. From here, we boarded the shuttle bus to the hotel.
View of Arikawa
This is a view from the bus window while traveling to the hotel. The sun was beginning to set, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Inside the Hotel
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Hotel Entrance
“MARGHERITA GOTO ISLAND RESORT HOTEL.” The typography of the MARGHERITA logo is very stylish and elegant.
Hotel Lobby
We arrived at the hotel and completed the check-in process here.
Lobby Sofa Seating
Sofa seating in the hotel lobby. A comfortable place to relax upon arrival.
Bookshelf
A bookshelf located in the lobby. There appear to be books about Goto Islands and Nagasaki, among others.
Bookshelf in the Lounge Area
A bookshelf in the lounge area. This one is lined with foreign-language books and old leather-bound volumes, creating a classic atmosphere.
Breakfast Menu (Left Page)
he breakfast menu for the following morning. Guests are asked to choose between Western-style or Japanese-style breakfast.
Breakfast Menu (Right Page)
Side dishes and drinks can be ordered without limitation, according to the menu.
Lounge Sofa Seating
Sofa seating in the main lounge on the first floor. The furnishings have a deep, refined character.
Lobby Overview
A full view of the first-floor lobby. There are two long sofas. Rather than being flashy, the space has a calm and understated beauty.
Pig Figurine
In one corner of the first-floor lobby, there was a pig figurine. Its realistic appearance—standing inside a fence as if waiting for food—was quite amusing.
Gift Shop near the Restaurant (1)
This is the gift shop located just before the restaurant “Crossroads of Sky and Sea.” The shelves are filled with various hotel-original sweets and goods.
Gift Shop near the Restaurant (2)
Another view of the gift shop in front of the restaurant. Although the table is empty at night, homemade bread is displayed here in the morning and at lunchtime.
Public Bath Entrance
The entrance to the large public bath for men.
Guest Room
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Bed
The bed in the guest room.
Interior
In the foreground, there is a round table with chairs and a writing desk. Beyond the sheer lace curtains is a terrace, furnished with terrace chairs.
Room Atmosphere
Sitting on the bed and taking a moment to relax in the room.
Dinner
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Dinner Menu (1)
It is time for dinner. On the table are wine glasses, a knife and fork, and the printed menu. The menu is carefully written in both Italian and Japanese.
The courses feature elaborately prepared Western-style dishes using locally caught fish, oysters, Goto beef, and Goto pork. Anticipation naturally builds.
Dinner Menu (2)
A closer look at the menu. All dishes are listed in Japanese and Italian, with some descriptions also provided in English.
Appetizers, Oysters, and Bread
The meal began with an assortment of appetizers, oven-baked island oysters, and freshly baked bread. Everything was outstandingly delicious.
The courses felt light and well-balanced, giving the impression of a healthy yet satisfying meal. For drinks, I ordered a sparkling wine.
Appetizers
An assortment of appetizers.
- • Freshly caught carpaccio from the Goto Sea (likely sea bream)
- • Roast pork loin ham and smoked pork tongue
- • Burrata cheese and strawberry Caprese
- • Wild salad with island kumquats and selvatico (the leafy greens shown)
Oven-Baked Island Oysters
Oven-baked island oysters, served atop what appears to be rock salt.
Paper-Wrapped Fresh Fish (1)
“Fresh Fish Cartoccio, Natale Style.”
Cartoccio refers to a cooking method in which ingredients are wrapped in paper and baked. Natale means Christmas in Italian.
Paper-Wrapped Fresh Fish (2)
Once the paper is opened, beautifully roasted fresh fish and squid appear. The fish may be sea bass.
The green herbs scattered on the plate perhaps evoke Christmas holly, adding a seasonal touch. They may be parsley.
Pasta
“Tajarin with Black Truffle and Brown Butter.” This pasta dish was exceptional—the combination of delicate noodles, butter, and black truffle was simply perfect.
(Editor’s note: Tajarin is a thin, flat pasta made with a high proportion of egg yolks. Its rich flavor pairs classically with a simple butter sauce and shaved truffles.)
Goto Beef Steak
“Goto Beef Loin Bistecca with Marsala-Scented Red Wine Sauce.” The steak is served with what appear to be lightly fried lotus root and burdock root.
(Editor’s note: Bistecca is a traditional Florentine-style steak, featuring thick-cut beef grilled simply to highlight the quality of the meat.)
Restaurant After the Meal
On this evening, I lingered over my meal and became the last guest in the restaurant. By the time I finished the main course, everyone else had already left.
This hotel places extraordinary emphasis on dinner, and the cuisine was truly remarkable.
Dessert
Dessert was served next. “Lemon Jelly and Mascarpone Cream Hidden Inside a Lemon Shell.” It was absolutely delicious.
(Editor’s note: Gelée refers to a jelly. Mascarpone is a rich, smooth cream cheese commonly used in tiramisu.)
Souvenirs at the Hotel Shop
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Kamigoto Island Cookies
After dinner, I browsed the items displayed on the shelves of the hotel shop.
These are Kamigoto Island Cookies. There are 35 different designs printed on the cookies, and 29 of them feature the names and illustrations of the 29 churches in Shin-Kamigoto. They are produced in-house at the Margherita Hotel. This is a truly unique and fascinating souvenir.
Banana and Walnut Pound Cake
A banana and walnut pound cake, also available at the shop.
Margherita Financiers
These are the hotel’s original Margherita financiers. They are shaped like the margherita flower (daisy), from which the hotel takes its name. The packaging is equally charming, presented in pink and gold tins. A lovely and well-designed souvenir.
Morning Jog
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Morning View from the Hotel
This is the morning view from the balcony of my guest room. The calm scenery of the sea and surrounding islands feels peaceful and relaxing.
Early Morning View of the Hotel (1)
I went out for a jog early in the morning. This is the front view of the hotel in the quiet early hours.
Early Morning View of the Hotel (2)
Another view of the hotel after walking a little further along the road.
Early Morning in Shin-Kamigoto
This is a view I saw while jogging outside. The inlet, distant islands, and the sea create a beautiful landscape.
Early Morning Scenery
It was slightly cloudy, but the early morning sea and island scenery was still lovely. This is a view from along the jogging route.
A Village in Shin-Kamigoto
While running along a road on higher ground, I came across a small village.
A Church
There was a church along the way. It is one of the 29 churches of Kamigoto.
In Front of the Church
I ran closer to the church and took a moment to look around.
Leaving the Church Behind
After passing the church, I continued jogging.
Morning Sun Through the Clouds
The morning sun was shining through gaps in the clouds.
Coastal Road
This is the view along the coastline. I followed this coastal road back to the hotel.
Breakfast
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First-Floor Lobby
I returned to the hotel and headed to the restaurant for breakfast. This is the lobby on the first floor.
Homemade Bread
In the morning, a variety of the hotel’s homemade bread is displayed. There are about fifteen kinds in total. Each bread is labeled in Japanese and Italian (with some English), showing the hotel’s attention to detail.
Table Setting
This is the table setting for breakfast.
- • Knife, fork, and spoon
- • Salt, pepper, and sugar
- • Butter, organic honey, and three kinds of homemade jam (with a butter knife and spoon)
Soup, Bread, and Drinks
Soup, bread, and drinks (milk and orange juice) were served. The atmosphere feels calm and refined.
Bread
Three kinds of the hotel’s handmade bread were served. They are presented on a solid wooden bread plate.
Soup
This is the soup. It has been carefully strained and has a very smooth texture. It seems to be a potato soup.
Sausage and Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs, sausages, and fresh vegetables were served.
French Fries
I also ordered French fries as a side dish. They are served on kitchen paper that absorbs excess oil, reflecting both aesthetic sense and thoughtful care.
French Toast
French toast was another side dish I chose. It was carefully and delicately prepared.
Goto Udon
I also had Goto udon as a side dish. Goto udon is coated with camellia oil, giving it a smooth texture and an excellent mouthfeel. It is simply enjoyed with dipping sauce.
Stairs Back to the Guest Rooms
After breakfast, I walked around the hotel in the morning.
From the staircase leading from the first floor (restaurant and lobby) up to the guest rooms on the second and third floors, the sea can be seen through the windows, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Second-Floor Terrace Balcony
There is a terrace balcony on the second floor. From here, you can enjoy views of the sea and islands of the Goto Islands.
A Church on the Hill
This is the view from the hotel garden. On the hill, you can see a church with a white cross and a red roof.
Departure – Back to Arikawa Port
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View from the Shuttle Bus on the Way Back
After a stay at Hotel Margherita filled with thoughtfully prepared delicious meals and beautiful scenery, this is the view from the shuttle bus heading toward the Arikawa Port terminal in Shin-Kamigoto.
Arikawa Port Ferry Terminal
We arrived at the ferry terminal.
Whale Monument
I said goodbye to the whale monument that I had also seen the day before. It was a deeply satisfying and memorable journey. Thank you for a wonderful trip.
