It comprises the south-west half of the Gotō Islands plus (uninhabited) Danjo and Hizen Torishima archipelagos in the East China Sea.

The area which is now Gotō City was a port of call on the trade route between Japan and Tang dynasty China in the Nara period.

The islands came under the control of the Gotō clan from the Muromachi period and was the location of intense European missionary activity in the late 16th century, which converted most of the population to the Kirishitan faith.

The city now hosts the Goto Nagasaki International Triathlon using the same course for the previous Ironman event.

In late summer there is the Bon festival where people gather in the main area of Fukue and hold a parade along with street vendors.

In winter there (usually held on the 2nd or 3rd weekend of January) is an event called "Hettomatto", also known as the 'naked man race'.