Have you ever been to Amakusa? Even in Kyushu, Amakusa is quite remote, and its history intertwined with hidden Christians, thus shrouded in mystery.
This time, Japan RAR introduce you to a journey to Amakusa, ensuring your first visit won't leave you disappointed.
What is Amakusa like?
The Amakusa Islands consist of over 120 smaller islands floating in the East China Sea off the southwest coast of Kumamoto Prefecture. Although referred to as islands, the area of the main island where Amakusa City is located is approximately 574 square kilometers.
The Amakusa Islands are the largest islands in Kumamoto Prefecture and the eighth largest in Japan, yet they don't quite feel like islands; they could be called peninsulas.
Similarly, while the word "islands" often conjures images of the sea, Amakusa is filled with lush mountainous landscapes. It's a picturesque place with rich maritime and mountainous natural environments, with its undulating terrain creating many dramatic vistas.
Transportation: Approximately 2 hours by car from Kumamoto Airport. Alternatively, you can fly from Fukuoka, Kumamoto, or Osaka Itami Airport to Amakusa Airport with Amakusa Airlines.
Additionally, if your main purpose is sightseeing around the main island of Amakusa, you can choose to fly to/from Kagoshima Airport, or take a ferry from Kagoshima to Shimoda Port on the main island.
Due to the large area of the Amakusa Peninsula, if you want to make the most of your travel time, we recommend flying into Kumamoto Airport and returning from Kagoshima Airport (or vice versa).
World Heritage Site: "Hidden Christian Villages"
When you think of Amakusa, you think of "Amakusa Shiro," a name associated with the area's gathering of hidden Christians. The fact that 250 years of history was hidden to protect their faith, even if recorded, is shocking.
The presence of hidden Christians is not only significant for studying the situation in Japan during the Edo period and Japan's position in world history but also essential when discussing the history and folk culture of this island. The island is dotted with historical relics related to hidden Christians, a major highlight of Amakusa sightseeing.
Oe Catholic Church
The Oe Catholic Church, situated on a small hill overlooking the East China Sea, is a beautiful pure white Romanesque church. It's the first church built in Amakusa after the lifting of the Christian ban, and the statue of Mary in the garden is said to pay homage to "Our Lady of Lourdes."
The scenery of the remote fishing village Sakitsu Village at the southern tip of the island is also worth a visit. The Gothic-style Sakitsu Church nestled among the rocks and the Maria on the Sea, quietly gazing at the sea from atop a rock, are both extremely dramatic.
This "Sakitsu Village" was a village where Buddhism, Shintoism, and Christianity coexisted during Japan's prohibition era, nurturing a unique form of faith in the fishing village. The current "Sakitsu Church" was established by Father Harub Ito, a French missionary, in 1934. It was rebuilt during that era.
The interior of the hall features one of the few tatami floors in Japan's church history, making it an interesting part of Japanese church history.
As one of the "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Regions," Sakitsu Village was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2018, becoming a must-visit spot for Amakusa sightseeing.
Sakitsu Church
This church was built in 1888, approximately 15 years after the lifting of the Christian ban, located in Sakitsu. It's known as the "Marine Church" because of its proximity to Ushibukase Bay.
- Sakitsu Church
- Address: 539 Sakitsu, Kawaura-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed on: The church may be temporarily closed due to circumstances.
- Website: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/86
Sakitsumikoto Shrine
The Sakitsumikoto Shrine is a shrine located in Sakitsu Village, established in 1647. It's said that during the period when Christianity was prohibited, hidden Christians became believers of this shrine, and today you can see Sakitsu Church and the village from the shrine.
- Sakitsumikoto Shrine
- Address: 505 Sakitsu, Kawaura-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Website: https://kumamoto.guide/spots/detail/12770
Oe Catholic Church
This is the earliest church built in Amakusa after the lifting of the Christian ban. The current building was constructed in 1933 by Father Canille, a French missionary.
- Oe Catholic Church
- Address: 1782 Amakusa-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Website: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/74
Amakusa Rosario Museum (Amakusa Rosary Museum)
This museum is a 5-minute walk from Oe Catholic Church. It mainly exhibits artifacts of hidden Christians.
- Amakusa Rosario Museum (Amakusa Rosary Museum)
- Address: 1749 Oe, Amakusa-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Admission Fee: ¥300 / High School Students: ¥200 / Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥150 (Includes admission to Amakusa Toy Museum) ※Group discounts available (20 people or more)
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
- Closed on: Every Wednesday (If a public holiday falls on a Wednesday, it will be postponed to the next working day) / December 30th - January 1st
- Website: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/76
Amakusa Municipal Amakusa Christian Museum
The Amakusa Christian Museum exhibits weapons used during the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion, the flag of Amakusa Shirō's army, and stamps from the period of Christian oppression.
- Amakusa Municipal Amakusa Christian Museum
- Address: 19-52 Funao-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture (Inside the Martyrdom Park)
- Admission Fee: Adults ¥300 / High School Students ¥200 / Elementary and Junior High School Students ¥150
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
- Closed on: Every Tuesday (If a public holiday falls on a Tuesday, it will be postponed to the next working day) / December 30th - January 1st
- Website: http://hp.amakusa-web.jp/a0905/MyHp/Pub/
Amakusa Shirō Museum (Amakusa Shirō Museum)
The Amakusa Shirō Museum exhibits materials related to the introduction of Christianity, the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion, and Amakusa Shirō.
- Amakusa Shirō Museum (Amakusa Shirō Museum)
- Address: 977-1 Nakai-no-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Admission Fee: Adults ¥600 / Students (Junior High School and below) ¥300 / Toddlers free of charge ※10% group discount available (20 people or more)
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:20 PM)
- Closed on: December 29th - January 1st / 2nd Wednesday of January and June
- Website: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/137
Encounter the Magnificent Scenery and Romance of Amakusa
Amakusa is abundant in natural resources, and one of its charms is the stark contrast between the views from the mountainside and the seaside. The mountainous areas are deeper than imagined, so when you're driving along, you'll forget that this is an "island."
After traversing endless mountain ranges, a village suddenly opens up, a pure white church appears, and a new cover art unfolds rhythmically, never leaving you bored. The real joy is that you can frequently experience excitement.
Especially picturesque is the intricate ria coastlines seen from high above!
You can embark on your journey from the Amakusa Gokyo Bridge, which connects the Kyushu mainland and the Amakusa Islands. This 17.4-kilometer route is an exhilarating drive, also known as the "Pearl Line."
The five unique bridges unfold before you, offering views of the sea, mountains, and sky from their tops! Any traveler's heart is sure to be captivated by the richly colored landscapes of the region.
If you wish to admire spectacular views, head to the Kuragariyama Summit at the peak of Amakusa's highest mountain, Kuradake. From an altitude of 682 meters, you can overlook the splendid natural beauty of Amakusa, as well as the islands floating in the calm seas of Ariake and Yatsushiro.
This is also a sacred place for Amakusa mountain worshippers, and the vibrant panorama will stimulate all your senses.
Amakusa is dotted with such beautiful landscapes, and the Nishihira Tsubaki Park is one of the places where you can encounter some of the most picturesque scenes. With approximately 20,000 wild camellia trees, the scenery is magnificent, but locals recommend this park because it is the "Sky City of Amakusa."
One area features a giant oak tree about 20 meters tall, creating a mysterious atmosphere that evokes memories of "Castle in the Sky."
Of course, you can anticipate breathtaking sunset moments in Amakusa. The western coast of Nishihira Tsubaki Park is known as the "Amakusa Sunset Line," where sunset spots facing the East China Sea are abundant, including the sunset of the Mary statue and the sunset of Ookase.
When planning a trip to Amakusa, it's important to decide where to watch the sunset, so I think it's best to decide where to go and plan your sightseeing during sunset.
Play with Dolphins! Encounter Rate Up to 98%
In fact, Amakusa is also a famous habitat for dolphins. The waters around Futawamachi Futae are home to over 200 wild bottlenose dolphins, making it a place where dolphins can be observed year-round.
With an encounter rate of over 90%, it's astonishing! It's a popular activity that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to the elderly, with a boat ride taking just about 10 minutes to reach the dolphin-watching spot.
Spending Unique Moments in Picture-Perfect Cafés
Discovering delicious coffee when you want to take a break, encountering charming spaces that convey the personality of the shop owner—these are the encounters that I think will leave vivid memories of your trip to Amakusa.
Café moments are not just about the space; they also include hot drinks and dishes that can only be provided by those working in the shop, as well as encounters with a plate of food, adding color to your journey.
Amakusa is also dotted with unique cafes that can only be found here, so for café enthusiasts, this alone is reason enough to make the trip.
Yamanokuchi Shokudo is a must-visit for enjoying delicious coffee and lunch in Amakusa. In fact, it's a restaurant operated by a pottery company called "Yamaguchi Yaki," and it features a gallery and restaurant converted from a trailer.
The café interior is whimsical, utilizing windows from an old bus, and the café space is small and cozy, with greenery reflecting outside, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
There are two lunch menus available, priced at 1,200 yen, including appetizer platters, soup, mini pasta, main dishes, desserts, and coffee!
All tableware is made of Yamaguchi pottery, allowing you to appreciate the familiar texture of the tableware while enjoying delicious cuisine.
It's fun to see the arrangement of this tableware, and it's a delight for tableware enthusiasts. Each dish is carefully plated, truly delicious, and the portions are generous. No wonder it's so popular among repeat customers.
- Yamanokuchi Shokudo
- Address: 1755-3 Hondomachi Hondomachi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Opening Hours: Yamaguchi Restaurant 11:30-14:00 / Yamaguchi Yaki 10:00-18:00
- Closed: Yamanokuchi Shokudo Mondays, Sundays / Yamaguchi Yaki Irregular Holidays
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/yamanokuchisyokudou/
Explore the Pottery Haven of Amakusa!
Though lesser-known, Amakusa is indeed the homeland of pottery. The coastal areas of Amakusa are the birthplace of Amakusa pottery stone, which serves as the raw material for ceramics. Nowadays, most of the materials for Imari ware, a famous type of Japanese pottery, come from Amakusa pottery stone. Even across Japan, there are numerous pottery works utilizing Amakusa stone.
Amakusa boasts a multitude of pottery, and in recent years, their numbers have been increasing. In 2003, Amakusa ceramics were designated as a national traditional craft, making pottery visits a hot topic in Amakusa tourism.
The island is dotted with as many as 23 pottery studios, including the Yamaguchi ware mentioned earlier. With so many to explore, it's impossible to visit them all in a single day, but why not take this opportunity to visit several? You can check out the list of pottery studios on this website.
"Yamaguchi ware" offers a simple yet cozy warmth, presenting a variety of plates, bowls, and cups in different sizes and shapes, ensuring you find your favorite daily utensils. The lineup also includes multi-purpose items such as teapots, chopstick rests, and square plates, all appealing in their utility.
- Yamaguchi Ware
- 1755-3 Hondomachi Hondomachi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
"Maruoi ware" is an old sake brewery in Amakusa that has been in existence since the Edo period. The gallery is open year-round, a rarity in Amakusa, and it operates many privately-owned shops, with a plethora of works in the studio. There's a variety of pottery here, ranging from traditional to modern, making it a great place to purchase souvenirs.
- Maruoi Ware
- 3-10 Kitabarucho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- No fixed holidays
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Website
Indulge in Amakusa's Culinary Delights Beyond Just Seafood!
No journey is complete without culinary adventures—it's the essence of travel. Amakusa, with its bountiful sea and mountains, is a treasure trove of gastronomy!
First and foremost, fresh seafood abounds here.
There are numerous seafood restaurants and sushi bars where you can savor a variety of local fish, abalone, sea urchin, and other delicacies in sashimi or seafood rice bowls. As shrimp farming is also prevalent here, shrimp dishes are quite popular too.
Moreover, as octopus is a specialty, there's an area known as the "Amakusa Ariake Octopus Street," and octopus dishes using local octopus are a must-try in Amakusa's culinary scene.
Amakusa not only boasts an abundance of seafood, but locally produced black-haired wagyu beef and the legendary "Amakusa Ōkoku" chicken are also sources of pride. Therefore, barbecue and chicken dishes are must-try delicacies in Amakusa.
If you've had your fill of fish and meat, you can give your stomach a break at an Amakusa grocery store. Savor the delectable offerings of Amakusa.
- Amakusa Ariake Octopus Street
- Address: Ariake-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture (along National Route 324)
- Website: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/35
And, Of Course, Natural Hot Springs! Refresh Your Journey with Soothing Baths
As this is Kumamoto, the hot spring paradise, there are plenty of hot springs—perfect for rejuvenating your mind and body.
If you're looking to stay at a hot spring inn, we recommend Shimoda Onsen located on the west coast. Not only is it an excellent spot to watch the sunset over the East China Sea, but you can also relax and enjoy the hot springs—it's truly wonderful!
Both Upper Amakusa and Lower Amakusa boast day-trip hot spring facilities. At Spa Thalasso Amakusa, you can experience seawater bathing therapy and natural hot springs. A trip to Amakusa themed around relaxation, rejuvenation, and beauty will become a reality.
- Shimoda Onsen Ryokan Association: Shimoda Onsen
- Address: 1310-3 Kitaura Kita, Amakusa-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Website: http://amakusa-shimoda-onsen.jp/
Explore More of Amakusa on Dinosaur Island!
Amakusa offers plenty to talk about, whether you're exploring its underwater world through diving or trekking along its numerous mountain trails.
But what excites enthusiasts is Amakusa's dinosaur fossils. Goshoura is a remote island town in Amakusa known for its Cretaceous period dinosaur fossils. It's also the site of an ecological museum, turning the entire island into a museum.
Activities like fossil collection, ammonite exhibitions, and dinosaur footprint sightings are popular, making Amakusa a treasure trove of unique encounters not found elsewhere. When you're looking to experience ancient civilizations with your children, a visit to Amakusa is a must.
Why not uncover the details recorded from 100 million years ago at the Goshoura Dinosaur Island Museum in Amakusa?
- Goshoura Dinosaur Island Museum (御所浦恐竜の島博物館)
- Address: 4310-5 Goshoura, Goshoura-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Admission: Adults: 500円 / University students: 300円 / Elementary and middle school students: 200円
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd)
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Website: https://goshouramuseum.jp/
Amakusa offers various nature-based experiences, with something new to discover each visit. It's much larger than you imagine, so it's challenging to see everything in one go.
In summer, you can enjoy the sea; in autumn, you can go hiking and camping. You can soak in hot springs, savor Amakusa's cuisine, and change themes according to the seasons, making it quite appealing. Why not visit multiple times to get acquainted with Amakusa and gradually find your own time in Amakusa?
