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Minami Shimabara City is located in the southernmost part of Nagasaki Prefecture and Amakusa City is in the southwestern region of Kumamoto Prefecture.
Although an ocean separates the two cities, they can be traversed in a 30-minute boat trip. Dotted with World Cultural Heritage sites and beautiful natural areas, this is the ideal retreat for resetting your mind and body in a tranquil environment.
Find peace of mind on this extraordinary journey.
The Hidden Christian Sites
in the Nagasaki Region
These heritage sites tell of the traditions and testimony of the hidden Christians in Nagasaki and the Amakusa region who continued to practice their faith at a time when Christianity was forbidden, in coexistence with Japan's traditional religions and society as a whole.
Minami Shimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture-
Hara Castle Ruins
The site was the scene of the Shimabara Rebellion that took place in 1637. Visitors can experience CG images of the construction of the castle and the Shimabara Rebellion in virtual reality.
You can also rent a bicycle to easily explore the area surrounding the castle ruins.
Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture-
Sakitsu Village in Amakusa
The symbolic Sakitsu Church stands quietly in this place, which was the first fishing village landscape to be selected as an Important Cultural Landscape of Japan.
Featuring the unusual contrast between traditional fishing village landscape with a Western-style church, history and culture are brought to life in this unique village.
The Hayasaki Strait that connects Minami Shimabara City and Amakusa City is a rich marine environment inhabited by dolphins. You have a high chance of seeing dolphins because of the abundance of small fish that serve as food for the dolphins which roam the area in schools.
Please come and experience a precious moment created by mother nature herself!
Minami Shimabara's attraction lies in its cross-cultural history of Christian culture and its beautiful nature where you can enjoy both sea and mountain recreation. Each area of Minami Shimabara City, consisting of 8 towns, has its own unique characteristics and many photogenic spots!
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The Bell of Happiness
A stopover on the Kyushu Olle Minami Shimabara course. You can see the Sezumezaki Lighthouse and the beautiful sunset from the Bell of Happiness. Try ringing the bell to become blessed with great happiness.
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St. Mary Kannon Hall of Hara Castle
Featuring the world's largest (10 meters high) wooden statue of Saint Mary, which took 40 years to create. Along with the area's World Cultural Heritage sites, it is one of the places you simply must visit.
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Shirasu (Lithothamnium)
A rare phenomena that can only be seen in a few places in the world.
Enjoy a special experience that is almost like standing on the sea itself. -
Mensho Sukawa Menkui
Enjoy various dishes made using Minami Shimabara City's specialty Shimabara Tenobe Somen noodles. The photo shows somen noodles with mentaiko with squid ink, an unusual variation of the regular somen noodle dish.
The Amakusa region consists of more than 120 islands of various sizes. There are many attractive places where nature, culture, and history exist in harmony. It is also known as a treasure trove of ingredients, with an abundance of fresh seafood and wild vegetables.
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Amakusa Ceramics
The beauty of the translucent white ceramics is stunning. Visiting various potteries is recommended to discover a wide variety of ceramics, which differ from kiln to kiln.
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Dinosaur Island Museum
The museum is located on Goshoura Island in Amakusa City, where numerous dinosaur fossils have been excavated. It has an impressive skeleton exhibit and other exhibits to enjoy while learning.
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Shimoda Onsen
Shimoda Onsen offers views of the beautiful sunset and the East China Sea. You can enjoy naturally heated hot spring water which is undiluted and unfiltered.
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Kuratake Shrine
The shrine is located on the summit of Mount Kura, the highest peak of the Amakusa Islands. Feel the magnificence of nature as you look out across the islands of Amakusa and all the way to Nagasaki and Kagoshima.
Here is our recommended route to enjoy one night and two days in Minami Shimabara City and Amakusa City.
- From Nagasaki
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- From Kumamoto
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Take the Shimatetsu Ferry to enjoy views that can only be seen from the sea, and travel with ease between Minami Shimabara City and Amakusa City!
Cars, motorbikes, and bicycles can be transported on the Shimatetsu Ferry.
While on board, you can spend time relaxing as you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Ariake Sea.
Upon arrival, you can go for a drive or a bike ride, allowing for a flexible trip.
Ferry Terminal Information
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Minami Shimabara City
(Kuchinotsu Port）
4358-6 Kuchinotsu-cho Hei, Minamishimabara-shi, Nagasaki
(Phone: 0957-86-2165)
A 2-minute walk from Kuchinotsu Port Bus Stop
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Amakusa City
(Oniike Port)
5087 Oniike, Itsuwa-machi, Amakusa-shi, Kumamoto
(Phone: 0969-32-1727)
Immediately from Oniike Port Bus Stop (next to Oniike Port Terminal)
- ・Please complete the boarding process at least 10 minutes before departure time
- ・Cashless payment is not available 10 minutes before the departure time. Please note that payment must be made in cash.
- ・Cars, trucks, etc. will be boarded on a first-come, first-served basis. (Reservations are accepted only for group charter buses.)