Uto and Matsubase: Ancient Uto Castle and Moya-shiki Rural Scenery Remaining Town

Uto City: A Warring States Castle Town and Port City of Ariake Sea

Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a port city facing Shiranui Sea (Yatsushiro Sea) and Ariake Sea — a historic city that flourished as a castle town of "Uto Castle" in ancient times. Also the site where Uto Castle lord Konishi Yukinaga supported Catholic proselytizing in Kyushu at the end of the Warring States period in 1587–1600.

Uto Castle Ruins

"Uto Castle Ruins (Omamawari Castle)" is a castle developed by Konishi Yukinaga, currently a historic park retaining stone walls and dry moats. Since Konishi Yukinaga was defeated and executed after joining the Western army at the Battle of Sekigahara, the castle was also abandoned. Some stone materials of Kumamoto Castle are said to be repurposed from Uto Castle stones.

Ariake Sea Tidal Flats and Fisheries

Tidal flats spread at the tip of Uto Peninsula (Misumi) and the southern Yatsushiro Sea, with creatures unique to Ariake Sea including agemaki clams (Ariake Sea endemic bivalves) and mudskippers inhabiting them. Local fishermen harvest Ariake Sea's bounty using traditional fishing methods.

Matsubase Agriculture and Roadside Station

"Roadside Station Shiranui" in Matsubase, Ueki City, sells local agricultural and marine products. Kumamoto specialty dekopon (shiranui) mandarin orange originates around Ueki City.

Access

Nearest station is JR Kagoshima Main Line "Uto Station." Approximately 15 minutes by rapid train from Kumamoto Station. Transfer to JR Misumi Line for Amakusa and Misumi direction.