Amakusa: World Heritage Hidden Christian Sites and Spectacular Ocean Scenery (Nagasaki/Kumamoto)

Amakusa: A Peninsula of Hidden Christian History and Spectacular Scenery

"Amakusa," spanning Kumamoto and Nagasaki prefectures, is a tourist destination known for its beautiful rias coastline and "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region (2018 World Heritage)." The island group centered on Kamishima and Shimoshima is located on the western coast of western Kyushu, surrounded by Ariake Sea, Yatsushiro Sea, and Amakusa Sea.

Sakitsu Settlement and Amakusa Churches

World Heritage component "Sakitsu Settlement" is a fishing village settlement on Amakusa Shimoshima. A settlement that became a base of hidden Christians in the Edo period, the "Sakitsu Cathedral (Catholic Sakitsu Church)" built in 1934 is an impressive building blending into the sea settlement. Called the "Cathedral of the Sea."

Amakusa Five Bridges

"Amakusa Five Bridges" are 5 bridges connecting Uto Peninsula with Amakusa Kamishima and Shimoshima. Since opening in 1966, these bridges called the Amakusa Arcade create beautiful scenery also described as "a string of pearls." Sightseeing boat cruises can also be enjoyed.

Dolphin Watching

Common bottlenose dolphins are resident off Amakusa (Tomioka, Ushibuka, etc.), with dolphin watching from boats being a popular activity. Observable year-round.

Access

Approximately 2 hours by bus from central Kumamoto. Or by steamboat from Misumi Station. Also accessible by ferry from Shimabara Port in Nagasaki Prefecture.