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Shimabara and Amakusa World Heritage Site Tour
Sakitsu Association
If you make the trek to the Shimabara Peninsula, be sure to visit the World Heritage Site "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Regions." We recommend renting a car (Shimatetsu Rental Car, reservations required). In Minamishimabara, visit the ruins of Hara Castle, the site of the final siege of the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion. The gravestone of Amakusa Shiro, which was buried in the stone walls of a private home, has been relocated to the main citadel. From Kuchinotsu Port, the site of the arrival of Nanban ships and a base for Christian missionary work, it takes about 30 minutes by Shimatetsu ferry to reach Oniike Port on Amakusa Shimoshima. First, head to the Romanesque-style Oe Church, followed by the World Heritage Site "Sakitsu Village," built on the site where "e-fumiki" (traditional Japanese paintings) were used to persecute Christians. Enjoy a relaxing time among the church, historic shrine, and charming houses nestled among the fishing village. Enjoy a refreshing drive and cross the Amakusa Seto Bridge to reach Amakusa Kamijima, and then cross the Amakusa Five Bridges to reach Oyanojima, where the Amakusa Shiro Museum is located.
Amakusa Shiro's gravestone (Hara Castle ruins)
Unzen's famous hot water crackers
Unzen Onsen
Unzen Onsen town evokes the image of a luxury summer resort. The town's modern history dates back to the Meiji era, when it was a premium summer resort visited by guests from all over the world for vacations. Unzen first became known overseas after Japan opened its doors to the world. A newspaper serial about Unzen, started in Shanghai by a foreigner living in the Nagasaki settlement, sparked interest and led to the publication of a guidebook.
Foreigners visited Unzen because it was a summer resort offering relief from the summer heat. And because Westerners had a culture of vacations. The first Western-style hotel was built in Unzen in 1888. Westerners enjoy spending time in Unzen, swimming in the natural river pool, camping, hiking, and more. Famous people who visited Unzen before World War II include Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl Buck, known for her novel "The Good Earth," Chinese Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek, and American author Helen Keller. The main tourist spot is Unzen Jigoku. In addition to the thrilling new Unzen Jigoku Night Tour, a variety of fun activities are available, including experiences like making yusenbei (water crackers), Unzen pottery, glasswork, and trekking up Mount Kinugasa.
Photo courtesy of Nagasaki Prefectural Tourism Federation, ©KOMC
