Amakusa

Amakusa (天草) is a group of islands located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. The islands are known for their beautiful landscapes, rich history, and unique culture, making them a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.

One of the main attractions of Amakusa is its natural beauty, with rugged coastlines, scenic beaches, and lush forests. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and water sports, including dolphin watching, while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Amakusa is also known for its rich history and culture. The islands were a center of Christianity in Japan, and were home to a large number of hidden Christians (known as “Kakure Kirishitan”) during the 17th and 18th centuries. Visitors can learn about the history of Christianity in Japan, including the Amakusa-Shimabara Rebellion (1637-1638), at various museums and historical sites on the islands, such as the Amakusa Collegio Museum, the Amakusa Rosario Museum, and the Sakitsu Village, a component of the World Heritage Site “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.”

Pearl cultivation is still one of the major industries in Amakusa. Visitors can learn about the history and process of pearl cultivation at the Amakusa Pearl Center.

Amakusa is also a paradise for seafood lovers, with an abundance of fresh fish and shellfish caught in the surrounding waters. Visitors can enjoy delicious local cuisine featuring these fresh ingredients at the many restaurants on the islands. The Amakusa Gokyo Bridges, a series of five bridges connecting the upper and lower islands of Amakusa, offer stunning views and are a popular spot for sightseeing.

Getting there

By Air

• About 2 hours by plane from Haneda Airport to Fukuoka Airport or Aso Kumamoto Airport
• Then about 20-30 minutes by Amakusa Airlines to Amakusa Airport (Shimojima)
• About 15 minutes by shuttle bus from Amakusa Airport to central Amakusa City

By Shinkansen, Train, and Ferry

1. Take the Shinkansen to Kumamoto Station
2. About 38 minutes by Limited Express A-Train from Kumamoto Station to Misumi Station
3. About 20 minutes by Amakusa Takarajima Line ferry from Misumi Port to Matsushima Port (Maejima)

Fastest route:

• From Hakata to Matsushima (Maejima) in as fast as 2 hours
• From Kumamoto to Matsushima (Maejima) in about 1 hour 15 minutes

By Bus

• Take the “Express Amakusa” from bus terminals in Kumamoto City or Kumamoto Station to Amakusa
• About 1 hour 20 minutes from Kumamoto Station

By Car

• About 1 hour 30 minutes from Kumamoto City to Amakusa
• About 1 hour 35 minutes from Kumamoto Airport
• About 3 hours from Fukuoka

Although Amakusa is an island, it’s connected to mainland Kyushu by the Amakusa Five Bridges, making car access possible. As public transportation is limited, renting a car is convenient for sightseeing.