The Shimabara Peninsula (島原半島) is a peninsula located in the Nagasaki Prefecture of Japan. It is located on the western coast of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s main islands. The peninsula is surrounded by the East China Sea to the west and the Ariake Sea to the east.
The Shimabara Peninsula is known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and historical sites. The most famous attraction on the peninsula is the Shimabara Castle, a castle built in the early 17th century on the plain facing the Ariake Sea. The castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.
Other popular attractions on the Shimabara Peninsula include Mount Unzen, an active volcano that erupted from 1990 to 1995, causing widespread damage. Visitors can now observe the lava dome and pyroclastic flow deposits. The peninsula is also home to Unzen Onsen, a hot spring resort on the slopes of Mount Unzen, featuring the Unzen Jigoku geothermal area with its hot springs and steam vents. Another popular hot spring town is Obama Onsen. The peninsula also offers several hiking trails with views of the sea and the surrounding mountains, as well as historical sites related to the Shimabara Rebellion and the 1792 Mount Mayu eruption and tsunami disaster known as the “Shimabara Taihen Higo Meiwaku.”
The Shimabara Peninsula is also blessed with abundant spring water, with over 50 spring water groups. Visitors can stroll through the “Bukeyashiki Street,” lined with samurai residences, or relax in the historic hot spring town of Shimabara Onsen, located near Shimabara Castle.
The Shimabara Peninsula is accessible by train from Nagasaki City or by ferry from Kumamoto City. It is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists who come to enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of the area.
Attractions in Shimabara Peninsula
Getting there
By Train
From Nagasaki:
- Take a JR train to Isahaya Station (8 minutes by Nishikyushu Shinkansen, 1,350 yen for unreserved seats, or 30 minutes by local train, 480 yen).
- At Isahaya Station, transfer to the Shimabara Railway (Shimatetsu) to Shimabara Station (about 70 minutes, 1,460 yen, with 1-2 trains per hour).
From Fukuoka:
- Take the Kyushu Shinkansen to Shin-Tosu and transfer to a local train to Isahaya Station, then follow the directions above.
By Ferry
- From Nagasu Port in Kumamoto:
- Approximately 45 minutes to Taira Port in Shimabara.
- From Kumamoto Port:
- Approximately 1 hour to Shimabara Port.
By Bus
- Nagasaki Kenei Bus operates infrequent direct buses from Nagasaki Bus Terminal to the Unzen Onsen Visitor Center. The one-way trip takes about 100 minutes and costs 1,850 yen.
By Car
- Drive from Nagasaki or Kumamoto using local roads and ferries for a scenic route.