Amakusa: 5 Amazing Places to Visit and a 2-Day Suggested Itinerary

Amakusa: Discover Kumamoto's Beautiful Islands

Amakusa is a city spreading over several islands in Kumamoto. This article provides a detailed introduction to Amakusa's tourist attractions, including dolphin watching, gourmet spots serving fresh seafood, and historic villages.

Moreover, we will introduce a 2-day suggested itinerary to fully enjoy the charm and history of Amakusa, along with recommended hotels.

Amakusa Travel Guide

1. Amakusa: Enjoy the Sea, Local Food, and History
2. Top 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Amakusa
3. Climate of Amakusa
4. 2-Day Itinerary for Exploring Amakusa
5. Top 3 Recommended Hotels in Amakusa

Amakusa: Enjoy the Sea, Local Food, and History

Photo by Pixta

Amakusa is located in the southwestern part of Kumamoto Prefecture and comprises approximately 120 islands.

It is connected to the Kyushu mainland by the Amakusa Gokyo bridges. Moreover, it features a rich natural environment and beautiful seas. Fresh seafood, such as shrimp and sea urchins, captivates visitors who come for sightseeing.

Amakusa is also historically intriguing, known for its hidden Christian history and the Shimabara Rebellion (Shimabara-Amakusa Uprising). When visiting Amakusa, you can enjoy its charm from various angles of nature, history, and gourmet food.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Amakusa

Amakusa is dotted with many attractive tourist destinations. Below, we'll introduce five recommended spots for visitors.

1. Amakusa City Dolphin Center Roadside Station

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Amakusa's warm climate allows visitors to see wild dolphins almost year-round. At the Amakusa City Dolphin Center Roadside Station, visitors can enjoy dolphin watching from a boat while experiencing Amakusa's rich marine ecosystem up close.

The facility's restaurant also offers dishes made with local, fresh seafood. There is even a section where local specialties are sold, and various tourist information is provided for visitors.

Amakusa City Dolphin Center Roadside Station
Address: Kumamoto Prefecture, Amakusa City, Itsuwamachi Futae 4689-20
Business Hours:
March to October / 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
November to February / 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website: https://www.amakusa-dolphin.jp/default.html (Japanese)

2. L'isola Terrace Amakusa & Mio Camino AMAKUSA

Photo by Pixta

L'isola Terrace Amakusa is a complex facility where visitors can enjoy Amakusa's gourmet food and shopping. The facility features oceanfront restaurants and bars where you can savor dishes and drinks made with fresh seafood.

The L'isola Terrace's salt bread, made with a special emphasis on Amakusa salt, is particularly popular among tourists. The facility also includes a kids' play area, making it a family-friendly destination.

Adjacent to it is Mio Camino AMAKUSA, another complex facility stocked with diverse local products and souvenirs. In addition to bouldering and barbecue facilities, there is also a bike rental service. Visitors can choose between electric-assist and standard bicycles to explore Amakusa's nature and scenery.

L'isola Terrace Amakusa
Address: Kumamoto Prefecture, Kami-Amakusa City, Matsushima Town, Aitsu Kitamaejima 6215-16
Business Hours:
Market, Pan Lab, Island Stand, Island Style
Weekdays / 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends and Holidays / 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Cafe
Weekdays / 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Weekends and Holidays / 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM

L'isola Beach Bar
Weekdays / 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Weekends and Holidays / 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website: https://www.lisolaterrace.com/english_con/

Mio Camino AMAKUSA
Address: Kumamoto Prefecture, Kami-Amakusa City, Matsushima Town, Aitsu Kitamaejima 6215-17
Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Official Website: https://www.kyusanko.co.jp/miocaminoamakusa/ (Japanese)

3. Sakitsu Village

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Sakitsu Village is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Regions." During the Edo period, when Christianity was forbidden, Sakitsu Village saw the coexistence of Buddhism, Shinto, and Christianity, fostering a unique belief.

After the ban on Christianity was lifted, the wooden Sakitsu Church was completed in 1888. The current Gothic-style church was later built in 1934. When visiting Sakitsu Village, known for its beautiful landscapes, you can learn how hidden Christians preserved their faith during the Edo period.

Sakitsu Village
Address: Kumamoto Prefecture, Amakusa City, Higashihama Town 8-1
Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Official Website: https://www-city-amakusa-kumamoto-jp-e.athp.transer.com/sakitsu-sekai/default.html

4. Amakusa Pearl Garden & Sea Donut Underwater Aquarium

Photo by Pixta
Amakusa Pearl Garden is a complex facility that includes a pearl specialty store. It features shops offering various souvenirs and a restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood bowls.

Adjacent to it is the unique underwater aquarium, Sea Donut, which floats on the water. Themed as a "Traveling Aquarium," it is divided into five exhibition zones and showcases many exciting displays related to Amakusa's marine life. Visitors can even interact with dolphins, making it a popular family spot.

Amakusa Pearl Garden & Sea Donut Underwater Aquarium
Address: Kumamoto Prefecture, Kami-Amakusa City, Matsushima Town, Aitsu 6225-8
Business Hours:
Aquarium
Summer (March 20 - October 19) / 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Winter (October 20 - March 19) / 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Amakusa Pearl Hall
Weekdays / 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Weekends and Holidays / 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Winter until 5:30 PM)

Donburi Tei Amanoya
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Official Website: https://amakusapearl.com/english/

5. Amakusa Museum of Goshoura Dinosaur Island

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Amakusa Museum of Goshoura Dinosaur Island was recently renovated in 2024. Goshoura consists of Cretaceous layers alongside geological layers from the era after the extinction of dinosaurs, making it a rich site for fossil discoveries.

The museum features an impressive display of a giant Tyrannosaurus skeleton, providing an exhilarating experience for visitors. Additionally, you can enjoy a fossil digging experience, where you can keep up to five fossils that you unearth. This museum is an educational and fun place for all ages, making it a must-visit spot during your trip to Amakusa.

Amakusa City Goshoura Dinosaur Island Museum
Address: Kumamoto Prefecture, Amakusa City, Goshoura Town, Goshoura 4310-5
Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Climate of Amakusa

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Due to the influence of warm ocean currents, Amakusa has a warm and comfortable climate. As a maritime climate area, it experiences minimal temperature fluctuations throughout the year, with cool summers and mild winters. Some coastal areas are also classified as frost-free zones, making them particularly temperate.

However, during the rainy season, there is significant rainfall, and the region is also prone to typhoons from summer to fall. When planning your trip, it is advisable to check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.

A 2-Day Itinerary to Explore Amakusa

This course takes you from Kyushu's mainland to Amakusa by car, crossing the Amakusa Gokyo bridge. On the first day, visit the Sea Donut Underwater Aquarium to interact with various marine life. You should also enjoy shopping for pearls and other items at the adjacent Amakusa Pearl Garden.

Next, head to the nearby L'isola Terrace Amakusa and Mio Camino AMAKUSA to shop and indulge in delicious local seafood cuisine. You can enjoy drinks at a bar along the coast in the evening while taking in the beautiful sunset. After a fun day, spend the night relaxing at a nearby hotel.

On the second day, visit the Roadside Station Amakusa City Dolphin Center to watch dolphins from a boat. Afterward, try the local specialty, champon, for lunch. In the afternoon, make your way to Sakitsu Village for a stroll. Explore Sakitsu Church and immerse yourself in Amakusa's history and culture as you wrap up your trip.

3 Recommended Hotels in Amakusa

Here are three carefully selected hotels you should consider when visiting Amakusa.

Emiya Ryokan

Picture courtesy on booking.com

Emiya Ryokan is a long-established inn that has been operating since 1933. Located in the heart of Amakusa City, it offers convenient access to various tourist attractions. The ryokan features a range of room types, accommodating solo travelers, families, and even pets.

Emiya Ryokan takes pride in its cuisine, which showcases local ingredients. Guests can enjoy flavorful meals made with fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. In 2023, Café POLE opened so customers could enjoy aromatic coffee and homemade canelé.

Amakusa Santa Coming Hotel

Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Amakusa Santa Coming Hotel was named after the historical connection between Amakusa and Christianity. Additionally, it's where the "World Santa Claus Congress" was held. The lobby features a fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the guest rooms, surrounded by Scandinavian furniture, provide a relaxing space.

Located about 20 minutes by car from Amakusa Airport, the hotel is conveniently accessible. It caters to workation needs and includes a kids' space, making it an ideal choice for families and business travelers.

Hotel Alegria Gardens Amakusa

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

Hotel Alegria Gardens Amakusa is a resort hotel featuring natural hot springs and open-air baths. The spacious grounds include relaxing onsen facilities and restaurants, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious time amidst Amakusa's beautiful nature.

There are two types of hot springs: the Mountain Bath and the Sea Bath. The Mountain Bath offers sunbathing and forest bathing opportunities, while the Sea Bath provides stunning views of the Ariake Sea. Additionally, ocean-view rooms allow guests to relax while gazing at the serene sea.

Located about 15 minutes by car from Amakusa Airport, the hotel also offers shuttle bus services that can be reserved in advance.

Enjoy Exploring Amakusa

Amakusa is an enchanting island with attractions, such as dolphin watching, gourmet experiences at L'isola Terrace, and visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sakitsu Village. Additionally, the hotels mentioned guarantee a comfortable stay.

Be sure to visit Amakusa and enjoy its warm climate and captivating spots!
Main image by Pixta
Written by Kakutama editorial team