Shimoda Onsen is one of Amakusa's leading natural hot springs located on the west coast of Amakusa Shimoshima, in the center of Unzen-Amakusa National Park. Amakusa Island, where Shimoda Onsen is located, consists of Kamijima, Shimojima, and 120 large and small islands scattered around. Due to the wonderful coastal topography created by the development of erosion topography, subsidence topography, and sandbars, it was designated as Unzen-Amakusa National Park in 1956, and furthermore, in 1970, Amakusa Marine Park was designated as Japan's first marine park (now a marine park).
The Amakusa Pearl Line, which was completed in 1966 and was advertised nationwide as a bridge of dreams, made this beautiful island of Amakusa come to have great value as a tourist destination. The five bridges that connect Oyanojima, Nagaurajima, Ikeshima, Maejima, and Kamijima, with a total length of 17km, are the realization of a long-cherished dream of the islanders, and each one presents a beautiful form of beauty. With this bridge, Amakusa has become a relay point connecting Aso and Unzen, and is greatly useful for sightseeing in Kyushu.
Here at Shimoda Onsen, overlooking the Amakusa Sea, the cliffs and caverns formed by long-term erosion continue to form, creating a wonderful coastal landscape. From summer to autumn, you can see many people enjoying sea bathing and fishing for horse mackerel and black porgy on the beach near the hot springs. After enjoying fishing and sightseeing, you can bathe in the hot springs and enjoy fresh seafood from the Amakusa Sea. There are 10 lodging facilities such as inns and guesthouses, and a hot spring center is also available.
