A course which delves in and around Minami-shimabara, a town on the southern most peninsula of Nagasaki Prefecture. This area features Mt. Unzen which has a great number of high quality onsen hot springs. The start point for this course is Kuchinotsu Port, which was built 450 years prior as a base for trade with the Christian Portuguese. If you keep on going you will come to the coastline which has a unique atmosphere.
Course Details
Kuchinotsu Port → Yakumo Shrine (0.8km) → Saigo Koyasu Kannon (Big Kappa) (1.1km) → Noda Tsusumi (1.9km) → Mt.Hoka (2.4km) → Nomuki’s Mystical Single Pine (3.4km) → Tajiri Coast (4.8km) → Sezumesaki Lighthouse (5.6km) → Banyan Tree (6.4km) → Kuchinotsu Lighthouse (10.0km) → Kuchinotsu Folk History Museum (10.5km)
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1.Kuchinotsu Port
A port surrounded by tall mountains and nature. This port was built 450 years ago as a place of trade between Christian newcomers. -
2.Noda Tsusumi/Mt. Hoka
A reservoir built in the 16th century to collect rain water for the populace. On top of Mt. Hoka are lanterns to warn of incoming enemies. -
3.Nomuki’s Mystical Single Pine
A long time ago a great pine tree used to staned here and was named by local people who had come to love the tree. Unfortunately this tree died after the war due to damage from insects and now in its place stands a cherry blossom. -
4.Tajiri Coastal Park
Oiran thistle grows wild in the park.
It has been preserved by local volunteers.
There is also a naturally formed oversized heart stone on the beach near the park, which can only be seen at low tide.
There is also a naturally formed oversized heart stone on the beach near the park, which can only be seen at low tide. -
5.Tajiri Beach (Private Beach)
A small cove with a single boat floating on it.
A small cove with a boat floating on the shore, creating a nostalgic atmosphere and a photo-worthy spot.
It is also a playground for local children. -
6.幸せのハートリング
ハートのリング越しに瀬詰崎灯台や美しい海、夕陽を一望することができます。写真映えは間違いありません。 -
7.Sezumesaki Lighthouse
A place at the entrance to the Ariake Sea. The waters here are said to flow extremely fast and in order to protect the boats a lighthouse was installed in 1966. -
8.Banyan Tree
A type of tree in the fig family which will grow on a host tree. It is said that some of these trees can live for over 300 years. -
9.The basalt coast
About 4.3 million years ago, a volcanic eruption began the formation of the Shimabara Peninsula.
The first product of that eruption was Hayasaki Basalt, which is a representative geopark of the Shimabara Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark.
UNESCO Global Geopark. -
10.Kuchinotsu Lighthouse
A lighthouse built in 1880 to help guide ships into the harbour. -
11.Nanban Bridge
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12.Kuchinotsu Folk History Museum
The building was constructed in 1899 as a customs centre, but since 1980 the building houses artefacts from the history of the area.
Transportation to Starting Locations
1. Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Port → JR Hakata Station <Limited Express ”Kamome”> → JR Isahaya Station → <Shimatetsu Bus> → Kuchinotsu Port
2. Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Port → JR Hakata Station <Shinkansen> → JR Kumamoto Station → <Sanko Bus> → Kumamoto New Port → <Boat> → Shimabara Outer Harbour → <Shimatetsu Bus> → Kuchinotsu Port
3. Nagasaki Airport → <Kenei Bus/Shimatetsu Bus> → Isahaya Terminal → <Shimatetsu Bus> → Kuchinotsu Port
4. Onnike Port (Kumamoto Prefecture) → <Shimatetsu Bus> → Kuchinotsu Port
5. Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Port → JR Hakata Station <Shinkansen> → JR Shin-tamana Station → <Bus> → Nagasu Port → <Ariake Ferry> → Ariake Ferry → <Shimatetsu Bus> → Kuchinotsu Port
■Taxi
Honda Sightseeing Taxis TEL86-2100
Minami-shimabara Transport TEL87-3930
Hara Castle Transportation Taxis TEL85-2103
Food and Drink
Sudachi
Address：Minami-shimabara, Kuchinotsu-chohei 4351
TEL：0957-86-2380
Chilled Katsu-don Rice Bowl 700 yen
THE VENUS
Address：Minami-shimabara, kuchinotsu 2121
Kubo Brewery
Address：Minami-shimabara, kuchinotsu 2139
TEL：0957-86-2004
Matsudaya Old Shop
Address：Minami-shimabara, Kuchinotsu-chohei 4343
TEL：0957-86-2796
Les Piniyon Confectionary
Address：Minami-shimabara, Kuchinotsu-chohei2144-1
TEL：0957-86-2995
Address：Minami-shimabara, Kuchinotsu-chohei4234-2
TEL：0957-61-1113
Lodgings
Kuchinotsu Onsen Shirahama Beach Hotel
Address：Minami-shimabara, kuchinotsu2829-1
TEL：0957-86-3030
Hara Castle Onsen Masago
Address：Nagasaki Prefecture, Minami-shimabara, Minami-arima-chome133
TEL：0957-85-3155
Castle Inn
TEL：0957-85-2020
http://harajo-shiro.com/
Nearby Attractions
Hara Castle Remains
During the Shimabara Rebellion, rebellious peasants were beseiged at this castle. In the area are 37000 graves for the people killed during the rebellion.
Hinoe Castle Ruins
A castle belonging to the Christian lord Arima. Arima was positive regarding foreign interaction and trade and under the castle there is a church.
Arima Christian Heritage Memorial Museum
In 2016 the churches of Nagasaki have been elected for entering World Heritage Sites. This memorial museum contains artefacts from Christian heritage of the area.
Minami-shimabara, Arima Christian Heritage Memorial Museum. Nagasaki Prefecture, Minami-shimabara, Arima-cho 1395.
■Opening times: 9:00~18:00
■Closures: Every Thursday and new year
■TEL:0957-85-3217
Dolphin Watching
An experience of dolphin watching with a 99% rate of meeting the dolphins all year round. A great day out for small children and the whole family.
◎ Kuchinotsu Cruise Ship Companies Union. Tel:0957-86-4433 (Kuchinotsu-chome 5771-1)
◎ Kazusa Dolphin Watching. Tel:ＴＥＬ0957087-4640 (Kazusa-cho 251-11)