Amakusa, Coastal municipality in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
Amakusa is a municipality on the western coast of Kyushu consisting of two main islands and numerous smaller islets stretching across the Yatsushiro Sea. Settlements spread along the coastline and across hilly landscapes interspersed with bays and narrow sea channels.
During the Edo Period, residents suffered severe religious persecution that led to the Shimabara Rebellion against the Tokugawa shogunate in 1637. After the rebellion was crushed, the population had to preserve their Christian faith in secret for over two centuries.
Residents maintain traditions from the time when Christian believers practiced their faith in secret and hid religious motifs in everyday objects. In some villages, small museums display these concealed symbols and the way of life of the hidden Christians.
Ferries connect the islands with the mainland, and buses run regularly from Kumamoto City. The small airport offers few connections per week, so travelers usually plan with buses and ferries.
The waters around the islands are home to wild dolphins that visitors can observe on boat trips throughout the year. Several operators organize tours to the areas where the animals regularly appear.
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