Amakusa, Coastal municipality in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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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Tomioka Castle
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Izumi crane migration grounds
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Ushibuka Haiya Bridge
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Amakusa Seto Bridge
1.6 km
Kuronoseto Bridge
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Nagasaki Subtropical Botanical Garden
39.7 km
Amakusa Sea
77 km
Amakusa Christian Museum
854 m
Sakitsu Church
22.6 km
Nagasaki City Dinosaur Museum
43.2 kmHondo Castle
848 m
感応寺
44.1 km
Izumi-Fumoto
45.4 km
Gion Bridge
529 m観音寺
41.7 km
Shibi-jinja
44.3 kmSuzuki-jinja
6 km
Ikara Bridge
26.8 km
Goshoura Cretaceous Museum
19.2 km
Myoken Bay
19.8 km行人岳
31.7 kmKumano-jinja
43.7 km
農園ガーデン空
46.2 km
Kougawa Dam
48.2 kmSaitsu-jinja
4 km次郎丸岳
20.2 km出水ゴルフクラブ
43.7 kmTōkōzan Park
43.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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