Ushibuka, dissolved municipality in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan
Ushibuka is a dissolved municipality in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, that operated as a fishing port on the East China Sea with several natural harbors along a deeply indented coastline. The area was known for raising sea bream and yellowtail near the shore, as well as producing dried fish used as soup stock.
Ushibuka had roots as a trading post and fishing community long before it became a formal municipality in the early 20th century. In 2006, it merged with neighboring towns to become part of the newly formed city of Amakusa.
Ushibuka is known as the birthplace of the Haiya folk song, which sailors and women traders sang while traveling by sea during the late Edo period. The song is still performed today and celebrated each year at a local festival.
The area is reachable by car or bus from larger cities in the region, and walking or cycling works well for exploring the harbor streets. The climate is humid, especially during the rainy season and summer, so plan your visit with that in mind.
Glass-bottom boats depart from the coast, letting visitors observe tropical fish and coral without getting in the water. The area also serves as a starting point for reaching Sakitsu, a Christian village on the Amakusa Islands with a church that is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status.
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