This is my first visit to Amakusa(天草) from Kumamoto. It is located in the southernmost for main island of Japan. Amakusa has full of magnificent nature, marine treasure, engaging activities of Dolphins and the most famous Seafood like Sushi, Sashimi, this place is a treat to visit! Also, recently Amakusa was in news for it’s ‘Hidden Christian sites’ in Sakitsu village backed for World Heritage status.
If you are in Japan and planning to visit Amakusa. Then, here are all the tips you’ll need to know for your first visit to Amakusa from Kumamoto.
How to get in: Public Transport
There are various way to go to Amakusa from Kyushu & Osaka.
There are some limited flights for Amakusa Airport on Shimoshima Island from Kumamoto (around 20 min journey one way), Fukuoka (around 35 min journey one way), Osaka (around 1.5 hours journey one way). For more details about booking click here…
There is only “Amakusa-go” Bus that connect to Kumamoto-Amakusa. Kyushu Sanko Bus operates an hourly buses from Kumamoto City. The one way trip between Kumamoto to Amakusa (Hondo Bus Center, 本渡バスセンター) takes around 2 and half hours (cost 2240 Yen) in the lap of nature. For more details about booking click here…
Here is the time-table:
Kysushu Sanko Bus operates an hourly buses from Kumamoto Kotsu Center and goes via Kumamoto Sta. For more details click here…
Depart from Kumamoto Kotsu Center (Platform #6)
Depart from Kumamoto Sta. (Platform #2)
Sightseeing Spots:
3 main islands of Amakusa (Oyano, Ueshima & Shimoshima) are connected to one another by bridges. All 3 islands have their own attraction such as magnificent nature, home of wild Dolphins, most famous Sun-set view of Japan, engaging activities, Churches, Museums etc..
Dolphin-spotting Cruise:
In the Indo-Pacific of Tsuji-Shima Island near Itsuwa-machi live about 200 wild Dolphins. It is said that 98% change to encounter Dolphins. For more details about fare, Dolphin watching time click here.
Sakitsu Catholic Church:
It is a symbol of faith. ‘Hidden Christian sites’ in Sakitsu village backed for World Heritage status in 2018. For more details about history and it click here.
Other Options:
Amakusa has many other spots that attract visitor. You can enjoy as per your choice, such as:
Eat:
Amakusa is known for Sea foods. If you are fond of fish then don’t miss to enjoy the fresh fishes. In most of the restaurants, you can choose live fishes as per your test and they they will serve you withing 10-15 mins. Wow the test is too delicious!
Summery:
If you are in Japan other then Kumamoto and wanna to visit Amakusa then come to Amakusa Airport by Flight from Osaka/Fukuoka. But if you are in Kumamoto then, there is an hourly buses depart from Kumamoto. And the best option for you even affordable.
Don’t miss Dolphin-spotting Cruise , Museums on Christianity’s tumultuous and delicious seafood. Hope it will help you in traveling from Kumamoto to Aso and how to enjoy there! Have a nice journey!
travel-kumamoto 