2025 Minamishimabara Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Stepping into Amakusa National Park, the first thing that catches your eye is the spectacular coastline. It's not just a monotonous stretch of scenery, but a place full of unique rock formations and coastal landforms. The waves, constantly crashing against the coastal reefs, have sculpted them into a myriad of fascinating shapes. Some giant rocks stand like titans, guarding the waters, while others resemble animals, lifelike and seemingly whispering ancient tales. Standing by the sea, listening to the waves crashing against the shore, feeling the sea breeze, you can't help but feel refreshed, as if all your worries have been left behind. The park also boasts lush forests. Following the winding paths deep into the woods, you'll feel like you've stepped into a green fairy tale. Towering trees block out the sun, allowing only dappled sunlight to filter through the leaves, creating patches of golden light. The forest is home to a variety of rare animals and birds, nature's sprites that add boundless vitality to this woodland. The crisp chirping of birds fills the air, allowing you to experience the beauty and harmony of nature. The charm of Amakusa National Park also lies in its geological wonders. Here, you'll find unique volcanic landscapes and limestone caves. The volcanic rocks, formed by volcanic eruptions, bear witness to the power and changes within the Earth. The limestone caves, on the other hand, are like mysterious underground palaces, filled with all sorts of bizarre stalactites and stalagmites. Illuminated by lights, they shimmer with colorful brilliance, as if they were a dreamscape woven from nature's treasures. Wandering through the caves, visitors feel like they are exploring an unknown, mysterious world, full of novelty and surprise. Within the park, there are also some ancient villages. These villages have preserved traditional architectural styles and ways of life. Strolling through them, you can see old houses scattered across the hillsides, smoke curling from their chimneys. The villagers lead peaceful and simple lives, passing down ancestral crafts and creating a variety of unique handicrafts. Here, you can experience the purest form of traditional Japanese culture. In addition to admiring the natural scenery and experiencing traditional culture, Amakusa National Park also offers a wealth of outdoor activities. You can choose to cycle along the coastal roads, feeling the sea breeze and the changing scenery; you can also try camping, gazing at the stars at night, and getting up close and personal with nature; or you can enjoy various water sports on the beach, basking in the sun and sand. 💖Amakusa National Park is a precious gift from nature. It not only has magnificent natural landscapes but also a rich history, culture, and folklore. Here, you can relax, get close to nature, and feel its charm and power. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or a cultural tourist, Amakusa National Park can meet your needs. Why not find some free time to embark on an unforgettable journey here, immerse yourself in nature's embrace, and admire its endless beauty?😘

Still worried about crowded holiday destinations? Come to Unzen, Japan, a hidden gem for travel! I just came back from vacation there, and I have to recommend it to everyone~ 🏞️Sightseeing Check-in 📍Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell): A super shocking volcanic hot spring spectacle, with sulfurous steam rising and colorful hot spring pools like another world. Taking photos here comes with a dreamy filter, and any shot is Instagram-worthy.📸 📍Unzen-Amakusa National Park: A paradise for hikers, with forest trails and magnificent sea views. The natural scenery along the way is so healing.🌳 If you're lucky, you can also encounter cute little animals. 🍱Special Food ☕Unzen Coffee: A must-try! The unique roasting method gives the coffee a slight burnt aroma, and it's mellow and smooth, awakening your energy for the day. 🦀Seafood Donburi: A bowl full of delicious sashimi and sweet shrimp. The ingredients are incredibly fresh, and one bite is super satisfying. It's like tasting the whole ocean! 🛏️Accommodation Recommendation Unzen hot spring hotels are the first choice. Soaking in the hot springs while enjoying the scenery can wash away the fatigue of the journey and allow you to enjoy a pleasant time. It's incredibly comfortable! 🚗Travel Guide You can first arrive in Nagasaki and then transfer to a bus to Unzen. The transportation is very convenient, and you can enjoy the beautiful Japanese countryside scenery along the way~ While it's still relatively unknown, hurry up and start a unique and romantic trip to Unzen!💖

#DomesticTravelRecord During my trip to Nagasaki, I visited the tourist attraction "Hara Castle Ruins". "Hara Castle Ruins" is the site of the largest battlefield of the Shimabara Rebellion, which is said to have been started by Amakusa Shiro in 1637. It was also registered as a World Heritage Site in 2018. The rebellion took place in Amakusa, Kumamoto, and Shimabara, Nagasaki, but in the end, Amakusa Shiro's forces barricaded themselves in Hara Castle, making it the site of the fiercest battle. The tourist association gave us a free guided tour. There is a parking lot along the national highway, but I think it's closer to use the parking lot of the hot spring facility on the sea side. The view of the sea from Hara Castle, which juts out into the sea, was amazing. The "Hara Castle Ruins" was thoroughly destroyed by the Edo shogunate after the end of the Amakusa Shimabara Rebellion, so all that remains are the stone walls and the remains of the main gate of the main castle. However, you can still see the "Amakusa Shiro Statue," "Amakusa Shiro Tokisada Monument," and the "Bonegami Jizo," a memorial made from the remains of the deceased that were left at the Hara Castle ruins. It's definitely worth a visit!

#DomesticTravelRecord During my trip to Nagasaki, I visited the new tourist attraction "Hara Castle St. Maria Kannon Hall" in Minamishimabara City. "Hara Castle St. Maria Kannon" is a statue of Mary created by Eiji Chikamatsu, a sculptor from Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, over a period of 40 years. When Eiji Chikamatsu visited the ruins of Hara Castle in his younger days, he noticed that there was no prominent memorial monument, and in 1981, when the Pope visited Japan, he decided to create a statue of Mary. He spent his own money and continued to carve it alone for 40 years. It was named "Hara Castle St. Maria Kannon" with the hope that it would be a place of peace and healing for people's hearts, regardless of religion, with the wish for peace. The statue of Mary, about 10 meters tall, was impressive. It's worth a look!