Amakusa/ Aso & Around [Kumamoto]

Q. What are the features of Amakusa, Kumamoto?

A. Located in the southernmost island of the Japanese mainland, it features natural scenery, bountiful marine treasures and fascinating history. 

Q. Amakusa is one of the nation’s main centers of Christianity. Where did foreign missionaries first arrive? 

A. They first arrived in Nagasaki, which is in proximity to Amakusa. 

Q. How can we get there?

A. Amakusa is accessible via plane, ferry, or bus.

Q. What are the marine activities we can enjoy in Amakusa?

A. It offers an abundance of beaches, hot springs, and marine activities like fishing, scuba, snorkeling, wakeboarding and so on.

Q. How many island is Amakusa consisted of? 

A. Amakusa consists of more than 120 islands of various sizes, the biggest of which are Shimoshima Island and Ueshima Island. 

Q. What is Goshogaura known for?

A. Nearby Goshoura Island is referred to as the "island of dinosaurs" and has a host of museums and fossil sites to explore.

Q. Can we most likely meet dolphins if we join one of the dolphin-spotting tours? 

A. Dolphin sightings are practically guaranteed, with a 98% success rate. 

Q. How did Christianity and Buddhism develop in this area?

A. Myotokuji is one of the Zen Buddhist temples in Amakusa built in 1645 in an attempt to persuade the local Christians to convert to Buddhism. Following the Shimabara Rebellion (1637-8), there was still much resistance by local Christians and persecution continued until the 1850s.

Despite this, the temple is filled with hidden Christian symbols that tell of the continuing faith of the repressed believers. 

Q. What are attractions on Shimoshima?

A. It features the Tomioka Castle Ruins on the northern peninsula, and plenty of beaches, parks and hiking trails. The Shimodo Onsen area on the western side of Shimoshima offers traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) accommodation for those hoping to spend more than a day exploring the islands.

Word Focus:

bountiful 豊富な

outlawed 非合法化された

tumultuous 騒々しい

idyllic のどかな

Q. What is special about Aso?

A. Aso provides visitors with a fulfilling sense of peace and serenity. Embark on scenic drives, gorgeous hikes, and bathe in volcanic hot springs, all while surrounded by untouched natural beauty. It’ also exciting to see the active volcanic crater

Q. How can we get there?

A. The best way to see everything Aso has to offer is by car, as public buses are limited, and the train stations aren't close to many attractions.

Q. Please tell us about Mt. Aso.

A. Mt. Aso, a collapsed caldera and the most active volcanic area in Japan. While its daily activity is usually limited to smoke and occasional ash, travel restrictions around the central peak are often in place and should be checked ahead of your visit. When things are clear, however, you can go all the way to the edge of the volcano's active center, called Nakadake.

Word Focus:

serenity 静穏

embark 乗り込む

collapsed 崩壊した