Description:

Amakusa, on the west coast of Kyushu, is a beautiful area of inland seas and many islands. Most cruisers pass by it on the way to Nagasaki and beyond.

Like the Goto Islands, Amakusa played an important role in the early history of Christianity in Japan and was a home to many “Hidden Christians,” who built numerous impressive churches in the late 19th century, several of which now have UNESCO World Cultural Heritage designations.

Amakusa was also the location of the 1637-38 Shimabara Rebellion against the ruling Shogunate. The rebellion marked the end of any significant challenge to the power of the Shogunate until Western pressure in the 1850s.

Other sights worth seeing are the Christian Museum in Hondo and the Shiro Amakusa Memorial Hall and Museum on Oyano Island. If one is really lucky, one can come across traditional utase fishing boats dating back 400 years.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

The Amakusa area is a great place to explore for a few days. Cruisers entering and cruising the Amakusa area need to pay careful attention to the strong currents that run through the narrow passages between the islands, sometimes reaching seven knots in places.

Position:

32°20’53.03”N, 129°53’6.71”E (harbor entrance)

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