Encompassing over 120 islands of various sizes, the Amakusa Islands are a tourist destination with captivating ocean views. This area also offers many attractive and spectacular natural landscapes, such as monoliths and low mountains to climb. This article will introduce some of the most talked-about spots in the Kami-Amakusa area that you should definitely visit. You are invited to explore and photograph the miraculous scenery nature has created here.

*To cooperate in preventing the spread of Covid-19, please check the latest information and requests released by Kumamoto Prefecture and local governments before visiting any of the following destinations. You are also asked to thoroughly follow basic infection prevention measures（the new travel etiquette）such as washing your hands, wearing a mask, and keeping a safe distance from other people.

・Senganzan Observatory
・Hokabira Seaside Nature Park
・Yadake Shrine

Rising 162 meters above sea level, Senganzan is a low mountain in Matsushima, Kami-Amakusa City. Located near Gogokyo Bridge, one of the five bridges in Amakusa, the view from the top of the mountain overlooking the sea and islands is nationally designated as a scene of beauty. Another feature of this mountain is its many oddly shaped rocks and monstrous stones, giving Senganzan, meaning a "mountain of a thousand massive boulders", its name.

You can drive up almost to the top of Senganzan, where there is a large parking lot with restroom facilities. From here, it's a 10-minute hike up the trail to the summit.

As you weave your way between the oddly shaped rocks, the rugged scenery is a bit thrilling.

You will also pass through a gap between these huge rocks. The massive scale of these boulders makes it hard to believe they are near the summit. What fun it is to explore!

Now, you've reached the summit! The surrounding area is a park. First, head to this covered observation deck.

From here, take in panoramic views of the Five Bridges of Amakusa.

As one of the Three Great Matsushima of Japan, the beauty of this pine-covered archipelago makes it a stunning sight to behold.

Step deeper into the area to find a viewing spot on top of a large boulder. Surrounded by pine trees, the Japanese scenery makes it seem as if you are standing in the middle of large bonsai trees. From here, gaze out toward Amakusa Shimoshima Island and Mount Unzen.

If you look up at the observatory from the opposite side, it appears like this. The oddly shaped rocks and pine trees make this a profound place of wonder.

Here is where you can experience the scale and beauty of nature that Amakusa is proud of, with all your body and soul! By the way, this is also a flower viewing spot where native mountain cherry blossoms, as well as planted cherry trees, are in full bloom every spring.

Hokabira Seaside Nature Park is located on the eastern shore of Hinoshima. This island, about 12 km around, lies in the southeastern part of Amakusa Kamishima. See the islet from the beach. Doesn't it look just like Mont Saint-Michel? While it may or may not resemble the famed French World Heritage site, you can visit the park at low tide if you're in search of pretty and photogenic views.

Drive across the bridge to reach Hinoshima. Beside the park, there is parking for several cars, as well as restrooms.

There is warning sign at the entrance. It reminds you to be careful, because when the tide rises, it's impossible to return from the islet...!

Keep going towards the beach and...you can see it through the trees!

This is nature's answer to Mont Saint-Michel! A small island covered in a thick forest floating in the sea...it's so cute!

Hokabira Seaside Nature Park is a spot where the natural sandy beach remains untouched. The pure white sands of the beach and the clarity of the sea add to its appeal. Some endangered species are said to inhabit the area, too.

At low tide, mud flats leading to the islet will appear. Since you are so close, why not walk over there? As you approach the island, the tidal flats become surprisingly wide, and with lumpy stones all around, it may be a little difficult to walk.

Here it is! The islet is almost entirely forest and rock walls. The rotting screws are meaningful, lending this spot an aura somewhat reminiscent of a Ghibli animated film.

Perched on the rock wall, you eye may wander over the view of the beach you had walked on.

The water is crystal clear. Just gazing at the blue hues of the sea and sky is soothing to the soul.

Now, return to the beach before the tide comes in! This is a great way to disconnect from everyday life for a little while.

On the way back, you'll find a tunnel that seems to lead to another world.

Amakusa enchants not only with its ocean but also with its abundant mountain scenery. Located on the eastern side of Amakusa Kamishima, Shiratake Forest Park is one such place, where many people enjoy camping and mountain climbing. Within this park, a Shinto shrine stands, nestled in the middle of unspoiled nature. The mystique of this spot is secretly making it more popular among shutterbugs for its photogenic qualities.

On the way to Shiratake Forest Park Campground, there is a small space near a square gazebo to park your car. From here, walk 5 minutes up the mountain trail to the shrine.

As you reach the Torii gate at the entrance of the footpath to the shrine, it will seem as if the air has changed, in just one breath.

Thankfully, there are walking sticks you can borrow, because from here on, it's a steady uphill climb on pathways and stairs. Good luck!

Looking as if they were stacked by hand, the stone steps are pleasantly mossy.

On the way up, there is a fork in the path. The Dolmen Megalith sign on the right may pique your interest, but for the time being, keep on going toward the shrine on the left.

Behind the boulder, a Torii gate appears! As part of the Yadake Megalithic Cluster, this area houses a number of giant, oddly shaped rocks. Also paved in natural stones, the shrine approach lends a mysterious, unspoiled feel to the spot.

Protected by huge rocks and trees, Yadake Shrine stands at the top of the hill. The magnificence of its lush landscape differs from that of the ocean.

Keep going along a huge rock to reach the hall of worship at the back of the shrine. The door is usually closed, so it must be opened and closed when you visit.

This fortune is Sue-kichi, meaning good luck will come later. Not bad!

Return to the previous fork in the road, and head left to the Dolmen megalith.

As you might expect, you'll be in the middle of a forest full of huge rocks and strange formations. After about five minutes of walking through the forest, you'll encounter...

A mysterious giant rock! This is the Dolmen Megalith. A dolmen is a megalithic Stone Age portal tomb where a ceiling stone is supported by rock pillars. The way this megalith is stacked looks like a dolmen. If it really is one, it may be one of the largest in the world, and the pattern etched on a nearby stone is believed to be a petroglyph. Isn't it exciting to feel the romance of antiquity?

Other mystical boulders and power spots await discovery here. If you're interested, you may enjoy leisurely strolling around the area.

The serenity of the shrine and the megaliths around this spot will leave you feeling strangely empowered and refreshed.