Now you will embark on the second part of your trip, featuring Amakusa's breathtaking views. On the second day, enjoy a leisurely drive along the west coast of Shimojima Island to Sakitsu Village and Ushibuka, the southernmost point of Amakusa. The splendid scenery will make you want to snap your shutter! You'll also encounter some of the power spots that have been trending on social media. Enjoy experiencing the beauty of Amakusa with all of your senses.　

★The article on Part 1 of this tour (the first day) is 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.

・Spectacular Spot #4: Jusanbutsu Park
・Spectacular Spot #5: Japanese Sea Fig Tree at Nishibira Camellia Park
・Spectacular Spot #6: Sakitsu Village
・Spectacular Spot #7: Mogushi Swimming Beach
・Seafood Set Meal at a Cafeteria Run by a Fresh Fish Shop
・Spectacular Spot #8: Ushibuka Haiya Bridge

After checking out from the inn by 9 am, head for Jusanbutsu Park, about 12 minutes away by car. This is the location of one of the Eight Views of Amakusa Sunsets introduced on Day 1. Here, you can enjoy not only the splendid sunset, but also another spectacular view.

That is THIS one! ↑
Look closely at the rock on the right. Doesn't it look like an elephant? Actually, this rock, called "Myoken-ura", is typical of the reefs on the west coast of Amakusa. This amazing boulder has also been designated as a national natural monument of scenic beauty.
There are photo spot signs along Route 389, but this is the best place to photograph the giant elephant-shaped rock.

This is what it looks like in the spring, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Isn't it interesting to see how the rock changes with the season?

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About a 20-minute drive from Jusanbutsu Park is the next stop, Nishidaira Camellia Park, where some 20,000 camellia trees grow wild. In season, this popular park is filled with bright red camellias that cover its slopes.  Recently, something else has been attracting visitors as well! It is a giant Japanese sea fig tree, called the "Laputa of Amakusa". You'll recognize this unique tree's name if you've seen the Ghibli animated film, "Castle in the Sky".

After parking your car in the lot and following the boardwalk for about 100 meters, what awaits you is....

A giant Japanese sea fig tree, about 20 meters high.
The numerous roots and large branches growing out of a boulder called "Kura-iwa" are truly breathtaking. Giving off a unique aura, you cannot help but feel the power of nature here. The sheer magnitude of this tree can be appreciated by comparing its size with that of a person.
 

There's even a spot in the park where you can catch a glimpse of the sunset! Its stunning beauty earned it a place among the 100 Best Sunsets in Japan, and the prime time to visit is between October and February.

Driving from Nishibira Camellia Park via Route 389 along the coast, it takes about 30 minutes to reach a small fishing village facing Yokaku Bay.  This is Sakitsu Village, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites preserving the history of Hidden Christians in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Region. 
The symbol of this village is Sakitsu Church, built in 1934 during the time a French missionary named Augustin Halbout served here. This is the next spot featuring spectacular scenery.

Also known as the "chapel by the sea", Sakitsu Church is a stately Gothic-style structure standing out against the azure blue hues of the sea and sky.
The interior of the chapel is lined with tatami mats, a rarity in Japan, and sunlight streaming in through the brilliant stained-glass windows is a magnificent sight to behold.
*Photography is not allowed inside the church.

About 40 minutes by car from Sakitsu village, you'll arrive at Ushibuka, the southernmost point of Amakusa. The next scenic spot to visit is Mogushi Swimming Beach, famous in Japan as the location for NHK's historical drama, "Musashi MUSASHI". This is one of the most popular seaside resorts in all of Kumamoto.

The attraction here is the beach, boasting one of the highest levels of water transparency in Kyushu. Thanks to its excellent environment, this beach is said to be a spawning ground for sea turtles.
See the rocky beach in the photo? To get to the main beach, you have to walk along this rugged rocky stretch. It may be a bit challenging to go across...

Then, what spreads out before you is the main beach with its stunning contrast of natural white sands and emerald green seas! The crystal clear water is so enticing that you may not be able to keep from frolicking in your bare feet.

This is what it looks like when you put your feet in the water.
The water's clarity is really nothing to sniff at.
It is said that many tropical fish can be seen here, even by free-diving, so you may want to bring your swimsuit when you visit this beach.
 

You must be getting hungry right about now.
For lunch on the second day, you may savor seafood at Uomasa, a cafeteria run by a fresh fish shop. A 10-minute drive from Mogushi Beach, it is near Ushibuka Port, next to the Ushibuka Underwater Park glass boat boarding area. Go up the central stairway of the fresh fish shop, and you will reach the restaurant.
 

This place offers both table and tatami room seating in a leisurely and relaxing style. Light pours in through the windows on three sides, creating an airy atmosphere. Look out the window, and you'll see Ushibuka Haiya Bridge just outside! Watching the fishing boats and liners coming and going is a wonderful sight.

A Kaisendon seafood bowl (1500 yen) was ordered from the menu this time.
This bowl contains generous portions of about six kinds of fresh fish from Ushibuka, such as silver-stripe round herring and squaretail rabbitfish. The freshness of the fish can be tasted from the first bite. All the fish served here are taken directly from the fish tank. It is no wonder that not only locals, but also many visitors from beyond Kumamoto prefecture, make a special trip to eat at this place.
 

(L) The Sashimi set meal (1,400 yen), including 3 or 4 kinds of sashimi, boiled vegetables, soup, rice, and pickles, has been menu staple for over 50 years.
(R) Currently, Mr. Miyoshi runs the fresh fish shop on the first floor, and his cousin Chizuru cuts and serves the food. Both are friendly and the ambience inside the store is always cozy.
 

After lunch, it is time for the last spectacular view spot. Passing by the waters of Ushibuka Fishing Port, head for the 883-meter long Ushibuka Haiya Bridge leading to the New Gohama Fishing Port located in the Kaseura district.
Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, who also created Kansai International Airport in 1997, the architecture of this elegant bridge features harmony with nature in its windbreaks reminiscent of silver fish scales. In addition to the roadway, there are pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge.
 

This photo was taken in front of Roadside Station Ushibuka Kaisaikan. It may be a good idea to change the location and enjoy the impact of photographing from various angles.

At night, view the magical Ushibuka Haya Bridge all lit up.
Every December, the bridge is illuminated with colored lights for a limited time. It is highly recommended that you visit during this period.
 

Once you return the rental car, it is time to bid farewell to Amakusa.
Take the Takarajima Line ferry and transfer to the Limited Express "A Train" bound for Kumamoto City.

★The Return Schedule
3:40 pm / Depart from Maejima Port on the Amakusa Takarajima Line
4:33 pm / Depart from Misumi Station on the Limited Express A Train
5:01 pm / Arrive at Kumamoto Station, go on to the next destination

How did you like your trip to Amakusa, Kumamoto's garden of paradise?
Surrounded by stunning seas and abundant nature, Amakusa's splendid scenery invites you to stop and take a look. Winter, spring, summer or fall: no matter what season you visit, spectacular spots await you here.
Please be sure to refer to this plan when designing your next trip to Amakusa.