Unzen-Amakusa National Park is a place where exceptional natural beauty is the backdrop for intriguing history. The park encompasses wonders of land and water across two areas: the Shimabara Peninsula and the Amakusa Islands. At the heart of the peninsula sits Mt. Unzen, commanding attention from all directions, and shaping the region with its volcanic power — a secondary peak Mt. Heisei-Shinzan was born of volcanic activity in the 1990s. The peaks are surrounded by popular spots such as Unzen Ropeway leading to Mt. Myoken from Nita Pass, and the Unzen Onsen with its steaming “hells.” Amakusa is an island chain across Shimabara Bay, an area of gorgeous seascapes, rich marine life, and fascinating historic sites. Diving and dolphin-watching are major draws, along with historical sites related to the “Hidden Christians.”
Volcanic Centerpiece of the Shimabara Peninsula
Mt. Unzen is actually a volcanic range of mountain peaks. The newest, Heisei Shinzan, was formed by the most devastating eruption ever to strike Japan and is the focus of the new Heisei Shinzan Visitor Center. In Shimabara City, you can still see ruins left by the mountain. Amid the peaks sits the hot spring resort Unzen Onsen. Its restorative baths are heated by the geothermal power that escapes through steaming vents across the area, giving it the name “Unzen Jigoku” (Unzen Hell). Nearby Nita Pass is the best spot for panoramic views of the park. A ride up the Unzen Ropeway and a short climb up the stairs to the observatory rewards with sights of Mt. Unzen, and the sea surrounding the park on three sides. Unzen’s slopes are covered in colorful flowers in spring, while autumn turns the wooded slopes copper and gold.
Beautiful Islands with a Dramatic Past
South of the Shimabara Peninsula are the Amakusa Islands. The four largest are most well known — Kami-shima, Shimo-shima, Oyano, and Naga-shima — but the chain consists of around 120 isles in all. These islands boast a wealth of marine treasures and rugged, picturesque scenery: varied landscapes of the calm inland sea archipelago and contrasting coastal cliffs. Brightly-colored corals and schools of fish hide just below the waves, and for those who don’t venture underwater, dolphin-watching is an ever-popular pastime here. The islands have an interesting geological story too. Goshoura in particular, being formed of Cretaceous-Period strata since raised from the ocean floor, is known as the “Island of Dinosaurs” for the many fossils found there.
Catalyst for the Seclusion of Japan
Being near the port city of Nagasaki, where the first missionaries arrived in Japan, these shores were an enclave of Christianity when it was forbidden by the shogun in 1614. The persecution of Japanese Christians eventually initiated the failed 1637–38 Shimabara Rebellion at Amakusa and Shimabara, which led in turn to the Japanese “sakoku” policy of isolation. As a result, Unzen-Amakusa is scattered with relics of the “Hidden Christians.” The steaming “hells” of Unzen Onsen were used to torment Christians who were discovered. Myotokuji on Shimoshima is a temple built to convert people to Buddhism but filled with subversive Christian imagery. The gothic Sakitsu Church was built after the ban was lifted, and stands in stark contrast to its quiet fishing village and the Amakusa coastline.
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