Welcome to Shimabara!
Shimabara is a popular sightseeing city located in the southern region of Nagasaki Prefecture. Here we introduce Shimabara’s attractions.
History and Atmosphere
Shimabara prospered as a castle town after construction of Shimabara Castle was completed in the early Edo Period (1618). Even today,
the castle and old samurai residences remain, and the city’s residents live side-by-side with history.
Global Geopark Designation
The Shimabara Peninsular has been designated as a Global Geopark, and there are 150,000 people living within the Unzen Volcanic Area Global Geopark on the Shimabara Peninsular.
Over its history, Shimabara has walked hand-in-hand with both the danger and blessings of volcanic eruption damage.
On the Shimabara Peninsular, the coexistence between humans and volcanoes takes form.
Of course, hot springs—one of Japan’s most relaxing pleasures—are another attraction of Shimabara.
A City of Abundant Spring Water
Selected as “one of the best 100 natural water sources in Japan,” Shimabara is a city of abundant spring water.
Since the Edo Period the rich natural blessing of spring water has been maintained, and the systems used for this remain to this day.
Clean, clear water bubbles up from springs located all over the city, the spring water enriching residents’ daily lives and the landscape.
Building structures that incorporate spring wells into Japanese-style houses and watercourses with swimming carp are popular sights in the city.
Delicious Food and Local Produce
There are many delicious foods in Shimabara.
Access to Shimabara
Highway bus
About 3 hours: JR Hakata Station→Shimatetsu Bus Terminal
Train
Use trains only
About 3 hours: JR Hakata Station→JR Isahaya Station→Shimabara Railroad Shimabara Station
Use Shinkansen, bus and ferry
About 2 hours: JR Hakata Station→JR Kumamoto Station→Sanko Bus Kumamoto Port Bus Stop→Kumamoto Ferry Shimabara Port
Bus
About 1 hour: Shimatetsu Bus Isahaya Station Bus Stop→Shimatetsu Bus Shimabara Station Bus Stop
Airplane
Please use Nagasaki Airport.
Car
The closest interchange is the Isahaya Interchange
Ferry
Kumamoto Ferry: About 30 minutes from Kumamoto Port to Shimabara Port
Kyusho Ferry: About 1 hour from Kumamoto Port to Shimabara Port
Shimatetsu Ferry: About 30 minutes from Oniike Port to Kuchinotsu Port
Ariake Ferry: About 40 minutes from Choshu Port to Taira Port
Contact Information
Tourism and Geopark Group, Industry Promotion Department, Shimabara City
Tel.: +81-957-63-1111
e-mail: kanko@city.shimabara.lg.jp
Important Notes
(1) Parts of Shimabara are designated as an “Unzen-Amakusa National Park Special Protection Area”; in addition, various efforts are being undertaken to maintain the landscape. Please cooperate in the conservation of the natural environment.
(2) There are many historical buildings in Shimabara, and some of these are facilities are being used as residences even today. When sightseeing, please check that the facility you wish to visit is open to the public.
(3) Some of the facilities and sites open to the public for sightseeing have high historical value. Please take care not to dirty or damage any of these facilities when you visit.