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Kumamoto Prefecture, Amakusa Shimoshima Circuit Cycle Marathon Course A

KUMAMOTO

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Kumamoto Prefecture, Amakusa Shimoshima Circuit Cycle Marathon Course A

Course Information

https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/198/191808.html

Start: Saitsu Fishing Port

Goal: Saitsu Fishing Port

DATA

Total Distance: Approximately 135 km

SPOT INFORMATION

Image Source: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/112

Nishinokubo Park

[Nishinokubo Park], located about a 20-minute ride from the starting point of Saitsu Fishing Port, is a park with a nationally rare iris garden that utilizes the terraced rice paddies of a satoyama (managed woodland or grassland near human settlements).

There are flower viewing zones such as Hanami-no-Oka (Flower Viewing Hill) and Miharashi-no-Oka (Scenic View Hill), where you can enjoy about 360 cherry trees of 12 varieties, including Yoshino cherry and double-flowered cherry, from late March to early April. In June, Japanese irises, 19 varieties of ayame (another type of iris), and 6,000 hydrangeas along the garden paths are in full bloom. If you are cycling during the flowering season, be sure to stop by.

<Spot Information>
Address: Hondo-machi Hondobaba, Amakusa City
Phone Number: 0969-23-1111 (Amakusa City Urban Planning Division)
Opening Hours: Always Open
URL: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/112

Image Source: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/3

Amakusa Christian Museum

[Amakusa Christian Museum] is a museum where you can learn in detail about the history of Christianity in Amakusa, from its introduction to the "Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion" in the Edo period, and the revival of faith in the Meiji period.

The museum displays approximately 200 items, including weapons used in the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion, the nationally designated Important Cultural Property Amakusa Shiro Jinchuki (Amakusa Shiro's battle flag), fumie (tread-on images) from the period of Christian persecution, and Maria Kannon statues that reflect the lives of hidden Christians. This is a must-see facility for history buffs and those interested in religious culture, but the exhibits are easy to understand even for those who are not familiar with history, making it a valuable spot to experience the history and Christian culture of Amakusa.

<Spot Information>
Address: 19-52 Funanoo-machi, Amakusa City
Phone Number: 0969-22-3845
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Tuesdays (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a public holiday), December 30 - January 1 Except when the Amakusa Shiro Jinchuki is on public display
Admission Fee: Adults 300 yen, High School Students 200 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 150 yen
URL: https://hp.amakusa-web.jp/a0905/MyHp/Pub/
◉ Restrooms ◉ Information

Image Source: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/18

Ushibuka Haiya Bridge

[Ushibuka Haiya Bridge], located in the Ushibuka area at the southernmost tip of Amakusa City, was completed in August 1997 and designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. It is a symbolic bridge of Amakusa with a beautiful arch, harmonizing with the natural scenery and making it a beautiful bridge unlike any other in the world. This bridge is 883 meters long and is also known as Japan's first three-span continuous steel Nielsen-Lohse bridge.

The bridge's name comes from the traditional folk song "Ushibuka Haiya-bushi," which is passed down in the Ushibuka region, and is deeply connected to the local culture. From the top of the bridge, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the crystal-clear blue sea and the tranquil townscape of Ushibuka, and the scenery at sunset is especially spectacular. The bridge illuminated at night is also fantastic, attracting not only tourists but also many cyclists.

<Spot Information>
Address: Ushibuka-machi, Amakusa City
Phone Number: 0969-73-2111 (Amakusa City Ushibuka Branch Office, Industry Promotion Division)
Opening Hours: Always Open
URL: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/18

Image Source: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/86

Sakitsu Church

Located a short distance from National Route 389 on the course, [Sakitsu Church] stands in a quiet fishing village. It is a beautiful Gothic-style church, also known as the "Church of the Sea," and is one of the representative tourist attractions of Amakusa.

The current church was built in 1934 (Showa 9), and its interior is uniquely covered with tatami mats, creating a distinctive atmosphere that blends Japanese and Western styles.

This area has a rich history of hidden Christians who continued to practice their faith despite persecution during the Edo period, and the entire townscape of Sakitsu is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site as part of the "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Region."

The area around the church has a traditional fishing village landscape, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along with the calm sea. If you come to Amakusa, this is a place you should definitely visit.

<Spot Information>
Address: 539 Sakitsu, Kawauramachi, Amakusa City
Phone Number: 0969-78-6000 (Sakitsu Village Guidance Center)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: May be temporarily closed due to church circumstances
Admission Fee: Free
\*Reservations are required to visit Sakitsu Churchhttps://www.kyusanko.co.jp/ryoko/pickup/sakitsu-church/
are required for a guide to the Sakitsu village
https://www.t-island.jp/guide/12126
URL:https://www.t-island.jp/spot/86
◉ Restrooms ◉ Information

Image Source: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/407

Marine Maria Statue

The [Marine Maria Statue], located on a cape near Sakitsu Church, is a chalk-white statue of the Virgin Mary that appears to float on the blue sea. It is a symbol of the Amakusa region, where Catholic history is deeply rooted, and provides visitors with a space for quiet prayer.

This Maria statue is a reminder of the history of the people of Amakusa who secretly continued to practice their Christian faith during a time when it was suppressed. It was erected to pray for the safety and peace of the sea.
Also, the sunset sinking behind the Maria statue creates a romantic atmosphere, and it is famous as one of the eight best sunset views in Amakusa.

Although it is a little off the course, why not visit the Marine Maria Statue, which gazes at the calm sea, and spend a moment of prayer and healing?

<Spot Information>
Address: Sakitsu, Kawauramachi, Amakusa City
Phone Number: 0969-76-1111 (Amakusa City Kawaura Branch Office, Town Development Promotion Division, Industry and Construction Section)
Opening Hours: Always Open
URL: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/407

Image Source: http://amakusa-shimoda-onsen.jp/

Amakusa Shimoda Onsen

[Shimoda Onsen], located along the course, is a famous hot spring with a history of about 800 years since its opening, and is known as the oldest hot spring resort in Amakusa. The temperature of the source is 51 degrees Celsius. By the time it is transported to the bathhouse, it is 40-42 degrees Celsius, so you can enjoy pure natural hot spring water without heating, diluting, or circulating. The spring quality is sodium bicarbonate, and it is reputed to make the skin smooth. It is also said to be effective for fatigue recovery, neuralgia, and sensitivity to cold, so it is also recommended for resting your tired body from riding.

There are quaint hot spring inns and public bathhouses in the hot spring town, and you can enjoy a drop-in hot spring bath. Also, "Shimoda Onsen Gosoku-no-Yu," located in the center of Shimoda Onsen, offers a free-flowing hot spring footbath free of charge.

From January to March, the "Natural Flounder & Abalone Festival" is held, and in late August, the "Spiny Lobster Festival" is held. If the timing is right, please enjoy Amakusa gourmet food as well.

<Spot Information>
Address: Shimoda-kita, Amakusa-machi, Amakusa City
Phone Number: 0969-42-3239 (Shimoda Onsen Ryokan Association)
URL: http://amakusa-shimoda-onsen.jp/

Image Source: https://www.t-island.jp/spot/316

Oppai Iwa (Breast Rock)

This strangely shaped rock, believed to have been formed by the power of seawater, is a kigan (strange rock) called [Oppai Iwa (Breast Rock)] because it looks exactly like a woman's breast. It is about 1.5 meters in diameter and even has a well-formed nipple. It is rumored that touching it directly will bring blessings such as "bigger breasts" and "abundant breast milk." It is located along the course, so if you have time, please stop by.

Oppai Iwa reveals its full appearance at low tide and is submerged at high tide, so be sure to check the tide times when visiting.

<Spot Information>
Address: Nishikawauchi Coast, Sakasegawa, Reihoku-machi, Amakusa-gun
Phone Number: 0969-35-1111 (Reihoku Town Commerce and Tourism Division)
Opening Hours: Only at low tide. Not visible at high tide.
URL:https://kumamoto.guide/spots/detail/11477

Image Source: https://www.amakusa-dolphin.jp/default.html

Michi-no-Eki Amakusa Dolphin Center (Dolphin Pier)

[Michi-no-Eki Amakusa Dolphin Center (Dolphin Pier)], located in Itsuwa-machi, Amakusa City, is a spot where you can learn about the ecology of dolphins through digital content, as well as make general inquiries about dolphin watching, a major attraction of Amakusa tourism.

Many wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins live in the sea around Amakusa, and here they provide information on dolphin watching tours and surrounding tourist information.

There is also a shop selling fresh seafood and special products from Amakusa, and a restaurant where you can enjoy gourmet food using local ingredients, making it a recommended spot for a break.

<Spot Information>
Address: 4689-20 Futae, Itsuwa-machi, Amakusa City
Phone Number: 0969-33-1600
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Closes at 5:00 PM from January to the end of February (Restaurant: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Closed: December 31 - January 1 Roadside station space (parking lot, restrooms, information space) is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
URL: https://www.amakusa-dolphin.jp/default.html
◉ Restrooms ◉ Information

Notes

■ How to Enjoy Your Trip

  • Health and Safety: Make sure you have the physical stamina to endure long rides and follow all safety guidelines.
  • Equipment Preparation: Wear clothing and shoes suitable for cycling, and bring sunscreen and rain gear as needed.
  • Respect for Culture: When experiencing local life or participating in activities, respect the local culture and customs.
  • Environmental Protection: Please value the natural environment and do not leave any trash during your trip.
  • Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover any unexpected accidents or medical needs.

By following these basic precautions, you can enjoy cycling in Kyushu with greater peace of mind.

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