I've visited Amakusa Islands in Kumamoto prefecture countless times to quench my thirst for their beauty. I've already introduced one of the most impressive views I remember from these trips in 'Sunset at Okoshiki Beach'. This time I visited Mt. Takabuto, one of the 'Top 100 Sunset Viewing Spots'. Unfortunately, I couldn't see the beautiful sunset, but since I went in the early morning I could see the unexpectedly beautiful sunrise instead. One more thing I should note is that Amakusa Islands are known as the Christian islands, where tragic rebellions at Shimabara and Amakusa occurred in the past (in olden times Catholic Christians were oppressed in Japan). Thus, there are still many Catholic churches here. It's hard to imagine such tragedies took place on this soil when I look at the tranquil church standing peacefully now. These islands in the western sea never cease to draw me back again and again.
- 1 min read
Nostalgia for the Western Sea
Visit to tranquil Shimabara Bay and Amakusa open sea
Community writer
Translated by Takako Sakamoto
Community writer
Join the discussion
Lester Goh
9 years ago
Man, those pictures are stunning! I especially liked the shot of Amakusa Matsushima Islands, and how they dot the seas!
Lester-san,Thank you very much! Amakusa Islands is my favorite land.
Justin Velgus
9 years ago
Japan has a top 100 everything, so it is not surprising to find the top 100 sunsets!
Justin-san,Thank you very much! You are right about that.
Mandy Bartok
9 years ago
You've taken such gorgeous pictures of my home prefecture!
Thanks a lot,Mandy-san. You lives in the splendid place! I am enviable.
Olga
9 years ago
A very beautiful sunrise!
Olga-san,Thank you very much! I was surprised at the sky of the sudden rear! The sky shined in gold.
8 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Naha is One of Booking.com's 2025 Trending Destinations
Okinawa -
2
Naha City Museum of History
Okinawa -
3
Kura Sushi at 2025 Osaka Expo
Osaka - Sponsored -
4
Nikko Featured on Fodor's Go List 2025
Tochigi -
5
Kumamoto Says Sayonara to IC Cards
Kumamoto -
6
Sleep Travel in Japan
Planning -
7
Kamenoi Hotel Nachi-Katsuura and Wakayama Sightseeing
Wakayama - Sponsored -
8
Universal Studios Japan Expands with Donkey Kong Country™
Osaka -
9
Kanazawa Makes Nat Geo's Best of the World 2025 List
Ishikawa -
10
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture
-
1
Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
2
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
6
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
7
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
8
Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
9
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa -
10
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto