Unzen-Shimabara Pilgrimage 2-day course
This course is for those traveling on flights departing from and arriving at Nagasaki Airport. It is structured around the world heritage sites related to the Hidden Christians, as well as major tourist sites, and is a two-day, one-night trip (six hours each day) that can be enjoyed by elderly people and those using wheelchairs without difficulty.
[Day 1]
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We will come to the Nagasaki Airport lobby to pick you up according to the arrival time of your outbound flight.
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You will stay at a hotel in Unzen Onsen town. Please note that accommodation fees are not included in the course fee.
[Day 2]
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Please arrange your hotel departure time so that you arrive at Nagasaki Airport at least 2 hours before your return flight.
Taxi fare : 2day 124,160yen. (tax included) Admission and parking fees not included.
Why was Hara Castle the site of the decisive battle of the Shimabara Rebellion? We will try to unravel this in a Bura Tamori style, using the strata, faults, and topography of the Shimabara Peninsula Geopark.
①Statue honoring the Tensho Envoy to Europe
These statues are of the young boys (from left): Ito Mancio, Chijiwa Miguel, Hara Martino, and Nakaura Julian, who were sent to Europe on behalf of Omura Sumitada, Otomo Sorin, and Arima Harunobu at the suggestion of the Italian missionary Valignano.
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②Aino Observatory and Nagasaki Castella Land
The facility houses a Nagasaki Castella factory and direct sales store, as well as a restaurant. From the location overlooking Tachibana Bay, you can also see the Chijiwa Fault that runs east to west. The "toilet with a view of the sea" is also very clean.
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③Hara Castle Ruins
This was the site of the final battle of the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion in 1637. A fierce battle unfolded, with the shogunate sending in 120,000 troops against the 37,000-strong rebel force (there are various theories) led by Amakusa Shiro.
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④Arima Christian Heritage Memorial Museum
It is operated as a guidance facility for the "Hidden Christian Heritage of Nagasaki and the Amakusa Region." It exhibits many artifacts, including crosses, medals, and rosaries excavated from the Hara Castle ruins.
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⑤Harajo St. Maria Kannon Hall
This is a new facility scheduled to open in 2024. The 10-meter-tall statue of Mary, made from a large camphor tree, was created by sculptor Eiji Oyamatsu over a period of 40 years to commemorate the victims of the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion.
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⑥The estimated site of the seminary in Arima
The first Western-style school in Japan was built in Arima, in the southern part of the Shimabara Peninsula, in 1580. It was similar to a modern-day elementary or middle school, and before Christianity was banned, boys learned Western music, Latin, and other subjects there.
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⑦Unzen Hot Springs
Unzen-Amakusa National Park, Japan's first national park, is located at an altitude of about 700 to 800 meters, and there are many hotels where you can enjoy natural beauty throughout the seasons and hot springs. Please also enjoy the abundant seafood and mountain produce.
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To the hotel in Unzen hot spring town
■ Recommended restaurants for lunch
The restaurants at Aino Castella Land are barrier-free.
At Kappojo and Masago, located near Hara Castle, you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients.
Day 1 (approximately 6 hours)
Departure from Nagasaki Airport
Let us gain energy to live for tomorrow from the history from the Shimabara Rebellion to the present, and the recovery from the Mount Fugen disaster, as well as the activities of the strong people.
*⑮Honda Mokuro will only be available if we have time.
8. Roadside Station Himawari/Debris Flow Damaged House Preservation Park
8. Roadside Station Himawari/Debris Flow Damaged House Preservation Park
Some of the houses damaged in the mudslide disaster caused by the eruption of Mount Unzen Fugen are preserved and open to the public. In addition, the adjacent roadside station sells locally grown agricultural products.
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9. Lake Shirachiko
It is the smallest sunken lake in Japan, created by the Shimabara Catastrophe caused by the collapse of Mt. Mayu in 1792. Nevertheless, the unique view of the lake measuring 200m north to south and 70m east to west, visible from the center of the city, is well worth a visit.
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⑩ Shimabara Catholic Church*
It was built in 1932 as the Shimabara Ninomaru Church, and was renamed the Shimabara Martyrs Memorial Cathedral in 1997, 400 years after the martyrdom of the 26 Martyrs. A statue of Julien Nakaura stands on the grounds.
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⑪ Shimabara Castle
It took seven years to build, starting in 1618, and was abandoned and dismantled during the Meiji period. It has now been restored and Christian, local, and folklore historical materials are on display, but please note that there is no elevator, so please only enjoy the exterior.
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⑫Samurai residence
This area was once known as "Teppocho" (gun town), and the mansions of the Shimabara clan's infantry units, whose main weapon was guns, were neatly lined up in a checkerboard pattern. The waterways and other structures remain as they were at the time.
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⑬A town where carp swim
The area around Shinmachi, the center of Shimabara City, is rich in spring water and has a 100m long waterway. Carp are released into the area to swim in the crystal clear water, which is why the area is known as the "town where carp swim."
⑭ Omisaki Station
It is one of the stations on the Shimabara Railway (abbreviated as Shima-Tetsu), a private railway established in 1908. Although it is an unmanned station, it is known nationwide as "the station closest to the sea in Japan," and is popular not only with railway fans but also with social media users.
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⑮Honda Wood Wax Factory
The Shimabara Domain, which fell into financial difficulties due to a decline in population caused by the Shimabara Rebellion, encouraged the production of Japanese candles using wax nuts. This is the only place in Japan that continues to follow the manufacturing methods from that time and also cultivates wax trees. When there is not enough time, we cut them.
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To Nagasaki Airport
■ Recommended restaurants for lunch
Himematsuya (Ozoni with ingredients), Hirano Fresh Fish Shop (Seafood bowl)
If you want to stay near Nagasaki Airport, try Tenshin in Omura.
Day 2 (approximately 6 hours)
Departure from the hotel
Tour locations marked with an "*" require prior reservation, which we will make arrangements for.
Please feel free to contact us by phone or email regarding the cost of this course.
- We can also accommodate changes to each spot, so please feel free to contact us.