Amakusa is an archipelago of about 100 islands off the west coast of Kumamoto, joined to the mainland by a series of five bridges. It is also very close to Nagasaki to the north, and there are several ferries to various points in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Amakusa as a whole is picturesque, with the coast never too far away. Probably the most notable places are Oe Catholic Church and Sakitsu Catholic Church, both quite close to each other on the west coast of the lower island in the Kawaura area; Juusanbutsu Park, a little further up the west coast; and Ryuugatake, a mountain on the upper island.
There are no trains to Amakusa, so travel by car or bus is necessary, although there is a train to Misumi, the town on the mainland nearest to Amakusa.
Before moving away from Amakusa, let's take a look at Gosoku no Kutsu, a nice walking course (with an expensive ryokan nearby) also on the west coast.
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