Amakusa and Kumamoto 3-day sample trip plan: Midwest Kyushu 3 days

I will show you 3-day sample trip plan of the midwest Kyushu from Fukuoka. This trip plan covers these following spots:

✔ Amakusa World Heritage Site visiting
✔ Dolphin watching in Amakusa
✔ Memorable sunset in Okoshiki beach
✔ Kumamoto

Overview

On the first day, take the Shinkansen to Kumamoto and then catch the express bus to Hondo in Amakusa. Upon arrival, you will board a sightseeing bus to visit the World Heritage sites of Amakusa.

On the second day, in the morning, enjoy a dolphin watching tour, And then take an express bus to Matsushima in Amakusa. From there, take a cruise to Misumi and take a train to the Okoshiki beach. After enjoying the sunset, head to Kumamoto by a train.

On the third day, we will return to Hakata after sightseeing in Kumamoto, such as Kumamoto Castle.

JR Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass cover Hakata to Kumamoto round trip and a local train ride from Misumi to Kumamoto via Oda (near Okoshiki beach).

Day 1, Hakata – Kumamoto – Hondo

On the first day of trip, you will take the Kyushu Shinkansen from Hakata to Kumamoto and then transfer to a local bus of Sanko Bus for Hondo in Amakusa.

After arrival in Hondo, have a quick bite and then take a tour bus to visit the spots in World Heritage Site, “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.”

Itinerary

Highlights

Sakitsu Village

Sakitsu Village is one of the sites of UNESCO World Heritage site was a hidden Christian village located in southern Amakusa islands. It is a village where Buddhism, Shintoism, and Christianity co-exist, and and a godly fishermen live for many years. The scenery of a beautiful church in a typical fishing village facinates visitors.

Oe Catholic Church

The Oe Catholic Church on the hill was erected by the French missionary Father Garnier and is characterized by the Romanesque style.

Day 2, Hondo – Matsushima – Misumi – Okoshiki beach – Kumamoto

On the second day of trip, you will participate in another tour which is a dolphin watching tour.

In the afternoon, take a bus from Hondo to Matsushima. You will cross the bridge by bus on the way to Amakusa, but on the second day, you will take a boat to return from Matsushima in Amakusa to the mainland.

After that, take a local train to Ono, which is the nearest station to the Okoshiki beach, and take in the picturesque views of sunset.

Take a local train again and move to Kumamoto.

Itinerary

Highlights

Dolphin Watching

Around 300 dolphins inhabit the waters near Amakusa, and you can see their adorable appearance with a high probability.

L’isola Terrace Amakusa (Matsushima port)

This is the departure port for the cruise to Misumi port. L’isola Terrace Amakusa is a shopping complex which is located by the port. You can spend your time to eat and shop until boarding.

Amakusa Takarajima Cruise Line

It is only 17 minutes ride but you can enjoy the scenery of Amakusa Matsushima and several bridges which connects Amakusa islands and mainland.

Okoshiki beach

It is said that the Okoshiki beach was named after the legendary Japanese story of the Emperor’s expedition to Kyushu, where he saw a beautiful coastline and parked the “Okoshi” (litter) for a while. It is a scenic spot that is selected as one of the “100 Beautiful Sunsets.” Beautiful curved sand crests appear due to wind and waves on the sandy shore when it is a low tide.

So you must check the tide table otherwise you will not be able to see the curved sand crests. Of course you must check the weather forecast.

You may have one more chance to see this on next day after visiting Kumamoto because this place is only 40 minutes away from Kumamoto.

Day 3, Kumamoto – Hakata

On the last day of trip, you will visit a few sites in Kumamoto.

In this sample trip plan, you will leave Kumamoto in late afternoon. But if the weather on the previous day was not good and you could not see the sunset on the Okoshiki beach, you can stay in Kumamoto until the evening and revisit there.

Itinerary

Highlights

Suizenji Jojuen Garden (Suizenji Park)

Suizenji Jojuen Garden is one of well known Japanese Garden in Kyushu. This is the “Momoyama style” garden which was developed in Edo era. This garden is centered on a pond created by the abundant underground water from Mt. Aso, and it expresses many scenic spots of the Tokaido route in Edo era with the an artificial mountain, floating stones, lawns, and pine trees.

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle was built over 400 years ago, and the main castle tower was burnt down once, but several turrets, castle gates, and fences still exist, and they have been designated as the National Heritage Property. In addition, the castle tower had been rebuilt and has been designated as a National Historic Site.

Unfortunately, many sites of Kumamoto Castle properties had been destroyed by Kumamoto earthquakes in the 2016 and Kumamoto castle is currently being restored. You cannot enter the castle tower, but you can see the magnificent view of the castle.

There are many shops and restaurants at Josaien near the castle, and you can also enjoy the view of the castle from there.

Travel cost

All JR train trips are covered by JR Pass, Northern Kyushu Rail Pass or All Kyushu Rail Pass. Local bus trips, cruise ride fare and the admission fees are extra. You can get your money worth of Northern Kyushu Rail Pass by this trip.

Please see the table below to find the cost breakdown:

Summary

As I mentioned above, you can remove staying in Kumamoto and make it 2-day trip.

I hope this trip plan helps you to build your trip plan.