Temples / Shrines

Around 60 kilometers from Kumamoto City is a group of unique islands called Amakusa. There are two main islands (Shimoshima and Ueshima) and hundreds of smaller ones. Isolated from the rest of Kyushu, a sizeable Christian population lives here, whose ancestors were converted by missionaries shortly before the religion was banned in the Edo period. This has led to some interesting landmarks on the islands that make Amakusa a fascinating place to visit, along with the natural formations and wild dolphins that swim around the islands. Oe Catholic Church A characteristic feature of Amakusa is Oe Catholic Church on Shimoshima island. Built in 1933 in the Romanesque style, it sits atop a hill and offers fantastic views of the lush green landscape below. Amakusa Christian Museum Another top place to visit on Shimoshima island is Amakusa Christian Museum. Its focus is on how Christians were forced to hide their faith, which included disguising their religious artifacts as Buddhist, changing their prayers to sound like Buddhist chants, and meeting to worship in the middle of the night. Be aware that most of the information in the museum is only in Japanese. Amakusa Shiro Museum Oyano island is home to Amakusa Shiro…