Shimabara Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Shimabara with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring the best places to visit, activities to do, food to try, and more.


Introduction to Shimabara

Shimabara is a city situated in the Nagasaki prefecture of Kyushu Island in Japan. The city is surrounded by scenic mountains and is famous for its stunning castle - the Shimabara Castle which is a popular tourist attraction in the city. Shimabara is also known for its hot springs, cultural sites, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife.

List of Places to Visit in Shimabara

Shimabara is a charming destination, and visitors have a lot to explore here. Some of the must-visit attractions in the city include:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Shimabara Castle: Shimabara Castle dates back to the 17th century and is famous for its impressive architecture and breathtaking scenery. Take a walk along the castle grounds and enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

  • Shimabara Rebellion Memorial Museum: The museum is dedicated to the Shimabara Rebellion, which took place in 1637. The museum showcases artifacts, documents, and multimedia exhibitions that depict the history of the uprising.

  • Shimeiso House: The Shimeiso House is a historical house that was built in the Edo period. The house is a typical example of the traditional Japanese architecture, and it is also known for its beautiful Japanese garden.

Natural Attractions of Shimabara: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Unzen National Park: Unzen National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers. The park is famous for its hot springs, scenic trails, and spectacular views of the mountains and the sea.

  • Shimabara Bay: Shimabara Bay is a picturesque bay that is known for its stunning sunsets. Visitors can take a stroll along the Shimabara Marine Promenade and enjoy the scenic views of the bay.

  • Mount Unzen: Mount Unzen is an active volcano that offers breathtaking landscapes and stunning views of the city. Visitors can explore the hiking trails around the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the Shimabara region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shimabara

Shimabara is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city has a lot of scenic trails and biking routes that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes in Shimabara include:

  • Shimabara Great Nature Walking Trail: This hiking trail is a 10.8 km path that passes through the stunning landscapes of the Shimabara region, offering scenic views of the mountains, forests, and rivers.

  • Shimabara Road Trip: The Shimabara Road Trip is a popular biking route that takes visitors through the picturesque countryside of Shimabara. The route passes through scenic villages, temples, and shrines.

Best Things to Do in Shimabara: Activities and Tours

Shimabara’s diverse culture and scenic beauty offer visitors a wide range of activities and tours to choose from.

  • Onsen Experience: Shimabara is famous for its hot springs, which are a popular attraction among tourists. Visitors can indulge in the traditional Japanese hot spring experience at any of Shimabara’s many hot spring resorts.

  • Foods and Drinks Tour: Shimabara is renowned for its unique and delicious cuisine. Visitors can join a food and drinks tour to sample local dishes like Shimabara’s famous castella cake, shochu, sake, and umeshu.

Week-Long Itinerary for Shimabara

Day 1: Arrive in Shimabara, visit Shimabara Castle, Shimabara Rebellion Memorial Museum, and Shimeiso House.

Day 2: Visit the Unzen National Park, Mount Unzen, and the Shimabara Great Nature Walking Trail.

Day 3: Explore the Shimabara Bay and the Shimabara Marine Promenade.

Day 4: Take a tour of the Shimabara’s hot springs.

Day 5: Go on a biking tour of the Shimabara countryside.

Day 6: Go on a food and drinks tour and sample Shimabara’s local cuisine.

Day 7: Enjoy a relaxing day at your hotel before departing from Shimabara.

Food and Drink Scene of Shimabara

Must-Try Dishes

  • Shimabara Castella Cake: Shimabara is famous for its castella cake, a light and fluffy sponge cake that originated in the region during the Edo period.

  • Unzen Soba: Unzen Soba is a type of soba noodle that is made from locally produced buckwheat. The dish is usually served with a flavorful broth and toppings such as mushrooms, seaweed, and egg.

Local Beverages

  • Shochu: Shochu is a traditional Japanese distilled alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented rice, barley, or sweet potatoes. Shimabara is famous for its high-quality shochu, and visitors can enjoy tasting the different varieties available in the city.

  • Umeshu: Umeshu is a Japanese plum wine that is made by steeping Japanese plums in shochu or sake. Shimabara’s umeshu is famous for its unique flavor and is a must-try for visitors.

Where to Stay in Shimabara: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Shimabara offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Shimabara include:

  • Shimabara Grand Hotel: This hotel is famous for its traditional Japanese-style rooms and hot spring baths.

  • Shimabara Onsen Hotel: The hotel is situated close to the Shimabara Bay and is renowned for its modern amenities and stunning sea views.

  • Sakura Guesthouse: This guesthouse offers comfortable accommodations with a homely atmosphere.

What to Buy in Shimabara: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Shimabara Castella Cake: Shimabara’s famous castella cake makes an excellent souvenir to bring back home.

  • Shimabara Pottery: Shimabara is famous for its pottery, and visitors can take home unique and beautifully crafted ceramic pieces as souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Shimabara

Shimabara has a rich culture and history, and visitors are encouraged to respect and appreciate the local customs and traditions. It is customary to remove your shoes before entering a Japanese house or temple. Visitors should also try to learn a few basic Japanese phrases to communicate with locals.

Best Time to Visit Shimabara

The best time to visit Shimabara is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shimabara

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Take a dip in the hot springs.
  • Explore the natural beauty of the region.

Don’t:

  • Litter and disrespect the environment.
  • Interfere with local wildlife.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Be loud and disruptive in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Shimabara

Shimabara is a safe and secure destination, and visitors are unlikely to encounter any significant safety issues. However, visitors should be aware of the natural dangers like potentially dangerous wildlife in the mountains and have appropriate gear when hiking or exploring.

Health in Shimabara

Shimabara is a relatively healthy destination, and visitors do not require any mandatory vaccinations. However, visitors should take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites and stay safe during outdoor activities.

Getting to Shimabara: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Shimabara

The closest airports to Shimabara are Nagasaki Airport and Kumamoto Airport. From either airport, visitors can take a train or bus to Shimabara.

Bus Stations Near Shimabara

Shimabara bus terminal is located near the Shimabara Castle and offers regular bus services to various destinations in the region.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Shimabara by train from Nagasaki, Fukuoka or Kumamoto.

How to Get Around in Shimabara

The best way to get around Shimabara is by walking, cycling, and public transportation. Visitors can rent a bike or car to explore the countryside or take a bus to visit other parts of the city.

Where to Go Next from Shimabara: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the popular destinations that visitors can explore from Shimabara include Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka. These cities offer an excellent blend of culture, history, and modern amenities.

Conclusion

Shimabara is a must-visit destination in Japan, offering visitors a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip to Shimabara and make the most out of their experience.

Koi pond at the Shimei-so. Koi pond at the Shimei-so. Shimabara's Old Samurai District Shimabara's Old Samurai District Ever get that sinking feeling? Ever get that sinking feeling?