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Amakusa and the Hidden
Christians
Amakusa is made up of 120 picturesque islands set along the East China Sea and Shiranui Sea. A popular destination for tourists, the are offers gorgeous beaches, excellent deep-sea fishing, and abundance of hot spring spas, and a unique culture influenced by the legend of Amakusa Shiro and the “Hidden Christians”.
Hidden Christians:
Christianity was brought to Amakusa in 1556, yet just twenty-five years later was banned by the ruling Shogun. The local Christian community – mostly comprised of farmers - experienced strict segregation and suppression and were nearly ostracized from the rest of the community. After several month of such abuse, a rag-tag group of farmers formed a revolt, anointing a local 15 year-old boy, Amakusa Shiro as their leader. Lasting over 4-months the revolt resulted in the deaths of nearly 38,000 lives and eventually the rebels retreated and went into hiding. Many of the local farmers secretly still worshipped as Christians but outwardly acted as Buddhists – with Buddha carved on one-side of prayer statues, but Mary and a cross carved on the opposite side. These local traditions are still seen in Amakusa today and the culture of the “Hidden Christians” is preserved in several museums, memorials, and churches.
One church of particular note is the Oe Catholic Church. Standing on top of a high-hill overlooking the sea, this classic Romaneque church features a large white dome and stained glass windows. At the foot of the hill leading up to the church, the Amakusa Rosary Pavillion portrays the history of Christianity in Amakusa from its introduction to the revolt of Amakusa Shiro.
Beaches and Sunsets and Wild-dolphin watching:
Amakusa’s landscape is wild, rocky and lush. With sparkling beaches around every bend and water sports activity abound – leaving the toughest decision for toursits being whether to relax by the beach and watch the glowing sunsets, or dive-in for some action.
In addition to beachside activities, Amakusa offers incomparable dolphin watching. Along Tsushi-shima island in Amakusa, over 300 wild dolphins live in the surrounding sea. The dolphins swim freely all year round and visitors to the area can take a boat ride to catch a glimpse – a 40 minute ride from the mainland.
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