Isahaya Station is served by the West Kyushu Shinkansen (Kamome) and regular JR lines, providing convenient access to the city of Nagasaki and toward Hakata. Shimatetsu buses, which run to Shimabara via Unzen, depart from Isahaya Station.

This dining cafe is located near Unzen Jigoku ("Unzen Hell"). Its authentic Western-style menus is popular among diners, and includes items such as beef stew and omelette hayashi rice (rice topped with omelet and beef cooked in a thick demi-glace sauce) that feature Unzen beef, a local beef brand. Inside, the cafe is bright and relaxing, and the terrace seats offer views of the lush nature. There is a free footbath in the garden that is fed by natural spring water, making it the perfect place for taking a break.

This is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Unzen. Located in the fumarolic zone of an active volcano, the sight of white steam gushing out forcefully from ground that has been heated by the hot springs truly brings to mind the image of hell. A mysterious landscape, filled with the smell of sulfur, spreads out before you. Walking along the promenade, visitors can witness the powerful fumaroles and the source of the hot springs up close.

Located in the mountains at an altitude of about 700 meters, this hot spring town is surrounded by beautiful nature, along with crisp, clean air. Dotted with long-established inns and hotels, it is also a popular resort destination. The springs are rich in sulfur, and the water, characterized by its cloudy white color, is gentle on the skin and is said to be effective in beautifying the skin.

This beautiful white-walled castle was built in 1624, and is characterized a five-story castle tower. Inside, the castle is filled with attractions, including an archival museum that exhibits materials related to Shimabara's history and Christian culture, as well as a folk art museum. From the observation deck on the top floor, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the Ariake Sea and Mt. Unzen. Around early February each year, about 300 plum trees burst into bloom against the backdrop of the castle tower.

This program allows you to rent a nishaku-sode kimono (kimono with longer sleeves than the typical kimono, worn on semi-formal occasions) and hakama (traditional Japanese loose pleated trousers). This was a trendy attire style among those who favored a lifestyle that incorporated Western culture. Once dressed up, you can have your photo taken at spots around Shimabara Castle.

Reservations must be made at least one week in advance.

A traditional local specialty of Shimabara City, this hearty zoni consists of more than 10 different ingredients and rice cakes simmered in an earthenware pot. The soy sauce-based soup is characterized by its strong dashi (broth) flavor, and makes for a very satisfying meal. It is served throughout the year at cafeterias and other restaurants in the city.

The samurai residences that samurai used to live still exist in this area. The residences are surrounded by stone walls, giving one a sense of the lifestyle and atmosphere in the town back in the day. The clear water that flows through the center of the street was once used as drinking water. Three of the samurai residences are open to the public today.

This old kominka (old private house) cafe is housed in a single-story house with a wooden structure and tiled roof built in the early Showa period (the Showa period lasted from 1926 to 1989). Within the tasteful interior, visitors can enjoy Shimabara's traditional sweet, kanzarashi (rice dumplings with special syrup) and coffee brewed with fresh spring water. Kanzarashi-making workshops are also available on Saturdays and Sundays (reservations must be made three days beforehand). Take a break and enjoy the quiet murmuring of the spring water.

The former residence of Dr. Genzo Ito, a medical practitioner, was built in the late Meiji period (the Meiji period lasted from 1868 to 1912). The pond, which is fed with approximately 3,000 tons of spring water daily, is also home to koi carp. The mansion is positioned on a higher level, so you can look down and enjoy the unique and beautiful garden landscape that is integrated with the overhanging Japanese-style tatami room.

The Shinmachi area has such abundant sources of spring water that it gushes out just by digging 50 cm into the ground. Colorful Nishikigoi carp swimming along the 100-meter waterway is one of the highlights of Shimabara, known as "Mizu no Miyako" (the water capital). Enjoy the atmosphere of yore, along with the old-fashioned stone pavements and samurai residences.

In addition to providing information on Shimabara’s history and sightseeing spots, this tourist information hub also exhibits and sells local products, and is equipped with a rest area. Through the glass floor, you can see the koi carp swimming in the garden, which is fed by spring waters. Be sure to drop by here during your stroll around Shimabara.

The fastest route from Shimabara to Fukuoka Tenjin is about 2 hours and 15 minutes, using the Miike Shimabara Line (a high-speed ferry service) and the Nishitetsu bus and train. From the deck of the ferry, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Ariake Sea, and you can even see as far as Mt. Unzen on a clear day.

Enjoy authentic mizutaki (a chicken and vegetable hot pot) and ramen to your heart’s content! Mizutaki is characterized by its milky white broth, brimming over with the delicious flavors of chicken and rich in collagen. Savor it along with vegetables and tender chicken meat to warm your heart and body. Tonkotsu ramen (ramen cooked in pork bone soup) is another attractive option, with its exquisite combination of rich broth and thin noodles. If you stay over in Fukuoka City, you can enjoy its gourmet delights until the late hours of the night.

At Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, buy the Dazaifu and Yanagawa Sightseeing Ticket Pack, which offers great value, and set off on your trip!

This ryotei ryokan (Japanese-style restaurant and inn) is the former residence of the Tachibana family, which ruled over the Yanagawa domain during the Edo period (1603 - 1868). Today, it remains under the care of the family's descendants. It is known as the only Government-Designated Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan that offers overnight accommodations. The extensive grounds, covering about 7,000 tsubo (about 23,000 square meters), are home to the beautiful Shoto-en Japanese Garden that offers distinctive views every season. The building houses a cultural property area and historical archives featuring historical materials from the Tachibana family, and can be toured in a single day.  

This local specialty of Yanagawa is so well-known that people in Fukuoka describe Yanagawa as “the place to go to for eel.” This distinctive dish is made by placing finely-stripped thin omelet on top of rice seasoned with a secret sauce, and steaming all of it in a seiro (bamboo steamer). The flavor of the eel soaks into the rice, resulting in a plumped, fluffy texture. There are about 30 restaurants in the city that specialize in eel, each of which offers a unique take on the dish that has been passed down through the generations.

The famous kawakudari (river cruise) takes you through the canals that crisscross Yanagawa City, in small boats called donko-bune. The boatman, who steers the boat skillfully with a long pole, guides passengers through the history and scenery of Yanagawa. Make your way slowly across the water while admiring the swaying willow trees and the seasonal flowers. Revel in the charming atmosphere of this water town.

This is a spacious footbath (free of charge) that can accommodate about 70 people at the same time. There are panels featuring the photographs, anecdotes, and works of writers and poets associated with Yanagawa, including Hakushu Kitahara. Soothe your tired feet while learning about the literature of Yanagawa.

This specialty shop is popular for its naturally sweet ice cream, which is made with fruits grown on their own farm along with other carefully selected ingredients. The shop is housed in a renovated kominka (old private house), giving it a nostalgic atmosphere. There is also a space for those who wish to dine in. We recommend dropping by here during your kawakudari (river cruise).

A wide range of accommodation options is available, including ryokan (traditional Japanese-style inns), contemporary hotels, and inns with natural hot springs. At ryokans along the river, you can relax while admiring the scenic views. At night, the mood changes, and you can immerse yourself in the quiet, magical atmosphere of Yanagawa.

This is the sohongu (head shrine) of all the Tenmangu shrines across Japan dedicated to the god of learning, Sugawara no Michizane. It is one of the largest shrines in Kyushu, and welcomes many worshippers from Japan and abroad. In addition to the historic buildings on the grounds, there is also a beautiful garden that is renowned as a place for admiring plum blossoms in the spring.

The sando (approach) to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is lined with famous gourmet food shops and trendy sweet shops. The umegae mochi, which is made by wrapping anko (sweet red bean paste) in soft rice cake then baking it, is perfect for snacking on while walking around. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sando to find your favorites, including stylish cafes and traditional craft shops.

This is one of Japan's four major national museums. It displays historical art works and valuable materials on the theme of cultural exchange between Asia and Japan.
The interactive exhibition gallery “Ajippa” (free admission) features many items that visitors can touch or interact with, as well as experiences that combine learning with play, making it a fun area for both children and grownups.