Excursion Shimabara peninsula tour at Nagasaki

Marvel at the scenic beauty and storied history of western Japan during this scenic, full-day excursion to the Shimabara Peninsula, with a visit to the Fugen Volcano.

Shimabara Peninsula and Castle Museum

Depart the pier for the approximate two-hour drive east of Nagasaki and past picturesque Ariake Bay en route to the Shimabara Peninsula. Upon arrival, a visit is made to the early-17th century Shimabara Castle, the traditional centre of Shimabara City. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the renovated castle, which now serves as a museum of Christian history. View displays of old swords, armour and other items from the Edo period, along with a commemoration to the 1990 eruption of Mt. Unzen.

Shimabara Town and Samurai House

Following your tour of the castle, embark on a walking tour of Shimabara. A manmade waterway built in the middle of this old town once provided fresh water for the local residents. Today, this waterway is home to many beautiful Japanese carp. Samurai warriors once lived within and outside the castle grounds. During your stroll through Shimabara, a visit is made to a Samurai house.

Unzen Jigoku Hot Spring

After having lunch at local restaurant, your stop is Unzen Jigoku Hot Spring; a hot spring resort town near the peak of Mount Unzen. The resort is surrounded on several sides by hot spring fields. Also known as hells (jigoku), these barren rocky areas are littered with billowing steam vents and gushing hot springs from which milky, acidic and sulfurous water bubbles straight up out of the ground. The hells were once used to execute Christian rebels after the failed Shimabara Rebellion, but today its spring water has the more pleasant task of warming up holidaymakers in the ryokan baths around town.

Obama Hot Spring 105 (Foot Bath)

Your last stop is Obama Hot Spring 105 foot bath. Obama is set against a backdrop of the magnificent Mt.Unzen facing the deep-blue Tachibana Bay. From the open-air hot spring, you can view the amazing sunset in the west. At 105 meters in length, this is the longest foot bath in Japan. It is equipped with steaming pots for cooking local seafood and vegetables over the natural steam from the hot springs.

The coach then begins the nearly 1.5-hour drive back to the pier and your awaiting ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Shimabara Peninsula, Castle and Town, Samurai House, Mizunashihonjin, Fugen Volcano, Mt. Unzen Volcano Chain

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.220 yards (about 1.120 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, approximately 150steps at Shimabara Castle, 10 steps at the Samurai House, 20steps at the Unzen Jigoku Hot Spring and 20steps at Obama Hos sprint 105. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sunglasses and a light sweater or jacket. Guests need to remove the shoes at the Samurai House. Please bring over from the ship a towel for foot bath. The lunch served during this tour includes a Japanese style set menu. For dietary restrictions please contact the on board Shore Concierge Team upon embarkation. Menu substitutions may be not be possible to accommodate. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. The tour sequence may vary. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility.