ナナメ上↗︎上天草 Experiences Milky Fiddler Crabs: An Endangered Species Which Wants to Stand Out

You can see a crab which will greatly exceed (NANAME-UE) your expectations in Kamiamakusa. It really stands out during the breeding season despite being a very precious creature which has been designated an endangered species.

The milky fiddler crab is a small crab about two centimeters long which lives in tidal flats. Nagaura Island (Aitsu, Matsushima-machi) in Kamiamakusa is home to the largest colony of milky fiddler crabs in Japan. The milky fiddler crab has been designated an endangered species and it can only be seen in limited places in Japan.

A distinctive feature of the milky fiddler crab is the mysterious dance performed by the males of the species during the breeding season (June to August). It is thought to be an act of courtship toward the females of the species. The males spin their pure white pincers on a grand scale on one side only. It is though they are calling out to the females: "Come to me." The milky fiddler crab is called hakusen shio maneki. This name comes from the fact it looks like this dance is inviting in the tide (shio maneki means "tidal invitation"). However, it can look like a variety of movements depending on the person who is watching the dance.

Milky fiddler crabs emerge from their holes and single-mindedly spin their white pincers during the breeding season. This heartwarming spectacle is a valuable sight which you can only see at that time. You won't want to miss it!
*If you get too close, you will surprise the crabs emerging from their holes and they will return to them. If you watch over the crabs from a distance, you will give them peace of mind and they will be proud to brandish their pincers.

The mysterious life and habits of the milky fiddler crab are showcased in detail at the Amakusa Visitor Center. Please feel free to stop by to learn more.

Shop or Facility Name Kumamoto Prefecture Amakusa Visitor Center and Kamiamakusa Matsushima Observation Rest Area
Address 6311-1 Aitsu, Matsushima-machi, Kamiamakusa-shi, Kumamoto
Tel 0969-56-3665
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Tuesdays
Website https://yyymaoi.wixsite.com/amakusavisitor

Experiences

Experiences

uperb Views × Sunset = Ultra-superb Views

uperb Views × Sunset = Ultra-superb Views

The sunset fascinates people with its beauty while serving as a sign signaling the end of the day. There are various spots where you can view the beautiful sunset in Kamiamakusa. In particular, the sunset you can see from Mt. Takabuto allows you to enjoy a distinctive sunset due to the natural landscape in addition to having a beauty to the extent it has been selected as one of the top one hundred sunsets in Japan. The sun setting in the sea between the islands known as one of the three great islands named Matsushima in Japan is a landscape that will greatly exceed (NANAME-UE) your expectations - it is distinctive to a normal sunset on the horizon. It would be a waste not to see this distinctive sunset if you come all the way to visit Kamiamakusa. There are also many hot spring inns in the city. Therefore, why don't you spend you time relaxing in a inn after watching the sunset?

Experiences

Cycle across the Island on a High-spec Bicycle!

Cycle across the Island on a High-spec Bicycle!

Rental bicycles that can be enjoyed in various areas are a strong ally of travelers. However, the rental bicycles in Kamiamakusa are a little bit different. The difference is undeniably their quality and originality. The 10 road bikes here have special specifications designed on the motif of NANAME-UE KAMIAMAKUSA. They were co-produced with one of the world's leading bicycle manufacturers called "DIZO" (Taiwan). Furthermore, the components (e.g., bicycle gears) are SHIMANO 105 that are also suitable for bike races. Enjoying such luxurious bicycles as rental bicycles will truly greatly exceed (NANAME-UE) your expectations.

Experiences

Stunning! A Collection of Giant Trees and Mysterious Trees

Stunning!
A Collection of Giant
Trees and
Mysterious Trees

You can see many trees with a mysterious look and appearance that are not just simply tall here. If you visit trees quietly watching over the efforts greatly beyond (NANAME-UE) your expectations in Kamiamakusa and then take a deep breath under them, you will soothe your mind and soul tired from sightseeing.

Experiences

Feel Free to Use the Fishing Pond in Your Room

Feel Free to Use
the Fishing Pond
in Your Room

The rooms of ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and hotels come with various features these days. These include rooms with open air baths, rooms with lower-temperature saunas and rooms with Jacuzzis. However, a room with a fishing pond will surely greatly exceed (NANAME-UE) your expectations! Nagisatei in Kamiamakusa has a room that will greatly exceed (NANAME-UE) your expectations because you can fish while you are in it. This experience, which allows you to fish from the deck of the room, offers the ultimate in luxurious time. You can also rent fishing tackle (with bait). This means you can arrive here empty-handed.

Experiences

The Next Big Outdoor Activity After Glamping: Sea Camping!

The Next Big Outdoor
Activity After
Glamping:
Sea Camping!

Kojima Park Campsite in Kamiamakusa is one of the most photogenic spots in Kyushu located adjacent to a beautiful swimming beach. A straight path stretches out over the sea to the campsite.

Experiences

Mysterious Hot Spring in a Cave

Mysterious Hot
Spring in a Cave

There are many hot springs in Kamiamakusa Onsen-kyo, but is there really one in a cave? You cannot experience such a mysterious space unless you go to Yurakutei (Daidokutsu no Yado Yurakutei) in Kamiamakusa.

Experiences

Rock Collection

Rock Collection

Kamiamakusa is the only place where you can enjoy a tour that takes in magnificent views under your eyes while visiting strangely-shaped rocks at the same time.

Experiences

See the Attractive Starry Sky Twice

See the Attractive
Starry Sky Twice

You can only see beautiful stars in the desert or Hawaii. Kamiamakusa will greatly exceed (NANAME-UE) your expectations if you are under that mistaken impression.

Experiences

Dolphin Encounter Rate: 98%

Dolphin Encounter
Rate: 98%

If you take a cruise for about 40 minutes from Kamiamakusa, you can see wild dolphins swimming up-close. You will be just a few meters from dolphins swimming around the boat and playing together in a group. The dolphin encounter rate will greatly exceed (NANAME-UE) your expectations at 98%!

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