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Destinations
People ＜ Cats! Cats! Cats!
"A Soothing Island Full of Cats"
Yushima is located in the middle of the Ariake Sea between the Amakusa Islands and the Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture. This small island, about four kilometers in circumference, is also known by the nickname of "Island of Cats." As the name suggests, there are many cats on this island. It is said that there are more cats than residents on the island. (The number of residents is about 230 while the number of cats is about 250 as of December 2024.) Each cat has been given a name and is well looked after.
Upon arriving around the port, you will immediately be met by cute cats. You will definitely be soothed by seeing the cats relaxing in all places on the island such as the beach and alleys. If you want to meet these cats, look for the orange sign. This sign marks the spot where many cats live. The island has lots of other attractions as well. These attractions include Yushima Myojinzo (Yushima Cat Idol), Yushima Lighthouse, a heart-shaped tree and beautiful coastline. You may also enjoy visiting these photo spots while taking a stroll around the island.
If you leave early in the morning, you can even make this a day trip from Kumamoto city. You will surely be left completely satisfied if you take a look at the superb views of the sea and eat fresh seafood while interacting with the cute cats on the island. The more you walk, the more cats you will meet and the more photos you will want to take. Please come and experience this NANAME-UE unexpected island life.
CAUTION: More and more people are becoming so obsessed with the cats they are even entering private properties to see them. Please do not enter private property.
| Shop or Facility Name | Kamiamakusa City Tourism Hospitality Section |
|---|---|
| Address | 1514 Oyano-machi, Kamiamakusa-shi, Kumamoto |
| Tel | 0964-26-5512 |
| Open | 8：30～17：15 |
| Closed | Except for public/national holidays and the New Year's holiday period |
| Website | https://www.city.kamiamakusa.kumamoto.jp/q/aview/339/12873.html |
Destinations
Destinations
Pass Through the Entrance to Take a Mysterious Trip in Time Back to the Past
The historical figure that Kamiamakusa is most proud of is Amakusa Shiro (Masuda Shiro Tokisada). Shiro was the person who, although a teenager, marshalled the passions of the people to drive the rebel forces in the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion in the 17th century when the Shogunate began cracking down on Christians. The Amakusa Shiro Museum tells of the era when Amakusa Shiro lived, the history of Christianity and nanban (foreign) culture through videos, dioramas, projection mapping and performances. The facility periodically collaborates with universities to hold special exhibitions to reconstruct the situation at that time such as by displaying valuable books and tools. The museum is located within Amakusa Shiro Park. Its unique architectural beauty also makes it worth seeing.
Destinations
The Aorta
of the Islands!
Ten Bridges
of Kamiamakusa!
The natural landscapes and tourist attractions, which are the pride of Kamiamakusa and which will greatly exceed (NANAME-UE) your expectations, have been produced from the topography unique to Kamiamakusa consisting of islands of various sizes. It is the many bridges spanning these islands which support that originality! These bridges, which support tourist attractions that will greatly exceed (NANAME-UE) your expectations, link that main throughfare and small islands centered on the Five Bridges of Amakusa which connect the main throughfare.
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Soon to Be Listed
as a World Heritage
Site?
The World Heritage Site of Mont Saint-Michel in France is adored by people all over the world in addition to Japanese people.
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Aquarium with
Zero Distance
to Dolphins
This is a donut-shaped aquarium that floats above the sea. It's name is Sea Donut. You will never forget its form and the exhibitions inside it if you visit it once.
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Superb
Views
The scenery of Matsushima from the observation deck in Kamiamakusa is a superb view you cannot see anywhere else.
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A Roadside Station?
No! A Sea Station!
Roadside stations typically offer direct sales of vegetables, tourist information centers and restaurants. However, you can also buy fresh seafood at Kamiamakusa.
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New Sensation
Resort
Resorts areas popular with Japanese people include Hawaii, the Maldives and now Maejima. Come to Kamiamakusa for the most seasonal resort experience.