Amakusa driving guide: Sakitsu, Oe and the west coast

The Amakusa area spans Kamiamakusa, Amakusa City and Reihoku in Kumamoto Prefecture. Kamiamakusa has roads linking the islands and a floating aquarium. On the western side of Shimoshima, you will find Sakitsu and Oe churches, parks overlooking rocky shores, and sunset viewpoints.

For a first day, drive from Hondo through Sakitsu and Oe to the west coast. This guide covers that route through southwestern Shimoshima, parking at stops including Kamiamakusa and Reihoku, and what to know before visiting the churches.

Map of the Amakusa area

The line follows the route described under “A first visit: Hondo to the west coast via Sakitsu and Oe.” Numbered markers show the stops: green for sights and nature, blue for roadside stations. Tap a number to see its name.

Recommended drives

A first visit: Hondo to the west coast via Sakitsu and Oe

Look over central Hondo from Jumanyama Park, then take National Route 266 to Miyajidake Kakashi no Sato roadside station. Continue to Sakitsu roadside station, park there and explore the village and church on foot. Return to your car and drive to Oe Church. From Jusanbutsu Park, look out over Myokenura and Shiratsuruhama before heading north to the Kikaigaura viewpoint.

The route is about 58.7km, with around 58 minutes of driving. Distance and time are calculated from map data and exclude traffic delays. Allow separate time for the churches, village walks, meals and your return journey.

Amakusa Shiro Museum and Sea Donut Aquarium in Kamiamakusa, and Tomioka Castle to the north, are outside this route. If you want time to walk around Sakitsu, planning separate days for Kamiamakusa and Shimoshima makes the itinerary easier to arrange.

Reserve Sakitsu Church and explore the village on foot

Sakitsu Church requires advance reservations. Use the Sakitsu Church visit booking page before travelling. A guided tour requires a separate reservation from church admission.

Sakitsu and Oe churches are places of worship. Photography is prohibited inside, and visitors should not enter during Mass, funerals or weddings. Normal visiting hours are 9:00–17:00, but unexpected services may cause closures.

Sakitsu Church has no car park of its own. The driving line goes to Sakitsu roadside station, rather than the church entrance.

Register for ETCX and stop at the Matsushima Toll Road booth

Matsushima Toll Road, on the way from Kamiamakusa towards Amakusa City, costs ¥200 for a standard car or ¥150 for a kei car. ETCX payments require advance registration and a full stop at the toll booth. This is a separate payment service from expressway ETC.

Roads you can drive

Places to stop

Views and nature

Numbers match the map.

Amakusa Shiro Museum closes December 29–January 1 and the second Wednesday of January and June. Sea Donut opens daily; March 20–October 19 hours are 9:00–18:00, with last entry at 17:00.

Roadside stations

Miyajidake Kakashi no Sato closes on the first and third Wednesdays, or the following Thursday after a public holiday, and December 31 and January 1.

Best seasons and crowds

Sunset in Kumamoto City on October 31 is at 17:28. Use this as a planning reference; the local time in Amakusa differs.

Where and when it gets busy

For Sakitsu, choose your reservation time first, then allow for parking and walking through the village. Nearby visitor car parks are small. Planning to park at the roadside station and walk avoids driving up to the church.

Road closures and restrictions as of October 27

• Strong wind or heavy rain may restrict or close Matsushima Toll Road and Matsushima–Ariake Road. Check the road information at the top of this page before leaving.
• A July 30 notice for Mount Takabuto says post-earthquake trail safety checks have not been completed. It is excluded from the stops in this guide.
• The northern, surf-side car park at Shiratsuruhama is closed. Use parking on the SUNSET CAFE and Amakusa Chamber of Commerce Amakusa branch side.

Getting there and fuel

Fill up before driving southwest from Hondo. ENEOS Dr.Drive Hondo Otamachi SS is at 6-8 Otamachi, Amakusa City, and opens 8:00–19:00.

If you don't have a car

Find pickup locations in the Kumamoto car-rental directory. Check the driving licence and IDP guide and airport car-rental pickup guide before booking.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I drive for a day in Amakusa?

Start at Jumanyama Park in Hondo and visit Miyajidake Kakashi no Sato, Sakitsu and Oe before Jusanbutsu Park and Kikaigaura. The route is about 58.7km, with around 58 minutes of driving. Allow separate time for church visits, village walks, meals and the return journey.

Do I need to reserve Sakitsu Church?

Yes, church admission requires advance reservations. A guided tour needs a separate booking. Visitors cannot enter during church services.

Can I drive right up to Sakitsu Church?

The church has no car park. On this route, park at Sakitsu roadside station and explore the village and church on foot.

Can I use ETC on Matsushima Toll Road?

You can pay with an ETC card through ETCX, but advance registration and a full stop at the toll booth are required. It is a separate service from expressway ETC.

Where can I watch the sunset?

Options include Jusanbutsu Park, Shiratsuruhama and Kikaigaura. Sunset on October 31 is at 17:28 in Kumamoto City, used here as a reference. Include the drive back to your destination after sunset in your plans.

Nearby areas and guides

• Aso driving guide
• Kumamoto driving and travel guide