Overview
Shimoshima is the largest island in the Amakusa archipelago of Kumamoto Prefecture. With an area of 574.01 km2, it ranks as the 10th largest island in Japan. It is distinctive for being surrounded on all sides by different seas: the Ariake Sea, the Amakusa-nada, the East China Sea and the Yatsushiro Sea.
Highlights
- ●Largest island in Amakusa and 10th largest in Japan
- ●Coasts washed by the Ariake, Amakusa-nada, East China and Yatsushiro seas
- ●Mount Tenjiku, the 538.4 m summit
- ●An island straddling Amakusa city and Reihoku town
History
Most of the island is administered as part of Amakusa city, while a 67 km2 stretch along the northwest coast belongs to the town of Reihoku. Its highest peak is Mount Tenjiku at 538.4 m.
Access
The island lies in the Amakusa archipelago of Kumamoto Prefecture, mostly within Amakusa city, with its northwest part in Reihoku. Kamishima lies to the east, and Nagashima, which belongs to Kagoshima Prefecture, lies to the southeast. For specific routes, please check maps and official information.
Best season
To take in the seas on every side, a clear daytime visit is ideal, when the open expanses of the Amakusa-nada and the East China Sea can be enjoyed at their best.
Map
32.3333, 130.0833 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Cross to Shimoshima from the Amakusa side
- 2Head for Mount Tenjiku to look out over the island
- 3Explore the coastal scenery along the Amakusa-nada and East China Sea
- 4Extend your trip to the Reihoku area in the northwest
Did you know?
💡 Though it is the largest island in the Amakusa archipelago, Shimoshima is also large enough to rank 10th among all islands of Japan.
Nearby spots
Traveler reviews0
No reviews yet. Be the first to share!