Amakusa: Dolphin Watching and Saki Tsu Village – A Journey Along the Romantic West Coast

A full-day scenic drive along Amakusa's west coast in Kumamoto Prefecture, themed around the sea and romance. Begin your morning at the Amakusa Dolphin Center for a cruise with an exceptional dolphin encounter rate. After witnessing wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins swimming close to the vessel, enjoy fresh seafood lunch upon your return to port. In the afternoon, traverse some of the west coast's finest viewpoints: Jusan-butsu Park (十三仏公園) overlooking the white sands of Shiratsuru Beach (白鶴浜), and Onikai-ga-ura Observation Spot (鬼海ヶ浦展望所) perched on dramatic cliffs jutting into the East China Sea. Visit the white Ōe Church (大江教会) standing on a hillside, then conclude at the UNESCO World Heritage Saki Tsu Village (﨑津集落). Strolling past the Gothic Saki Tsu Church (﨑津教会) and the narrow seaside alleyways, you'll feel the timeless essence of a fishing community that has always lived and prayed by the sea.