No kidding—99% chance to see hundreds of dolphins: 5 must-visit “zen spots” on Shimabara Peninsula

▲ A city made up mostly of single-story buildings, with little noise from vehicles and no polluted air. So, in your final moments on the Shimabara Peninsula, the city’s crystal-clear springs cleanse your heart completely.

Reported by Chen Xinru / Field report from Shimabara

Travelers who love Japan actually have another great option. The Shimabara Peninsula, covering just 460 square kilometers, is located at the easternmost tip of Nagasaki Prefecture. Thanks to its unique volcanic terrain, it became Japan’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. Twenty-five years ago, the peninsula experienced a severe volcanic eruption, where pyroclastic flows at 800°C engulfed homes and schools, tragically killing 44 journalists. To ensure future generations learn from this disaster, the Shimabara Peninsula has become a natural classroom, teaching 6 million annual visitors about the full power of Earth’s life force.

The volcanic eruption 25 years ago destroyed homes and took lives, but it did not drive residents away. Instead, through reconstruction, restoration, and preservation, Shimabara has revealed its unique beauty. Coupled with the area’s abundant natural springs and fertile soil that grows high-quality fruits and vegetables, most locals consider it a blessing of nature. Even living alongside an active volcano, they choose to stay. During my visit to Shimabara City, I found this peninsula—which you can circle in about three hours—truly captivating. That’s why I’ve handpicked five must-visit “zen spots.” Take some time to explore the beauty of Shimabara’s land.

1. UNESCO Global Geopark

The “Unzen Disaster Memorial Hall” is Japan’s first volcano experience and learning center, established to help people understand the disasters caused by volcanic eruptions. In addition to displaying various related materials and historical artifacts, the hall features a 14-meter arched screen. The theater seats not only shake up, down, left, and right along with the film’s scenes and sound effects, but the device in the center of the armrest even releases bursts of hot air, giving visitors a virtual experience that makes them feel as if they’re right in the middle of nature’s overwhelming power.

Five minutes’ drive from the memorial hall is the “Debris Flow Damage Houses Preservation Park,” which preserves homes affected by the volcanic eruption. This 6,200-square-meter park displays 11 damaged houses. To maintain their original condition, three of the ruined houses are housed in a large tent inside the park, while the other eight are exhibited outdoors—though over time, only parts of their roofs remain visible.

Another key site is the “Former Onoguchi Elementary School,” one of the buildings damaged by the massive pyroclastic flow during the eruption. To convey the lessons of the disaster to future generations and serve as a base for sediment disaster education, the school building has been preserved as it was.

2. Shimabara Railway

When talking about Shimabara, you can’t miss the Shimabara Railway. It’s the only railway connecting Isahaya and Shimabara, and its bright yellow trains are beloved by many travelers, becoming a must-ride when visiting Shimabara City. Additionally, the Shimabara Railway is the closest railway to the sea in all of Japan. Riding it allows passengers to gaze out at the beautiful Ariake Sea, with breathtaking scenery along the way—a perfect natural therapy for busy urbanites. Aside from the iconic yellow trains, the Shimabara Railway also has a hidden red-and-yellow train. Legend says spotting the red one is a sign of good luck—visitors might want to test their fortune.

3. Kuchinotsu Dolphin Watching Tour

Located at the southernmost tip of the Shimabara Peninsula, “Kuchinotsu” is a top spot for dolphin watching. With around 300 to 400 bottlenose dolphins inhabiting these waters, the odds of spotting them on any given boat trip are as high as 99%, making Shimabara a rising star among recent must-visit destinations in Kyushu. Beyond the high chance of sightings, the 20-minute boat ride lets you cruise the open ocean, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the unique natural scenery of southern Shimabara.

The veteran captain in Kuchinotsu, who has been running his business for over 20 years and is a pioneer in the local dolphin-watching industry, navigates the waters with skill and ease. He revealed that dolphin-watching operators and fishermen share information on dolphin sightings, so as long as the weather permits, every trip is almost guaranteed to spot dolphins. To give visitors a closer look, the captain stays highly alert—if dolphins surface, he speeds toward them instantly, allowing tourists to interact with the dolphins up close and snap plenty of photos. Compared to aquariums, southern Shimabara is definitely the better choice for an authentic experience.

Interestingly, when the captain heard the reporter was from Taiwan, he was visibly excited. He shared that he’s visited Taiwan over 30 times. “Besides well-known Taipei, I’ve also been to Hsinchu, Banqiao, Sanchong, and Xinzhuang!” He also warmly encouraged more Taiwanese travelers to come and experience the marine charm of southern Shimabara.

4. Koi Fish Town

▲ Shimabara’s mayor welcomes Taiwanese travelers to experience the beauty of Shimabara.

It’s truly amazing to see koi fish swimming in drainage ditches. Following the “Shimabara Spring Water Museum” and the spring water garden “Simmei-so,” “Seiryutei” is a new tourism and cultural center in Shimabara City. Here, visitors can admire koi ponds that run throughout the center and also shop for Shimabara’s unique traditional craft: Japanese candles.

5. Shimabara Castle

As soon as you step into Shimabara Castle, you’ll be amused by the staff dressed as ninjas and samurai. To welcome visitors, four young women in ninja costumes perform a series of dynamic routines, shouting slogans that radiate the energy and enthusiasm of Shimabara City.

Standing in the heart of the city, Shimabara Castle is the landmark of the Shimabara Peninsula. Its most distinctive feature is the white-walled keep in the center, built in the Azuchi-Momoyama architectural style—it’s quite spectacular and has been listed as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Castles.” Inside the castle, there’s a rich collection of Christian historical texts, local history books, and folklore materials, offering deeper insights into Shimabara’s history through its ancient relics.

Additionally, the fifth floor of Shimabara Castle is an open observation deck. From the highest point of the castle, looking out over this city of mostly single-story buildings—with few noisy cars and clean air—you’ll find that in your final moments here, the city’s clear springs have truly cleansed your heart.