| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 25 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Historic site tour, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
[Tour conditions]
Departure/Destination: Fukuoka/Nagasaki Trip duration: Day trip Transportation: Chartered sightseeing bus, Shimabara Railway Shimatetsu Cafe Train Accommodation: None Meal requirements: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 0 times Minimum number of participants: 25
Tour conductor: 1
Guides: 0
[Travel planning/implementation]
Company name: Nishitetsu Travel Co., Ltd. Address: 3-16-26 Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
Registration number: Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner's Travel Agency Registration No. 579 Travel Association: Regular member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents
A minimum of 25 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 10 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
We cannot accommodate requests to change the contents of your meal, except in cases that may jeopardize your physical safety, such as allergies or dietary restrictions due to medical reasons. We also cannot provide refunds for meals or allow you to take meals home.
Seats on the Shimatetsu Cafe Train may be shared with other passengers. All seats are reserved. Please note that we cannot accept seat requests.
The itinerary may change or arrival time may be delayed due to road conditions, weather, etc. This is a long-distance trip. Please allow sufficient time for connections to onward and reverse transportation.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Shimabara Castle, as seen today, is a reconstruction. The original castle was built between 1618 and 1624 but was extensively damaged and then largely demolished during the Meiji Restoration in 1871. The current castle keep and some turrets were faithfully reconstructed in 1964, based on historical documents and architectural studies, allowing visitors to experience its former grandeur.
Shimabara Castle holds significant historical importance as a symbol of the Shimabara Domain and its feudal rule. It is most famously associated with the Shimabara Rebellion of 1637-1638, a major peasant uprising that profoundly influenced the shogunate's subsequent policy of national isolation. The castle's role in this event makes it a crucial site for understanding Japan's early Edo period history.
Shimabara City is renowned as the "Water City" due to its abundant, clear spring water that flows openly throughout the town. Key attractions include the reconstructed Shimabara Castle, the picturesque 'Koi no oyugu Machi' (Town of Swimming Koi) where vibrant fish swim in transparent waterways, and the tranquil Shimeiso Spring Water Garden. The city's charming atmosphere and historical depth offer a unique cultural experience.
The Shimatetsu Cafe Train offers a delightful culinary journey featuring local gourmet dishes and a selection of three distinct sweets. These special items are crafted using fresh, regional ingredients, providing a unique taste of the Shimabara region. Guests can enjoy a leisurely meal on board while admiring the scenic views of the sea and mountains passing by, making the journey an enjoyable gastronomic experience.
Shimeiso Spring Water Garden is notable for its exquisite traditional Japanese garden where crystal-clear spring water continuously flows through its ponds and channels, creating a profoundly serene and picturesque setting. It exemplifies Nagasaki's historical summer resort charm, providing a tranquil escape where visitors can relax by the pristine pools and observe vibrant koi fish in their natural spring-fed environment.
'Koi no oyugu Machi,' or the 'Town of Swimming Koi,' is a distinctive attraction in Shimabara where over a thousand colorful koi fish swim freely in the clear, spring-fed waterways that run alongside public streets and through residential areas. This unique environment allows visitors to observe the beautiful fish up close in an open, natural setting, highlighting Shimabara's rich water resources and traditional charm.
The Shimatetsu Cafe Train's route is celebrated for its highly scenic coastal views, offering passengers picturesque glimpses of the sea and mountains of Shimabara. A particularly unique stop is Daisan-Higashi Station, which holds the distinction of being one of the closest stations to the sea in Japan. This allows for breathtaking, unobstructed views directly from the platform and the train itself, making the journey a memorable part of the sightseeing experience.
Shimabara's abundant spring water is integral to its identity and significantly enhances its natural and cultural attractions. It forms the foundation of the 'Koi no oyugu Machi,' where koi thrive in transparent channels, and contributes to the tranquil beauty of the Shimeiso Spring Water Garden. This constant flow of pure water supports lush greenery, creates a unique aesthetic for the cityscape, and reflects the city's deep connection to its pristine natural environment.