Samurai's castle, volcano activity, Shimabara in Nagasaki 9 hours, Private car.
Joined 2024
Discover Shimabara’s samurai heritage and dramatic volcanic landscapes on this 9-hour private tour. Explore the reconstructed Shimabara Castle and stroll through a historic samurai district. Enjoy local cuisine in a peaceful town atmosphere before heading to Unzen Jigoku, a geothermal area known for its steaming vents and bubbling springs. Though farther than most Nagasaki tours, this full-day journey blends comfort, culture, and nature—well worth the drive.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Anywhere in Nagasaki City
- Hotel, port, airport and others.
Shimabara Castle
Shimabara Castle in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, was originally built in 1624 by the samurai lord Matsukura Shigemasa. The castle is known for its role in the Shimabara Rebellion (1637-1638), where Christian peasants rose against samurai rule. Reconstructed in 1964, it now serves as a museum showcasing artifacts from the rebellion and samurai culture, offering visitors a look into Japan’s feudal history.
Shimabara castle town, samurai village, Japanese garden
Shimabara Castle Town in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, is a historic area centered around Shimabara Castle. Renowned for its well-preserved Edo-period streets, the town features "samurai residences" (bukeyashiki) where lower-ranking samurai once lived. Visitors can explore these restored homes, offering a glimpse into samurai life. The town is also known for its scenic waterways, like Shimeiso, a traditional garden with a clear spring-fed pond. Shimabara Castle Town is a must-visit for those interested in Japan's feudal history and samurai culture.
Lunch time
Shimabara offers a variety of delicious lunch options that showcase the region's unique flavors. A popular choice is the local specialty, *Guzoni*, a hearty soup featuring mochi (rice cakes), vegetables, and chicken or seafood in a rich broth. It’s a dish deeply connected to Shimabara’s history and perfect for a satisfying lunch.
Another option is *Shimabara Tenobe Somen*, thin hand-pulled noodles served either cold with dipping sauce or in a hot broth. These delicate noodles are a must-try for those looking to experience a traditional Japanese meal.
For something quick, there are many cozy cafes in the area serving fresh seafood, sandwiches, and local delicacies, offering a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy your meal while exploring the historic town.
Mt.Unzen Jigoku, watching the volcanic activity
Unzen Jigoku, or Unzen Hell Valley, is a volcanic area located in the Unzen volcanic region in Nagasaki Prefecture. This geothermal hotspot is known for its steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and sulfurous fumes. The volcanic activity creates a dramatic landscape, with boiling mud pools and geysers that illustrate the intense heat and geological forces beneath the surface. It's a popular destination for visitors interested in experiencing the raw power of an active volcano.
Depart for the disbandment location
Farewell time
Ending Point
Anywhere in Nagasaki City
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding fee
Private car (SUBARU JUSTY)
Free mobile Wi-Fi
Free Apple Music and Netflix
Driving fee
Gasoline fee
Parking fee
Highway fee
Cost of meals (guide and customers)
Entrance fees of facilities (guide and customers)
Tour Important Information
1.If you want to do cashless payments on your entire itinerary, please let me know in advance. I will need to have a payment machine ready.
2. Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
3. Extra time is assumed, but it is an itinerary that will be difficult to proceed if the meeting time is delayed. I hope we can meet on time:)
4. My car can accommodate up to 4 guests. If you are a group of 5 or more, please contact me so that I can arrange a rental-car tour.
5. 5-7 guests +36,000yen (8 passengers van)
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Katsu N.
Hi there! I may sound formal in this profile, but I’m actually very easygoing—feel free to check my reviews! Next section is my profile:)
**Curriculum Vitae (Summary)**
Main Service Areas: Nagasaki (Meeting: Nagasaki, Fukuoka), Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Oita, Saga (Meeting: Fukuoka)
[Qualifications]
- Hospitality & Customer Satisfaction: Please see guest reviews for feedback.
- Luxury Market Focus: Please see my listed tour for more.
- English Skills:
Intermediate: Conversational English tour-related communication
No overseas residency
[Work Experience]
- High-end Furniture Retailer
Experience and knowledge utilized: Hospitality and Marketing Strategy for high-end clients/ Tour route planning and design
- Freelance Guide & Content Writer (2024–Present)
Focus: Private luxury car tours in Kyushu / SEO content writing for inbound marketing
[Key Destinations & Experiences]
Nagasaki
- Nagasaki City: Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, cultural highlights
- Shimabara: Traditional castle & volcanic geology
Fukuoka
- Fukuoka City: Urban highlights
- Dazaifu: Tenmangu Shrine visit
- Yanagawa: River cruise & local cuisine (eel)
Kumamoto
- Mt. Aso: Panoramic volcanic landscapes
- Kumamoto Castle: History + earthquake heritage
- Kurokawa Onsen: Upscale hot spring resort (with special access options)
Oita
- Hita: Scenic riverside town and former samurai district — a hidden gem offering a peaceful alternative to busy Dazaifu
- Beppu/Yufuin: Lake views, onsen & volcanic activity
Saga
- Arita: Japanese ceramics & garden culture
- Yoshinogari: Ancient civilization experience
Other Destinations
- Takachiho Gorge: Mystical Japanese landscape and cultural legend site
[Education]
B.A. in English Studies (Major in Linguistics; Senior Seminar: Shakespeare Studies)
Dokkyo University, Saitama, Japan (Graduated: 2000)
Considering graduate studies in Geography, in connection with my work as a guide.
Happy to share more if you're interested :)
Reviews
Joanne G.
“Amazing tour”
Katsu was an absolute professional, very thoughtful and accommodating. My mother has accessibility needs and he made sure this was supported at all times. He even sent reading material ahead of the tour which was well received giving us further understanding of what we were going to see. Katsu went above and beyond. I would highly recommend him and his tours.
Katsu N.
Dear Joanne and your mother, I am truly honored to hear you say that. I hope that the PDF I sent you will also become a memory of the tour. I will be able to attend to various cities other than Nagasaki, so I hope to see you again. Thank you for joining my tour. Katsuhisa
Raymund christian O.
“4 days trip with seniors”
Katsu-San was an excellent guide. We had day trips to Saga Prefecture and Mt. Aso. He is an excellent driver. He really accommodated all our requests given that my parents have mobility issues.
Katsu N.
Thank you so much, Raymund! It was my pleasure to guide you and your wonderful parents. I’m really glad we could make the trip comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Wishing you all the best, and I hope to welcome you again in Kyushu someday!
Annya D.
“Excellent day in Nagasaki ”
Katsu was a wonderful guide and made us feel very welcome. He took us to a lovely restaurant and helped explain things to us. Would not hesitate to recommend Katsu!
Katsu N.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Annya. I’m very happy you enjoyed the day and felt welcome in Nagasaki. I’m also glad you liked the lunch spot—sharing local places is one of my favorite parts of guiding. And thank you as well—I was also impressed by the delicious Chateaubriand you kindly treated me to! Wishing you both a wonderful rest of your cruise, and I’d be honored to guide you again someday!
$853/ per group
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