Have you had a chance to indulge in quintessential summer experiences this year? I recently ventured all the way to Ushibuka in search of breathtaking coastal views, and I found them at Mogushi Beach (茂串海水浴場)—a pristine, secluded paradise on the south-westernmost edge of Kumamoto Prefecture.

At the entrance. This beach was used as the backdrop for the climactic duel on Ganryujima in the NHK historical drama “Musashi.”

Descending the stairs, the vivid blue of the sky meets the expansive blue sea, unfolding into a different world.

The beach, with its rugged black rocks, demands sturdy sandals, yet it rewards with wide stretches of white sand. The shallow clear waters are perfect for safe swimming, making it an ideal spot for families.

The clarity and tranquility of the waters might have you thinking you’ve stumbled upon a remote Okinawan island.

Mogushi Beach is truly an escape from the ordinary. Despite the distance, it was absolutely worth the journey to experience such breath-taking scenery.

The landscape is captivating, and one could spend hours just gazing at the serene beauty.

On the way back, I also visited Sakitsu Village which is just a short drive away. The focal point of the village is the gothic-style Catholic church, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region. It tells the story of when the descendants of Christian converts practiced underground and maintained their faith in secret in this remote fishing village during the long period of repression of Christianity in the Edo period.

With warm days still ahead, if you’re longing for summer vibes, consider a trip to Shimokamagari or Ushibuka. No need to travel as far as Okinawa; Kumamoto boasts stunningly beautiful seas too!

The journey to both Sakitsu and Mogushi might be a trek, but it’s worth every effort for those who cherish off-the-beaten-path experiences. With its crystal-clear emerald-green waters and extensive white sands, Mogushi Beach stands as a testament to the untouched beauty that still exists in Japan!

For additional information, see:

・Mogushi Beach 茂串海水浴場 on Explore Kumamoto

・Mogushi Beach: a small paradise lost south of Amakusa on Smartrippers

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The above was translated and adapted from an article on our Japanese-language sister website ALT Kumamoto, titled 【絶景】熊本にこんなキレイな海があるなんて！！【茂串海水浴場】” For the original content, visit https://akumamoto.jp/archives/194001.

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