Shimabara Peninsula Geopark Leaflet: Route 2 – The Shimabara Catastrophe
The Shimabara Catastrophe of 1792 was the worst volcanic disaster in Japanese history. Its earthquakes and landslides dramatically changed the town of Shimabara and evidence of this event is still clearly visible in the landscape.
Lake Shirachi
Lake Shirachi appeared shortly after Mt. Mayuyama (819 m) collapsed and fresh spring water began to bubble out of the resulting cracks in the earth. Although the lake is smaller now, 40,000 metric tons of water still pour out of the ground every day filling it.
Nita Danchi Park
A quiet park in a hillside neighborhood, this spot has spectacular views of the town of Shimabara. From this vantage point, you can still see the aftermath of the 1792 earthquake in the steep cliffs of Mt. Mayuyama and the many islands off the coast. Each island was originally a chunk of land that sheared away from the mountain and tumbled into the sea.
Chichibu ga Ura Park
Here you can see the islands created by Mt. Mayuyama’s collapse up close. The new coastal landscape was a hidden blessing, as the shallow waters are a perfect habitat for many native fish. Remnants of stone structures once used for fishing can still be seen from the nearby beach at low tide.