Kuratake Shrine

Perched atop Kuratake-at 682 meters, the highest peak in the Amakusa Islands-this shrine has long been revered by locals as a sacred mountain. The shrine at the summit was originally built to pray for the safety of fishermen. The sweeping panorama of the sea and islands framed by the torii gate is breathtaking, and the gate’s appearance as if floating in the sky has made it widely known as the “Torii in the Sky.”

Facing the torii, you’ll see the calm waters of the Yatsushiro Sea, the islands of Goshoura, and views of peaceful fishing villages below. Turn around and the scenery stretches all the way across the Ariake Sea to the Unzen mountains, letting you fully experience the grandeur of Amakusa’s natural landscape.
Access is primarily by car: about two and a half hours from central Kumamoto City or 45 minutes from Amakusa Airport. Along the mountain road, there are viewpoints and parking areas where you can leave your car and hike to the summit. There is also a parking lot near the mountaintop.

Because heavy rain in recent years has occasionally led to road closures or restrictions, be sure to check the latest traffic conditions before you go.