From Kumamoto to Shimabara: An Easy, All-in-One Ferry Trip with the “Shimabara Ferry & Lunch Pass”
Three Things Included — A Great-Value Pass
① One-way ferry ticket
* Kumamoto → Shimabara
② Lunch voucher (one meal)
* Choose one participating restaurant; each pass includes a menu worth ¥ 2,200.
③ Sightsesing Pass
Admission to Shimabara Castle & the spring garden “Shimeisō” (parking fees are not included in the pass price)
On sale from February 4, 2026!
* Sold only at the ferry ticket counter on the day
* Advance reservations via web or phone are not available
⛴ ‘Kyusho Ferry’ tickets are red ⛴
⛴ ‘Kumamoto Ferry’ tickets are blue ⛴
Board the ferry at Kumamoto Port and enjoy the Ariake Sea breeze for a few dozen minutes.
There awaits Shimabara — a gourmet town alive with spring water and history.
Sea voyage, lunch, and sightseeing. The Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass, which packs Shimabara’s charms into a single ticket, will support your trip!
Cross the sea by ferry — that alone makes everyday life feel “special”
Your journey begins from the dramatic Ariake Sea.
The Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass includes a one-way ferry ticket.
Step out onto the deck and you’ll be greeted by an energetic sight — white wings (seagulls) dancing right before your eyes.
* Seagulls usually visit from November to early April (approx.)
The mountains of Unzen draw closer moment by moment. The sea breeze feels pleasant, and by the time you disembark you’ll be in full travel mode, body and mind.
Savor Local Ingredients — A Blissful Lunch
The pass includes a lunch voucher (worth \u00a5 2,200) redeemable at one participating restaurant in Shimabara city.
Restaurants Accepting the Lunch Voucher (examples)
地魚が楽しめる「平野鮮魚店」
具雑煮・がんば（ふぐ）がセットになった「ほうじゅう」
肉好きにはたまらない「仲よし」
Choose one restaurant from the 10 options and enjoy a special lunch.
Restaurants accepting the lunch voucher
Explore the Castle Town of Famous Spring Water at Your Leisure
Along with the meal, you’ll surely want to enjoy sightseeing in Shimabara, too.
The Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass also includes admission to two must-see Shimabara spots: Shimabara Castle and the spring garden \”Shimeis\u014d\”.
Known as the “City of Water,” Shimabara.
The spring garden Shimeiso offers a glimpse into local life.
Spring water garden “Shimeiso”
Exclusive Benefits for Pass Holders — Great Perks Included
The Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass also comes with four special benefits.
Benefit 1: Yusuikan Exclusive — Shimabara Specialty “Kanzarashi” : 1.5× Shiratama (rice dumplings)
When it comes to Shimabara sweets, kanzarashi is a must-try.
At Yusuikan, located near Shimeisō, pass holders receive a 1.5× shiratama (rice dumpling) boost for their kanzarashi order.
※The cost of kanzarashi is not included in the Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass.
Benefit 2: ¥300 Off Electric Rental Bikes
Enjoy a discount on electric rental bikes (“Meguchari”) at four locations.
Why not leave your car at Kumamoto Port for free and take a relaxed, budget-friendly bike ride around Shimabara?
Regular: ¥1,100 → After discount: ¥800
Benefit 3: ¥50 Off for Every ¥500 Spent on Souvenirs
Receive discounts at Shimabara’s two main souvenir shops — Shimabara Castle Honmaru Shop and Seiryūtei.
Benefit 4: 10% Off Return Ferry Fare
When you buy the Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass, you also get 10% off your return ferry fare.
Please present your pass stub at the return ferry ticket counter.
Choose Between Kyusho Ferry or Kumamoto Ferry!
For the outbound trip you can choose either Kyusho Ferry or Kumamoto Ferry.
● If you prioritize “affordability & a relaxed voyage”…
⇒ Kyusho Ferry is recommended! (Approx. sailing time: 60 minutes)
● If you prioritize “speed”…
⇒ Kumamoto Ferry is recommended! (Approx. sailing time: 30 minutes)
Pass prices vary by ferry operator. Please check the link below for details.
[Price List] Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass Official Website
★Sample Itinerary 1★ Day-Trip Version
9:25 Depart Kumamoto Port by ferry (when using the Ocean Arrow [Kumamoto Ferry] with a vehicle)
Drive your car onto the ferry at Kumamoto Port.
※Please purchase the Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass at Kumamoto Port Ferry Terminal.
Seagulls often follow the ship during the crossing, so you can enjoy the voyage even while at sea♪
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10:00 Arrive at Shimabara Port Ferry Terminal
From Kumamoto Port, it’s just a 30-minute crossing to Shimabara Port!
Now your exciting Shimabara adventure begins♪
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10:20 Shimabara Castle 
Visit the classic sightseeing spot Shimabara Castle.
From the keep you can enjoy panoramic views of the Ariake Sea and the castle town.
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12:00 Lunch (choose from participating pass restaurants)
Time for lunch.
You can choose one restaurant from the 10 participating shops included in the pass.
・Local Shimabara specialties
・Fresh seafood
・A range of Japanese and Western dishes
It’s great to be able to pick depending on your mood that day 👆
島原の旬を可愛く味わう「島原むすびす」
朝打ち蕎麦と旬野菜天ぷらの「手打蕎麦屋にこり」
地元食材で彩る季節の一皿の「レストランALBA」
※Please note the lunch voucher can only be used once per pass.
※The lunch voucher will be detached by the restaurant.
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14:00 Stroll through the “Town Where Carp Swim”
After lunch, head to the “Town Where Carp Swim” area to feel Shimabara’s unique atmosphere.
Shimeisō — a tranquil garden where you can enjoy spring water, a representative sightseeing spot of Shimabara.
Yusuikan — taste the Shimabara specialty kanzarashi and take a break.
As an exclusive benefit for Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass purchasers, you will receive a 1.5× shiratama increase service♪
※Kanzarashi orders are charged separately from the pass.
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Around 15:00 — Free exploration
In the afternoon, explore at your leisure according to your interests♪
※This sample itinerary assumes a day trip; we recommend visiting one additional spot at most.
★Top 5 Recommended Spots★ (Swipe to view)
本多木蝋工業所（和ろうそく絵付け体験）
（鯉の泳ぐまちから車で約15分） 島原伝統の和ろうそくに絵付け体験ができます♪
HOTELシーサイド島原 日帰り温泉
（鯉の泳ぐまちから車で約10分） 高濃度炭酸泉と炭酸水素塩泉で、旅の疲れをリフレッシュ。
大三東駅
（鯉の泳ぐまちから車で約15分） 有明海とホームが一直線に広がる、写真映えスポット。
がまだすドーム
（鯉の泳ぐまちから車で約10分） 雲仙岳噴火災害の歴史と自然の力を学べる体験型施設。
猪原金物店
猪原金物店は、明治10年（1877年）に創業後九州で二番目に歴史の長い老舗ということで、趣のある町屋作りとして2003年に国の登録有形文化財に指定されました。 その中でも、猪原金物店のご主人のお話は面白く、海外からリピーターが訪れるほど！ 初めての方でも気に入っていただけるはず♪
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17:30 Depart Shimabara Port 🚢
Return to Kumamoto by ferry while soaking in the memories of your trip.
★Sample Itinerary ②★ 1 Night / 2 Days
Day 1: Classic Shimabara Sightseeing + Relaxing Hot Springs ♨
9:50 Depart Kumamoto Port by ferry 🚢
(Using Kyusho Ferry with a vehicle)
Enjoy a relaxed and easygoing one-hour ferry ride to Shimabara.
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10:50 Arrive at Shimabara Port Ferry Terminal
With a 1-night stay, you can enjoy Shimabara at a leisurely pace♪
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11:00 Shimabara Castle
Start with Shimabara’s most iconic sightseeing spot.
Enjoy panoramic views from the castle keep and learn about the history of the castle town.
※Admission is included in the Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass. Please present your pass at the castle entrance.
At the Shimabara Castle Honmaru Shop and Castle Tea House, show your pass when shopping or dining to receive ¥50 off for every ¥500 spent—perfect for souvenir shopping!
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12:30 Lunch (choose from participating restaurants)
Select one restaurant from the 10 participating locations and enjoy lunch included with your pass♪ 🍚
※The lunch voucher can be used once per pass only.
※The voucher will be detached by the restaurant.
島原の旬を可愛く味わう「島原むすびす」
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14:00 Stroll Through the “Town Where Carp Swim”
Enjoy Shimabara’s charming scenery and walk through a town blessed with spring water.
・Shimeisō
Admission is included in the pass—please present your pass to the staff.
・Yusuikan
Order Shimabara’s famous dessert kanzarashi and receive a special benefit: 1.5× more shiratama (rice dumplings)!
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Around 16:00 Check-in
Head to your pre-booked hotel or ryokan in the afternoon.
Enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs and unwind in the evening—one of the best parts of staying overnight.
※You may consider staying at HOTEL Seaside Shimabara, which houses Restaurant ALBA (a participating restaurant) and features hot springs.
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Around 18:00 Dinner
Enjoy dinner at your hotel or ryokan, or head out to explore Shimabara’s local nighttime dining scene.
※Accommodation fees are not included in the pass.
Day 2: Enjoy Shimabara Freely at a Relaxed Pace
9:30 Leisurely breakfast & check-out
Staying overnight gives you the luxury of a relaxed morning.
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10:30 Free exploration
Unlike a day trip, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Shimabara at your own pace♪
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12:00 Lunch, café hopping & souvenir time
Relax while searching for spring-water sweets and local Shimabara specialties.
※The lunch voucher can be used once per pass only.
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Around 15:00–17:00 Head to Shimabara Port 🚙
Choose your return ferry according to your schedule.
※As a Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass benefit, the return ferry fare is 10% off. Please present your pass at the outbound ferry ticket counter (discount applies only when using the same ferry company for both directions).
Start Your Journey at the Kumamoto Port Ferry Counter!
Simply purchase your pass at the Kumamoto Port ferry counter on the day of travel.
(Advance reservations via website or phone are not available.)
The pass is valid for two days—perfect for both day trips and relaxed overnight stays in Shimabara.
“A ferry trip that helps you forget everyday life, and food you’ll never forget. This weekend, why not cross the sea with just one pass in hand?”
For detailed pricing, please visit the official website below.
[Price List] Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass Official Website
Inquiries About the Shimabara Ferry ＆ Lunch Pass
Shimabara Tourism Bureau, Inc.
Tel: +81-957-62-3986
Office Hours: 9:00–17:30
- Sales suspension period: December 29 – January 5
- Please be sure to check the official websites of Kyusho Ferry and Kumamoto Ferry for operation status. Ferry services may be canceled due to weather conditions.