Sakitsu: How a Tiny Fishing Community Became a World Heritage Destination

The hamlet of Sakitsu, on the edge of placid Yōkaku Bay, exudes a calming atmosphere.

Yasuda Kimihiro became mayor of the city of Hondo in 2000. Following amalgamation with surrounding districts to create the city of Amakusa in 2006, he became the first mayor of that new municipality, a post he held until 2014.

The Sakitsu Church is also called “the church of the sea.”

Sakitsu Suwa Shrine overlooks the hamlet.

Local specialties like sun-dried fish and sugi yōkan, a confection made of red bean paste, tempt visitors.

The white Ōe Church stands on a hill about 15 minutes by car from Sakitsu.

About 200 items on display are grouped into four zones at the Amakusa Christian Museum.

Leaping bottlenose dolphins are a common sight in the waters off Sakitsu.

Yasuda Kimihiro with Ikeda Shōzaburō of the Hondo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Together they worked to have Amakusa included as part of the World Heritage site listing.

Sushi featuring the freshest of Amakusa seafood, including sea urchin and local fish.

Myōken-ura, officially designated a scenic natural featureby the government of Japan.