Recently granted World Heritage Status the Misumi West Port (Misumi Nishi Kou) in Uto, at the entrance to the islands of Amakusa is an interesting stop off if you are journeying south. The port is situated around 90 minutes drive from Kumamoto City.
The Misumi West Port was built at the start of the Meiji era and is possibly one of the biggest follies of that time. With the advent of industrialisation the city of Kumamoto was in great need of a deep water port in order to transport coal from the Miike Coal mine around the country.
Avidly seeking the advice of western experts a dutch engineer, Rouwenhorst Mulder, was tasked with finding a location for the new port and he selected the point of Misumi, despite several distinct disadvantages. It was impossible to build a train line to the location due to the hills and a new road had to be constructed from Kumamoto City at great expense to transport the coal along, he also came up with an unfeasible plan to build canals from the major rivers in the prefecture to run to the port. Plans for the port were pushed through the prefectural assembly despite much opposition and construction of the state of the art port and surrounding town went ahead. Opening in 1887 with great fanfare and becoming a most desirable place to live due to its modern layout and fashionable western style housing.
However, it soon became apparent that the sea currents were dangerous meaning that large boats could not dock safely. For a while the system of transporting coal by smaller boats to then be reloaded onto larger vessels existed. However, after a very brief operating period of only 12 years the port was abandoned in favour of the Misumi East Port which was situated right next to the train line.
Because of the Misumi West Port’s brief use, it is unique in its remarkable level of preservation, nowadays, often being used as a film location in historical dramas. Volunteer guides are available to show you around the site and need booking in advance. The port area and its village are a lovely area to stroll around or enjoy relaxing by the picturesque bay. The attractive, old colonial style hotel Urashimaya overlooking the port, is well known as a location where the famed japanese novelist Natsume Soseki once stayed, it now houses a cosy tea shop. The old rice storage building on the waterside has also been turned into a seafood reaturant with wonderful views. A short hiking course runs from the rear of the village up onto the forested hillside and along the ridge before looping back down to the portside, offering some beautiful views of the port and Amakusa islands.
Free parking is also available.
If you’d like to put Misumi West Port into your own personalised tour of the Kumamoto area, please contact Explore Kumamoto now for more details.
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