Kamiamakusa City is located in western Kumamoto Prefecture and is surrounded by Unzen-Amakusa National Park. It is a relatively new city, formed in 2004 by the merger of four towns. It is famous as the birthplace of Amakusa Shiro, the famous leader of the Shimabara Rebellion, and is famous for its Amakusa Shiro Park, the Amakusa Five Bridges, Matsushima Onsen, and Yumigahama Onsen, which are named after him. Local specialties include seafood such as kuruma shrimp and blue crab, bok choy, red chili peppers, and pearls. The Amakusa Five Bridges Festival, a popular tourist spot, is held at the Amakusa Five Bridges, attracting many visitors. There are many sea routes and many ferries and steamships in service.