History
Shimabara Castle 島原城
An impressive castle with imposing stone walls
Shimabara Castle was ruled by the Matsudaira clan from the 1660s, and was named one of the "100 great castles of Japan" by the Japan Castle Foundation.
How to Get There
Shimabara Castle is a 10-minute walk from the Shimabara Station.
Quick Facts
The castle was built by Matsukura Shigemasa, the daimyo of Hizen and Hinoe, around 1618
On a clear day, you can see Mt. Unzen and Kumamoto from the fifth floor
Items relating to the Christian uprising are on display
Much more than just a castle
Parts of the original moat and the 1.3 kilometer-long stone wall surrounding the castle, add to its appeal.
Inside the castle, you will also find a plethora of traditional crafts and documents on Christian and samurai history. You can even take a step back in time and try on ninja and samurai armor.
The samurai district of Teppo-machi
Named after the gunmen foot soldiers who resided there, Teppo-machi is one of the surrounding residential districts of the samurai who served the local lord. Within this preserved district, three samurai houses are open to the public. Teppo-machi is about a five-minute walk from the castle.
The city of swimming carp
South of the castle, you can find the City of Swimming Carp, a serene neighborhood flanked by stretches of canals filled with vividly colored carp. While the streets are preserved in this area, you can find traditional-style houses that are open to the public. A popular choice is the Shimeiso House because of its beautiful garden and spring-fed pond.
The latest information may differ, so please check the official website
* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.
Recommended for You
