Shimabara Castle (Shimabara-jo) was built by Matsukura Shigemasa, the daimyo of this region, in around 1618. The five-tiered donjon soared above the grounds, with dimensions of 380 m east to west and 1,320 m north to south. Shigematsu Matsukura was known for harshly repressing the Christians within his territory. That repression lead to the biggest civil uprising by Christians - the Shimabara Rebellion - which occurred between 1637 to 1638. About 37,000 Christians took part in this war and many people died. The present castle structures were rebuilt in 1963 and the white walled, five-tiered donjon rises beautifully above the stone walls.

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Shimabara Railway Shimabara Station/On foot/5 min.

Last edited on Nov 6, 09 10:32 AM.
Contributors: Eszter N. , Tony S. Show History

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Tony S.

Oct 28, 2009

A very nice arranged castle. You have the castle itself with a small museum inside, a small park surrounded by the castle wall and moat, a view on the mountains and the sea, some statues. You don't need to spend an entire day there, but it's definitely one of the more beautiful castles in Japan.

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Eszter N.

Nov 6, 2009

Every castle a little bit different like the others. It's true there's nicer, bigger castle in Japan, but this is a tiny kind one. But my favourite was the moat around the castle. The iris flowers in spring and the lotus in summer are especially splendid.

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