Shimabara Castle

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Facts & Figures

Shimabara Castle or Moritake Castle is a five-story white wall flatland castle. It belongs to the 100 Fine Castles of Japan designated by the Japan Castle Foundation. The height of the main donjon (main tower) is 33 meters. The castle is housing now a museum and many exhibitions.

• Shimabara Castle:
• Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
• Closed - December 29th till December 30th
• Admission Fee - 520 yen (Adults)

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Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country.

History

Matsukura Bungonokami Shigemasa a daimyo (local feudal lord) built the castle in 1618. It took between 4 to 7 years to finish the building. During the centuries Shimabara Castle was home to many different ruling families until the Meiji Period (1868-1912) when it was dissassembled. In 1964 the current structure was rebuilt by using concrete.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Memorial Museum of Seibo Kitamura - opened in 1980, the art museum displays sculptures of this famous artist

Observation deck - located at the 5th floor, enjoy the great view to Mount Unzen

Castle Tower Museum - on display are armor, weapons and Chrisitian artifacts found at the castle grounds

Nearby:

Teppo-machi - old samuari district with a great atmosphere, 3 old houses are open for the public

Folk Museum - on display are 20th century daily life items

City of Swimming Carp - colorful kois (carp) can bee seen everywhere at this place, visit the Shimeiso House and fed the koi

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

August

Shimabara Gamadasu Fireworks Festival (27th)
Enjoy the greatest fireworks festival in the city Shimabara.

October

Shiranui Matsuri (19th till 20th)
The matsuri is held at the Shimabara Hot Springs. Enjoy the various parades and floats.