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Shimabara

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Shimabara, Coastal castle town in Shimabara Peninsula, Japan.

Description

Shimabara is a coastal city on the Shimabara Peninsula, situated between Mount Unzen and Ariake Bay. The city spreads across hilly terrain with views of water and mountains from various points throughout the town.

History

The area took shape after Mount Unzen erupted and later attracted samurai clans who built their castle there. A major rebellion against heavy taxation occurred in the 17th century, marking a turning point in the region's history.

Culture

The preserved samurai residences show how mid-ranking warriors lived in their homes, with traditional rooms arranged for family and guests. You can walk through these houses today and see how daily life actually looked in that era.

Practical

The city is best reached by train from Nagasaki, with a transfer required at Isahaya station. Many points of interest are close together, making them walkable from the town center.

Did you know?

The castle sat on land shaped by volcanic eruptions, and Mount Unzen later played a role in creating Japan's first national park in this region. The geological origins of the landscape remain visible in the rock formations and terrain you see today.

Inception
April 1, 1940
Reference
422037
Shares border with
Unzen, Minamishimabara
GPS coordinates
32.78814,130.37025
Latest update
December 14, 2025 21:23

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Nagasaki Prefecture).

« Shimabara - Coastal castle town in Shimabara Peninsula, Japan » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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