Shimabara Castle, Japanese castle in Shimabara, Japan
Shimabara Castle is a five-story white castle in Shimabara that rises between Mount Unzen and the Ariake Sea. The structure features extensive stone walls with multiple towers and today serves as a museum displaying historical artifacts and documents.
Construction began in 1618 and was completed in 1624, but the heavy taxes imposed to fund the project sparked a major rebellion a decade later. This uprising became one of the most significant events in that era of Japanese history.
The castle tower houses artifacts and documents that reflect a chapter of religious persecution in Japan, including items connected to Christian communities. These objects tell the story of a difficult period that shaped the region and its people.
The castle is open to visitors daily with all floors accessible, each level displaying different exhibits and collections. On clear days, the upper levels provide good views of the surrounding landscape and distant mountains.
The grounds include a memorial space dedicated to a noted sculptor with his works on display, along with restored houses from the samurai period. These additional buildings offer insight into everyday life from that era.
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