Hara Castle, Japanese castle ruins in Minamishimabara, Japan
The castle stands on a hill overlooking the Ariake Sea with stone walls and multiple defensive structures spread across different levels of elevation.
Built in 1496 by Arima Takazumi as a subsidiary fortress of Hinoe Castle, the structure gained military importance during the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
The castle ruins contain archaeological evidence of Christian persecution, including rosaries, crucifixes, and remains of rebels from the Shimabara Rebellion.
The site offers guided tours in multiple languages through the excavated areas, stone foundations, and preserved gate structures throughout the year.
Archaeological excavations revealed one of the largest castle gates in Japanese history, along with lead bullets and religious artifacts from the 1637 rebellion.
Location: Minamishimabara
Inception: 1496
Founders: Arima Takazumi
Part of: Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region, Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles
GPS coordinates: 32.62915,130.25471
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:01
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