Shimabara Castle

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Shimabara Castle, is located in Shimabara and was built in 1625 by the feudal load

Matsukura Shigemasa, who was regarded as a master of castle building. The castle,

which took 7 years to complete, is also known as “Moritake Castle”.

It was an almost rectangular flatland castle built in the Renkaku-style. Also, it was a superb example

of a castle where three layered yagura turrets were placed at strategic points around the five-layered

donjon which was influenced by the architectural style of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.

Through it was demolished in 1874 during Meiji Restoration, west turret called “Nishi-no-yagura”

was first restored in 1960 and the donjon was restored in 1964. In the castle, the Christianity

Museum has been established. Many Christian historical materials, local collection, and ethnic

collections are exhibited in the museum.

View from the Castle tower

- Shimabara travel guide