Transcending the Gracious style from Azuchi-Momoyama era

The castle, situated in the foot of Unzen Mountain besides the Ariake Sea, was created in 1624, the first year of Kanei period. Although once deserted after the Meiji era, the Honmaru (castle keep), Tenshu (keep tower), yagura (tower), and Nagahori were restored whilst stonewalls and fosses remains untouched from Edo era . Today the site acquaints visitors as a Jyo-Seki (castle ruin) Park where people could discover 250 year history of Shimabara, of its governance and historical researches of secret Christians. The Samurai residences “Bukeyashiki” is located on the west side of Shimabara Castle, in Yashiki-machi.