From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shimabara Castle (島原城; -jō) is the castle of Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. This five-story white building stands in stark contrast to the black Kumamoto Castle in neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture. Construction was commenced on the castle in 1618 and completed in 1624 by Matsukura Shigemasa, who was then lord of the Shimabara domain. The local serfs, mainly Christian farmers, were so severely taxed for the construction costs of the castle that they revolted in what came to be known as the Shimabara rebellion. Though the castle tower was destroyed in 1871, it was later restored. Many Christian materials are on display inside the castle. The castle is seven minutes on foot from the Shimabara Railway Shimabara Station. It is open 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
