Nestled at the foot of Mount Unzen on the island of Kyushu, Shimabara blends the character of a castle town with the serene atmosphere of a water village.

History

During the Edo period, Shimabara's daimyo, Matsukura Shigemasa, held ambitious plans for his domain. From 1618 to 1624, he commissioned the construction of an imposing castle, financing it through draconian tax increases. This measure bred discontent among peasants already burdened by anti-Christian policies. The Shimabara Rebellion erupted in 1637, only to be swiftly crushed by the shogun's forces.

The persecution of Christians continued in the years that followed, forcing the faithful to practice their faith in secret. Shimabara regained its footing much later, when its pure water springs began gradually attracting visitors, casting a peaceful veil over its troubled past.

Visiting Shimabara

Shimabara belongs to Nagasaki Prefecture, west of the island of Kyushu. Bordered by the Ariake Sea and Mount Unzen, the town benefits from numerous natural springs perfect for enjoying the pleasures of onsen. Meanwhile, journey through time by visiting monuments steeped in history, while savoring delicious local specialties.

Discover the heart of the city: Shimabara Castle

Shimabara Castle stands proudly in the center of town, with proportions that exceeded the standards of its era. Protected by a system of walls and moats, the monument rises five stories into the sky. The original keep took seven years to complete. Nineteen generations of feudal lords resided there before the domain was abandoned and dismantled during the Meiji period.

The castle you see today is the result of reconstruction projects launched in 1964. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to Shimabara's history and culture. Members of the Shimabara Bushoutai, a team of performers dressed as samurai, are ready to guide you through the site. Get into the spirit—don a samurai costume (available at the entrance) and capture memorable photos within this historic setting.

Explore the charms of a water town

Spring water rises through more than 60 different locations throughout Shimabara, infusing the town with a serene, distinctly Japanese atmosphere. Along public pathways, koi fish dart freely through small canals carefully maintained by locals. You can also visit traditional residences such as Yusui-Teien Shimei-So, Shimabara Yusui-kan, and Shimabara Mizu-Yashiki to admire the multicolored carp in landscaped pools.

Local cuisine, benefiting from water abundance, offers dishes that are both delicious, authentic, and nourishing. Appreciated for over three centuries, somen noodles are prepared using spring water for the broth and carefully hand-shredded noodles to guarantee a silky texture.

Guzoni, another emblematic dish, traces its roots to the Shimabara Rebellion. This soup comprises mochi cakes, bounty from sea and mountain, and other hearty ingredients—perfect for recharging your energy before or after sightseeing.

For dessert, try kanzarashi: glutinous rice dumplings prepared with Shimabara's spring water and dipped in sweet syrup. You can learn to make them yourself during workshops at the Shimabara Yusui Museum.

When to visit?

Visit Shimabara in spring, between March and May, to witness the spectacular display of cherry blossoms and enjoy mild temperatures during your outings.

Shimabara is located on the east coast of the Shimabara Peninsula, in Nagasaki Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu. The nearest airport is Nagasaki, which maintains connections with various regions throughout Japan. From there, the journey to Shimabara takes approximately two hours by airport limousine and train.

Shimabara is accessible by ferry. From Nagasu Port, the crossing takes roughly 45 minutes to Taira Port. Embarking from Kumamoto Port, allow approximately one hour to reach Shimabara Port. Trains, buses, and taxis are available for traveling within and around the town.

Being relatively compact, exploring Shimabara can be done on foot along charming streets. Transportation options include an efficient rail network, convenient local buses, and taxis for quick transfers. You can also rent bicycles to explore the region at your own pace while minimizing your environmental impact. For greater independence, car rental services are available.

What to do in Shimabara?

• Watch koi fish swimming in the town's waterways
• Explore the exhibits at Shimabara Castle
• Take a memorable photo in samurai attire
• Taste authentic somen noodles
• Relax in an onsen, and more