Hara Castle Ruins

Overview

Hara Castle Ruins, located in Minamishimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is the site of a castle built during the Sengoku period by the lord, Arima Takasumi. It is also known as Harujou, Shijiki Harajou, Himurajou, and Arimajou. Built on a hill overlooking the Ariake Sea, the castle consisted of a main keep (Honmaru), second keep (Ninomaru), third keep (Sanomaru), Amakusa Maru, and Hatoyama Demaru. With a circumference of approximately 4km, it was surrounded on the east by the Ariake Sea, and on the west and north by low-lying wetlands, except for some parts. During the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion of 1637, rebel forces held out in Hara Castle, engaging in fierce battles with the Shogunate army. Led by Amakusa Shiro as their supreme commander, approximately 37,000 rebels were besieged in the castle for three months. However, they ultimately fell to the Shogunate army's relentless assault, and the rebellion was suppressed. Hara Castle was thoroughly destroyed after the Shimabara Rebellion, but remnants such as stone walls and moats still remain. A statue of Amakusa Shiro and his tombstone have also been erected. From the Hara Castle Ruins, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Ariake Sea and the Amakusa Islands. Many people visit this location to appreciate both its history and natural beauty. Hara Castle Ruins is a valuable historical site that tells the story of the turbulent Shimabara Rebellion, and is registered as a World Heritage site. It is a recommended tourist spot not only for history buffs but also for those who want to enjoy nature and beautiful scenery.