Hara Castle

What it is

• A National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage location founded in 1496.
• The final battlefield of the Shimabara Rebellion led by Amakusa Shiro.
• A major geopoint within the Shimabara Peninsula Geopark.
• One of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles.

What to see

• Excavated human remains, crosses, and lead bullets from the 1637 siege.
• The ruins of a castle renovated by Arima Harunobu in the late 16th century.
• Historical markers commemorating the rebel forces and the castle's abandonment.

Getting there

• The site is a 15-minute walk from Harajomae bus stop.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.