Shimabara Castle & Samurai Village
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Port
Nagasaki, Japan
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$320
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Enjoy a panoramic drive to the Shimabara Peninsula and the ultra-quaint 17th-century castle town of the same name.
Shimabara Castle is situated in the center of the historic Old Town and is a superb example of classic Japanese castle design. The original Shimabara Castle was destroyed during the Meiji Period (1868-1912), so the current buildings are concrete reconstructions.
The five-story keep houses the Castle Tower Museum, with a collection of Christian artifacts excavated from the castle ruins, as well as weapons and armor.
On a clear day, an observation deck on the fifth floor offers views out to Mount Unzen and across the water to Kumamoto on a clear day.
The castle used to be surrounded by the residences of the samurai who served the feudal lord. Walk through charming Shimabara town and see a former samurai village. Three original houses remain along the small, atmospheric canal-side street.
A Japanese lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Please note:
The drive between Nagasaki and Shimabara is approximately 2 hours each way. Wear comfortable walking shoes. There is no elevator at Shimabara Castle. Please bring local currency (Japanese yen) for additional purchases. Weather and atmospheric conditions vary; no guarantee is offered with regard to visibility or views on any particular day. Tour order may vary.