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Shimabara City is a town located on the Shimabara peninsula in Nagasaki prefecture.  Located on the West side of Japan, it is a beautiful town where castle remains can be viewed during any season.  Visitors can experience historically significant structures dating back more than four hundred years.  Thanks to the volcanic activity in the region, hot springs are available for your enjoyment.  Along the coast, the Ariake Sea extends to provide views and experiences unique to this region, as well as a highly sought after selection of seafood for your pleasure.  Come and experience the history of Shimabara and experience it’s significance to the history of Japan.
Download Page→Shimabara Sightseeing Guidebook

1. Shimabara Castle

Shimabara Castle, built over a period of seven years beginning in the year 1618, has been restored and is host to museums and historically significant bronze statues. Shimabara City can be seen from the castle tower.  Visitors are encouraged to wear ninja and samurai costumes as you slip back into historical Japan.

2. Old Samurai Houses

Experience the dwellings of famous samurai from the Edo era of Japan.  Traditional residences exist, even now, with tatami rooms, roofs of straw, and gardens filled with exquisite fruit trees and fauna hearkening back to historical times.  To visit this area is to know historical Japan.

3. The Town of Swimming Carp

A unique aspect of Shimabara City is the 100 meter long waterway, filled with colorful carp.  Be sure not to miss the unique experience of seeing these fish throughout the city.  These waters are recognized as one of the “hundred famous waters” of Japan for good reason.

4. The Shimabara Mayuyama Road

If you have the opportunity to drive while visiting this area...the Shimabara Mayuyama Road is an experience not to be missed.  You can feel the natural significance of the area as you view the results of the Mount Fugen eruption of 1991.  It is said that Mount Mayu protected the city of Shimabara from volcanic eruption.  Visit the Dome or the Heisei Shinzan Nature Center for more information about this famous event.

5. Hot Springs

Thanks to the volcanic activity of the region, the Shimabara Peninsula is home to many Onsen(Hot Spring). Several of these onsens are available for a simple, drop-in visit.  Experience these Onsen with the locals of the region and understand why the Shimabara region is truly blessed.

■Access to “Unzen”
The location of the bus stop is on the floor guide map. The No.2 stop is to Unzen.

■Access to “Kumamoto”

The ferry ticket office is on the first floor and the bording gate on the second floor.

※Please get the timetable at the ticket office or Shimabara Tourism Bureau.