Shimabara – City of Water /Swimming Carp
Shimabara is a port city located in Nagasaki prefecture in Kyūshū. It is near Mount Unzen, a 1,360 m active volcano that last erupted in 1991. The presence of this volcano is responsible for the many onsen hot springs that can be found in this area. There are more than 60 places throughout the city where spring water is gushing out, and this city was selected by the Environment Agency as Japan’s 100 exquisite waters.
On the eastern edge of the Shimabara Peninsula stands the majestic Shimabara Castle built during the Edo period (1603 to 1867). Construction was made possible through excessive taxation that resulted in the Shimabara Rebellion led by local peasants. The original structure was destroyed during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and was rebuilt in 1964.
Besides the castle, there is a preserved area where used to be the samurai residences and now open to the public. You can see the life of samurai then in these samurai residences.
Another interesting feature of Shimabara is the quiet neighborhood lined by narrow canals where plenty of Japanese carp or “koi” can be seen. The koi fish is believed to bring good luck and abundance. Let’s watch the enchanting vibrant-colored koi fish as they swim around the canals of the city.
Tour Highlights:
- Learn the interesting history of the Shimabara castle
- Visit a Samurai house and see the life of samurai then
- Enjoy the scenic Shimabara port city
- Stroll along the canals and watch the vibrant colored koi fish
- Q&A
