Images: Daniel O'Grady
島原藩
Shimabara Domain
松倉氏
1616 - 1638
Matsukura Clan
40,000 Koku
高力氏
1638 - 1668
Kōriki Clan
40,000 Koku
松平 (深溝)
1668 - 1747
Matsudaira (Fukōzu) Clan
65,000 Koku
戸田氏
1747 - 1774
Toda Clan
77,000 Koku
松平 (深溝)
1774 - 1871
Matsudaira (Fukōzu) Clan
65,000 Koku
島原城
Shimabara Castle is classified as a flatland castle (its layout: Renkakushiki), and is located in Nagasaki Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Hizen Province. It is associated with the Matsukura, Matsudaira clans. Dates in use: 1624 - 1871.
The conditions surrounding the building of this castle were extreme & actually resulted in a major rebellion involving almost 150,000 combatants. The father & son tag-team of Matsukura Shigemasa & Katsui overtaxed the local population in order to build what was a disproportionately large castle. This coupled with the cruel persecution of Christians, led to the rebellion.
Personally, I find this a pretty unappealing castle. Certainly, there are some interesting items on display within the main tower & outlying turrets but the car park that is the honmaru and the concreteness of its buildings, to me at least, scream aging theme park. The funny thing is that I would absolutely love it if there were nothing but ruined stonework.
Timeline
1618 | Construction of the castle commenced by the Matsukura having entered the domain two years earlier. |
1625 | The castle was completed. |
1638 | The Shimabara Rebellion. An uprising of 30,000 peasants occurred due to hardships brought upon them by the ruling Daimyō, the Matsukura. The Tokugawa assembled an army of 120,000 to crush the rebels. The famed swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi, was in attendance on the Tokugawa side. |
1638 | The domain was awarded to the Koriki clan. They were removed from the domain in 1669 due to their mis governance. |
1792 | The Shimabara Catatrophe. Earthquakes were experienced in Shimabara causing a Tsunami that washed up against the castle walls. |
1874 | The castle was decommissioned. |
1876 | The main tower was torn down. |
1960 | The Nishino Turret was reconstructed. |
1964 | The main tower was reconstructed. |
1972 | The Tatsumi Turret was reconstructed. |
1980 | The Ushitora Turret was reconstructed. |
Historical recognition
Site | City designated Historic Site |