Usual hours and prices, checked 2026-10-04 against the sources under “What this place is”. They can change for holidays and events — confirm before you go. Official site
Our guide
Shimabara Castle, also known as Moritake Castle or Takaki Castle, stands in Shimabara in the old province of Hizen. Its five-storey keep is white, a striking contrast with the black of Kumamoto Castle in neighbouring Kumamoto.
Shimabara Station is about 350 m away in a straight line. Our source says little more, and we have not checked opening hours or fees, so check local information before you go.
Written by japan-spots.com (2026-09-22) from the sources credited on this page. Distances are straight lines between map positions.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, each under its own licence — see credits
- 140321 Shimabara Castle Shimabara Nagasaki pref Japan01bs5 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- Tenshu of Shimabara Castle 2 — そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · resized
- Shimabara Castle Tower 20090906 — Heartoftheworld · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source · resized
- On'umamisho House in Shimabara Castle — そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · resized
- 140321 Shimabara Castle Shimabara Nagasaki pref Japan30s3 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- 140321 Shimabara Castle Shimabara Nagasaki pref Japan22s3 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- 140321 Shimabara Castle Shimabara Nagasaki pref Japan21s3 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- 140321 Shimabara Castle Shimabara Nagasaki pref Japan13s3 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- 140321 Shimabara Castle Shimabara Nagasaki pref Japan06s3 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
- 140321 A view from Shimabara Castle Shimabara Nagasaki pref Japan07s3 — 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · source · resized
What this place is
Shimabara Castle (島原城, Shimabara-jō), also known as Moritake Castle (森岳城, Moritake-jō) and Takaki Castle (高来城, Takaki-jō), is a Japanese castle located in Shimabara, Hizen Province (present day Nagasaki prefecture). This five-story white building stands in stark contrast to the black Kumamoto Castle in neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture.
Visitor information checked: 2026-10-04 · Official visiting information
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
What to expect at this type of place: Castle
Nearby station
Nearby station: Shimabara, about 350 m from the spot in a straight line.
Worked out on 2026-09-14 from this place’s map position, using HeartRails Express station data and station names from Wikidata. The distance is a straight line, not a walking route, and says nothing about buses, transfers or timetables — plan the trip on Google Maps.
Traveler reviews
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