Hara Castle (原城, Harajō) was built in 1604 on a hill overlooking the Ariake Sea. In 1637, it became the final battle ground of the Shimabara Rebellion, a large uprising of peasants – many of whom were Christians – who were upset about excessive taxation and religious persecution by the local lord. Large shogunate forces were sent in to put down the uprising, but the defenders held out for more than a year. The castle was eventually overrun, its fortifications razed and the rebels killed.
All that is left of Hara Castle today are some ruined fortifications, including the outlines of the former baileys, stone walls and the foundation stones of the castle gates. The honmaru (main bailey) is now a small park with a stone monument memorializing the rebellion. There is also a bronze statue of Amakusa Shiro, the charismatic young rebel leader, who was executed after the fall of the castle.
