Shimabara Castle, located in Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, is a prominent historical structure dating back to the early 17th century. Constructed between 1618 and 1624 by Matsukura Shigemasa, the castle showcases the architectural elegance of the Edo period. Distinguished by its five-story keep and expansive moats, Shimabara Castle played a critical role during the Shimabara Rebellion (1637-1638), where Christian peasants revolted against oppressive feudal lords. Today, the castle serves as a museum, offering insights into its storied past, including exhibits on samurai culture and local history.
Mount Unzen is an active volcanic group located in Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Known for its deadly eruption in 1792, which caused a massive landslide and tsunami that resulted in the loss of approximately 15,000 lives, it remains one of Japan's most significant and studied volcanic sites. The volcano reawakened in 1990, leading to a series of eruptions that lasted until 1995. These eruptions created a new lava dome, Heisei-Shinzan, which continues to be a point of interest for volcanologists and tourists alike.
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