Shimabara: Castle Town Stroll Through Shimabara Castle and Spring Water Town

A Japanese-style stroll course through the castle town of Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture, accompanied by the gentle murmur of spring water. In the morning, begin at Shimabara Castle with its five-story white tower. Climb to the main tower and enjoy panoramic views of the Ariake Sea and Mount Mayusan. After descending to the castle town, walk along the samurai residences where thatched-roof houses line a street with clear, flowing water channels. At lunch, visit Himematsuya Honten (姫松屋本店) to savor the Shimabara specialty Gu-Zoni, a richly-topped soup with savory broth. In the afternoon, take a break in the tatami room at Shimeicho Garden (四明荘), which is surrounded by a spring-fed pond containing nearly a thousand tons of water daily. Conclude your walk through "Koi Swimming Town," where vibrant carp glide through clear water channels. The castle, samurai residences, renowned cuisine, and the soothing sound of water that accompanies every step—the ambiance of this "water city" packed into one day. A refined castle town stroll that brings true comfort to the heart.