The Tomioka Castle was built in 1602 on the Tomioka Peninsula on the western reaches of Amakusa Shimoshima. The castle nicknamed the ‘Lying Dragon Castle’ was considered a subsidiary castle to Karatsu castle nicknamed the ‘Flying Crane’. Tomioka Castle made excellent use of its natural defenses, being located on a hilly penisula surrounded by the sea and joined to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.
When the Amakusa and Shimabara rebellion broke out in the winter of 1637, Tomioka Castle which was considered a stronghold of the Shogunate was attacked several times, but its defenses held strong and remained unbreached. In later years when Japan isolated itself from the world, the castle was regarded as a main defensive point against possible attacks from overseas.
However, in 1670 the castle became private land again and the buildings were destroyed by the Amakusa lord Toda Tadamasa. Today the walls of the castle still remain and the centre of the castle grounds now houses the Tomioka Visitor Centre. The Visitor Center offers information about the castle and Reihoku region. There are a few hands on exhibits for children and a 3D film on Amakusa’s undersea coral reefs that can be enjoyed. Some English information is available.
Opening Times: 09:00 – 16:45
Closed: On Wednesdays
Entrance: Free
Parking: Free
Address: Tomioka 2245-15, Reihoku-Amakusa, Kuamamoto, Japan
Telephone: 0969 35 0170
Website: http://www.tomioka-visitor.ecnet.jp/english/
Getting there:
A 30 minute drive from the town of Hondo. See the Amakusa page for information on how to get there from Kumamoto and Nagasaki.
Travel Tips:
Worth visiting for the great views from the castle walls.
A wide sandspit curves around the bay at the base of the castle, there is a path you can walk down to explore and hunt for shells at low tide.
The Amakusa Reihoku Kyushu Olle 11 km walking course includes the castle on its route. Find out more information in English here.
[codepeople-post-map]