Hinoe Castle Ruins: Shimabara Peninsula- Nagasaki Prefecture

One of the more spectacular sites on the Shimabara Peninsular is the leftover ruins of the Hinoe Castle.  It is located in Minamishimabara City on the Shimabara Peninsular. The castle was originally built in the 13th century.  It belonged to the Arima Clan and was the residence of the Christian Diamyo.  

In 1637, during the Shimabara Rebellion, it was burned down by the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate because the Arima Clan protected the Christians and encouraged their vassals to adopt Christianity thus actively promoting international exchange which ran counter to the Shogunate`s isolation policy of that time.

The castle's ruins can still be seen today as a reminder of the religious turmoil that Japan was going thru during the 15th and 16th centuries.

To see Hinoe Castle Ruins in Nagasaki on a map look below:

Here are a few photos that I found around town which depicts the times and lives of the people at that time.  Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

Tensho Embassy

Street view

Feudal Japan

                                             Here are some photos of Hinoe Castle Ruins:

                                                   Click on the pictures below to enlarge:

Not much English

Lookout

This one has English

Retaining Walls

Lots of retaining walls

Ruins located in Minamishimabara City in Nagasaki:

   



Please check out these videos below of the Hinoe Castle:

Nagasaki Shippoku Food Course: Nagasaki City

Without a doubt the most famous type of dish and No 1 high end gourmet option in Nagasaki is called Shippoku.   

This is basically a fusion of Japanese and imported Chinese dishes to create a gastronomical and intense dining experience.  

The oldest and most influential place to have this experience is a restaurant named KAGETSU, which has hosted and dined many dignitaries, famous people and samurai`s such as the famous Ryoma Sakamoto, who is well known as being the driving force in Nagasaki to update and drive Japan to become a modern society in the 19th century.  

Please check out the Kagetsu Restaurant here below on a map:

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

Details about the establishment

View from outside

Decorations

This dining experiences involves and activates all your senses of sight, smell and taste.  It is a highly intimate affair and only used for business or very special personal occasions as a result of not only the price but also the prestige and standard of presentation that it is esteemed to be.

The Entrance

One of the Banquet Halls

Beautifully Arranged

One of the many courses

Presentation was superb

Served by ladies in Kimonos

The kimono

Spectacular at night

Beautiful Gardens are part of the experience

Amazing Interior Displays

Of course, this type of atmosphere and food course won't be for everyone.  It is highly specialized and truly of the highest order.  The courses come in one by one, the ladies fully dressed in traditional kimono's, explain the significance of each dish and even a tour of the building is on the agenda.  In all, the experience will come to about 20 000 yen (approx. US $200) which includes your choice of alcohol such as beer, wine or Japanese Sake.  In my opinion it was well worth it, as the experience will be remembered forever.

I highly recommend this for the adventurous gourmet eater and foodie lover.