OVERVIEW

Hara Castle was main stage of the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion where local peasants rose up against their oppressors. Seen as a Christian revolt, the shogunate spared no expenses at crushing it. Around early April, a lantern memorial parade is held to mourn the 40,000 victims of the revolt, and to commemorate Hara Castle. In the early afternoon, local high school students perform a play narrating the battle of the entrenched riot group led by Amakusa Shiro, fighting against the army of the Shogunate with the final collapse of the castle. The main festival begins with the lighting of 40,000 candles to pay respects to the 40,000 victims.These candle lights, previously installed on the ground around the castle create a profound and moving atmosphere. A 15 meter high wooden castle made locally, is the symbol of this festival and it completes the magical night view with its illumination.