The peasants directed much of their anger at Shimabara Castle. Shimabara is still famous as the site of this tragic event. Well over 200 years have passed since the uprising was snuffed out, yet the atmosphere of an old and prosperous feudal town remains. Here you can see ancient samurai manors, with their old stone walls, thatched roofs, and white-walled houses constructed side by side. Stroll along them, and you may see people sweeping their gardens or pruning their trees.
Life continues, the past co-existing with the present.
Shimabara takes full advantage of its water resources. Springs of pure, clear water bubble up in different parts of the city, fed by underground streams from Mount Mayu and Unzen-dake, a group of mountains to the west. Some people prefer the water at Hamanokawa-yusui and other springs to the running water in their homes. The sight of people in the morning and evening, doing their laundry and preparing a meal near a natural spring, recalls a slower pace of life. About 1,500 colorful carp swim in the watercourse along Shinmachi Avenue.