Not far from Shimabara Castle in Nagasaki's Shimabara City sits the town's well-preserved samurai district. Known as "teppo-machi" or "gun town", this district once housed foot soldiers of the local clan who were skilled in firearms use. Today, the neighborhood is a quiet place. The single main street boasts a small canal running through its center; on either side, many of the imposing gates of old samurai mansions still stand. Three of the old samurai houses are open to the public and admission to all of the properties is free.
- 1 min read
Teppo-machi Samurai District
A street from the Edo Period in Shimabara

By Mandy Bartok
Community writer

The Teppo-machi Samurai District in Shimabara

Courtyard of the Shimada House

A few mannequins recreate daily life in the interior of the Shimada House

The street's rest area/info plaza boasts a lovely Japanese garden

One of the other old homes that still welcomes visitors

Much care is taken to keep up the thatched roofs of these old homes
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