---
title: Remains of the Dry Moat at Hara Castle
author: Matthew Allison
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21605/remains-of-the-dry-moat-at-hara-castle/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
updated: 2026-03-30
---

# Remains of the Dry Moat at Hara Castle

_Authored by [Matthew Allison](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/matthewallison/)_

## Image File

[![Remains of the Dry Moat at Hara Castle](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21605.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21605.jpg)

## Image Caption

Remains of the dry moat at Hara Castle, photograph by Matthew Allison, 4 October 2025.

A dry moat that protected the inner ward of Hara Castle, Minamishimabara. Although the castle itself is now gone, this dry moat, which has widened due to erosion since the castle's initial construction in 1496 (the castle underwent major redevelopment that was completed in 1604), remains as a reminder of the area's history, one steeped in rebellion and blood after the [Shimabara Rebels](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shimabara_Rebellion/) occupied the fortification to make their final stand against the Tokugawa Shogunate (military dictatorship). Initially more than 10 meters (33 ft) deep and 39 meters (128 ft) wide, this dry moat once housed many small, hastily constructed buildings during the rebel's time in the castle.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Matthew is an avid writer and historian. He is particularly interested in the Shimabara Rebellion, Japanese history, and military history in general. He holds a BA in History and Political Science from the University of Waikato, New Zealand
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-allison-56a496180/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Allison, M. (2026, March 16). Remains of the Dry Moat at Hara Castle. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21605/remains-of-the-dry-moat-at-hara-castle/>
### Chicago
Allison, Matthew. "Remains of the Dry Moat at Hara Castle." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 16, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21605/remains-of-the-dry-moat-at-hara-castle/>.
### MLA
Allison, Matthew. "Remains of the Dry Moat at Hara Castle." *World History Encyclopedia*, 16 Mar 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21605/remains-of-the-dry-moat-at-hara-castle/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Matthew Allison](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/matthewallison/ "User Page: Matthew Allison"), published on 16 March 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon a work even for commercial reasons, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.