---
title: Stone Ramparts of the Inner Ward at Hara Castle
author: Matthew Allison
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21607/stone-ramparts-of-the-inner-ward-at-hara-castle/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
updated: 2026-03-30
---

# Stone Ramparts of the Inner Ward at Hara Castle

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

## Image File

[![Stone Ramparts of the Inner Ward at Hara Castle](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21607.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21607.jpg)

## Image Caption

Stone ramparts of the inner ward at Hara Castle, photograph by Matthew Allison, 4 October 2025.

Unlike much of Hara Castle at the end of the [Shimabara Rebellion](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shimabara_Rebellion/), the *ishigaki* (stone ramparts) that form the foundation of the inner ward were not deconstructed and/or removed. Such defenses were designed to be difficult for attackers to climb, and the gaps between the stones would provide [earthquake](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/earthquake/) tolerance and water drainage for the keep. Since being placed during the castle's redevelopment in 1604 (the initial construction occurred in 1496), they have stood the test of time and can still be seen today.

#### 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). Stone Ramparts of the Inner Ward at Hara Castle. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21607/stone-ramparts-of-the-inner-ward-at-hara-castle/>
### Chicago
Allison, Matthew. "Stone Ramparts of the Inner Ward at Hara Castle." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 16, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21607/stone-ramparts-of-the-inner-ward-at-hara-castle/>.
### MLA
Allison, Matthew. "Stone Ramparts of the Inner Ward at Hara Castle." *World History Encyclopedia*, 16 Mar 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21607/stone-ramparts-of-the-inner-ward-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.