Hirado 平戸

Like many other places in Nagasaki , Western culture and Japanese culture live side by side here in Hirado.

Historically known as Firando, Hirado was the port of call for ships between the Asian mainland and Japan as far back as the Nara period. Most of this trade took place at the Hirado Dutch Trading Post, built in 1609.

The Dutch Trading Post still exists, and you can visit it while enjoying the surrounding picturesque scenery and beautiful seafront.

From Nagasaki City , it usually takes around two hours and 10 minutes to get to Hirado.

You can enjoy the wonderful views from Hirado Ohashi, the red bridge that connects Hirado and the mainland.

In addition to the Dutch Trading Post, there is Hirado Castle, once the home to the Matsura clan.

The keep of Hirado Castle reopened on 1 April 2021 with entertaining, interactive exhibitions about history using the latest digital content. In addition, one of the turrets, the Kaiju turret, was opened as Japan's first permanent accommodation facility in a castle.

If it is a taste of tradition you are after, Hirado has that in abundance. Rich with festivals that are famous all across Japan, you are sure to experience one regardless of when you visit.

Perhaps the most notable of the festivals is Hirado Jangara, a harvest dance where the dancers keep their faces hidden. Because of its elegance and cultural importance, this dance has been listed as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

For nature lovers, Kawachi Pass is a beautiful walk offering a grand panoramic view of the island. On a clear day, you may even be able to spot the islands of Ikishima and Tsushima off in the distance.