Hirado Island (平戸島) is the fourth largest island in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, and is situated in the northwest of the prefecture. Centered around Hirado Bridge, which connects Tabira Town and Hirado Island, it documents Hirado City together with Ikitsuki Town, Dojima Island, and Kashima Oshima Island. Hirado City, a historical Japanese metropolis that flourished as a port for exchange with Asian and European nations throughout the Age of Exploration, nonetheless retains a unique atmosphere that blends Japanese and overseas cultures.
The sea surrounds Hirado City, so you may indulge in leisure sports, such as swimming and fishing, taking part in the beauty of nature, and even having amusement.
Map of Hirado
| Name | Hirado Island (Japanese: 平戸島), or Hiradoshima |
| Country | Japan |
| Prefecture | Nagasaki |
| Coordinates | 33°22′5″N 129°33′13″E |
| Area | 163.42 km2 (63.10 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC +9 |
| Population | 28,486 (2024) |
| Airport | N/A |
History of Hirado
Hirado City is an ancient and historically open port that thrived at some stage in the Age of Exploration as a trading hub with Asian and European countries. Even these days, it keeps a unique ecosystem that blends Japanese and European cultures. Standing proudly within the heart of the city is Hirado Castle, overlooking the tranquil city panorama. Construction of this citadel started in 1704 because of the residence of the Matsura family and was completed in 1718.
After present process renovations in April 2021, Hirado Castle reopened its doorways. It became the primary "castle lodging" in Japan. Surrounding the citadel, you will discover diverse historical sites and museums. For instance, there may be the Hirado Dutch Trading Post, which was hooked up as a trading base for the Dutch East India Company, where you could explore the history and valuable artifacts of the Dutch buying and selling generation. The Matsura Historical Museum also showcases the story of Hirado and the Matsura circle of relatives all through the generation of Japanese-Dutch exchange, keeping records for generations to return.
This city has a rich history and is known as the place where Christianity first started to be introduced to Nagasaki. It is said that in 1550, missionary Francisco Xavier commenced spreading Christianity in Hirado. Hirado City is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. "Hirado Sacred Sites and Village (Kasuga Village, Amada Mountain, Nakano Island)" is registered as a hidden Christian background of the Nagasaki and Amakusa area. There also are many other church buildings, including the Tabira Church, constructed as an area of worship for believers after the Christian revival, with its stunning stained glass, and the Xavier Memorial Church, which stands on a hill overlooking Hirado City, where you may sense the ancient importance of faith.
Things to Do on Hirado
Tabira Catholic Church (田平天主堂 )
The Tabira Catholic Church is a church positioned in Ohdehira District, Taira-cho, Hirado City. After the advent of immigrants from Kuroshima and the open sea in 1886, the trustworthy built a transient church inside a private house. In 1918, with the savings and donations from the congregation, this dazzling church was erected.
It is the final brick-constructed church designed through Yoosuke Tetsukawa, answerable for several church homes in Nagasaki, and has been exact as a countrywide critical cultural property.
Hirado Castle (平戸城)
The Hiraoyama Castle ruins of the Matsura clan are situated on a small hill at the Sengoku Peninsula in Hirado. The fortress is likewise called Kameoka Castle, named after the mountain. It has been preserved as Kameoka Park, imparting dazzling views of Hirado Port and the majestic Hirado Bridge, which connects to the Kyushu mainland.
Constructed inside the Yamashiro style, this fort showcases a rare architectural technique. As part of excellent renovations for the duration of the Heisei technology, the outdoors and interior walls have been meticulously restored, and the exhibits have been comprehensively up to date. Inside, visitors can engage in a digital artwork that delves into the history of Hirado. From the commentary deck on the top floor, it is easy to neglect the Sengoku vicinity and seize memorable photos of the castle and its environment.
2nd Floor → Capabilities virtual films that introduce the history and those of Hirado.
3rd Floor → Presents insights into the lords of Hirado and the development of the castle.
4th Floor → Experiential spaces that combine Hirado certification and digital art.
5th Floor → Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Hirado and the Sengoku place from the statement deck.
Hirado Bridge (平戸大橋)
This vermilion-colored suspension bridge is located approximately 30 minutes by car from the Sassa Interchange of the Nishi Kyushu Expressway, connecting Hirado Island and Taira-cho. Spanning a total length of 665m with a central tower spacing of 465.4m, the bridge boasts a width of 10.7m. It gracefully hangs at an elevation of 30m. Initially, crossing the newly opened bridge was a toll, but now it is accessible free of charge.
The footings of the Hirado Bridge have been developed into a park featuring various attractions. These include an observation square where one can enjoy panoramic views of Hirado City from the bridge, a seaside square that overlooks the Sea of Japan on the Hirado side, tennis courts, a sports field, and a popular rock climbing area for children on the Taira side.
33rd Parallel North Observation Deck (北緯３３度線展望台)
This is the very last vacation spot along the course that traverses the metropolis of Sei Kai. Situated on the 33rd parallel north, this observatory offers a panoramic panoramic view that stretches toward the remote lands of Casablanca and Baghdad.
Standing here, one can not assist but be reminded of the spherical nature of our Earth because the enormous expanse unfolds before your eyes.
St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church (聖フランシスコザビエル記念教会)
The St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church stands as a splendid vacationer appeal in Nagasaki Prefecture. Designed with the aid of the esteemed architectural company of Suehiro & Associates, it was finished in 1931. This superstructure is crafted from reinforced concrete and boasts a beneficial floor place of 396 square meters, providing more than one range of roofing.
The towering central spire, achieving closer to the sky, alongside the smaller spires surrounding it, exudes the different characteristics of German Gothic architecture, harking back to a fairytale fort. Inside, the church showcases a profound vertical shape embellished with arch-formed columns crowned via sensitive white decorative bands. The gentle glow of the stained glass windows bathes the interior in a gentle, sacred ambiance.
Kawachi Toge Pass (川内峠)
This sprawling 30-hectare expanse of undulating grasslands is equal to the size of 6.4 Tokyo Domes. From the mountaintop, you'll be able to behold the beauty of the Kujuku Islands, the Genkai Sea, and even the remote islands of Iki and Tsushima.
In spring, the hills come alive with the vibrant blooms of the Hirado azaleas. In the summer season, the grassy meadows dazzle in sunglasses of green, while autumn blankets the landscape with a sea of reeds. During wintry weather, fields are intentionally set ablaze as a measure against wildfires and to facilitate new growth, attracting numerous visitors who come to witness this breathtaking spectacle.
Matsūra Historical Museum (松浦史料博物館)
This stately house, built throughout the Meiji Restoration, served as the homestead of the Matsūra own family, who rose to nobility at some point in this transformative duration. Within the museum's halls, a wealth of ancient artifacts and records are on display, chronicling the illustrious lineage of the Matsūra family. Originating as seafaring pirates within the Heian duration, the Matsūra clan honed their talents. It sooner or later ascended to the status of feudal lords, exerting their dominion over the area till the arrival of the Meiji generation.
Obae Lighthouse (大バエ灯台)
Situated at the northernmost factor of Shingetsu Island in Misaki-cho, Hirado City stands the terrific Obae Lighthouse. From the remark deck of this beacon, one is treated to breathtaking vistas of the horizon. This famed landmark is also famous for imparting a fantastic view of the setting sun as it gracefully descends below the horizon throughout the twilight hours.
Ikitsuki Bridge (生月大橋)
The Ikitsuki Bridge serves as the connecting link between Hirado Island and the northwestern Ikitsuki Island, alongside County Road 42. Spanning a complete length of 960m, this bridge was opened to the general public in 1991 and gives toll-free passage. Its distinct and uncommon layout units it apart as a first-rate blue-colored structure.
On the Ikitsuki Island facet, the bridge's footings were transformed into a park, proposing various centers such as the "Michi no Eki Ikitsuki Bridge" and the adjacent "Hirado City Shingetsu-cho Museum Island Branch."
Catholic Hoki Church (宝亀教会)
Nestled within the town of Toyoki, Hirado City, the Catholic Hoki Church stands as a testimony to religion. Its creation dates back to the year 1898 and became skillfully crafted with the aid of a baptized shrine wood worker hailing from Fukushima. The church showcases a harmonious combo of traditional timber tiled roofs and brick structures, boasting a diverse array of architectural capabilities.
This valuable edifice now not only serves as an area of worship but also as a valuable exhibit of the evolution from wooden to brick production in church architecture, as well as the wealthy religious records of the location. It has been specific as a tangible cultural property of Nagasaki Prefecture, presenting insight into the long-lasting legacy of faith.
Hirado Onsen (平戸温泉)
Hirado City has numerous hot springs that offer open-air baths with fantastic views. Here, you could loosen up and unwind while taking part in the picturesque sea and nocturnal surroundings because the soothing warm water works its magic, assuaging the weariness of your adventure.
One such established order is the Hirado Kaijo Hotel, which is positioned in Okubo-cho, Hirado City. They offer day-use baths utilizing the healing waters of Hirado Onsen, a bicarbonate hot spring recognized for its efficacy in relieving neuralgia, again aches, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, and fatigue. The resort boasts a variety of bathing alternatives, such as open-air baths going through the good-sized ocean, a massive aquarium-themed bathtub known as "Ryugu" featuring fish and turtles, personal open-air baths, and personal rooms with panoramic bathtub perspectives.
How to Get to Hirado
Departing from Nagasaki Airport:
- By tram: Approximately 3 hours
- By bus: Approximately 3 hours
- By car: Approximately 2 hours
Departing from Fukuoka:
- By tram: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
- By bus: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
- By car: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Where to Stay on Hirado
- Hirado Kaiyo Hotel boasts both indoor and outdoor onsen baths, offering guests a rejuvenating experience amidst scenic views of the sea. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services to and from Hirado Port. All rooms feature a traditional Japanese seating area with tatami flooring, complemented by amenities such as LCD televisions, minibars, and tea/coffee-making facilities. The dining room serves a daily buffet breakfast, offering a delightful selection of Japanese and Western dishes.
- Samson Hotel is located 1.2 kilometers from Hirado-jo Castle, 2.5 kilometers from Hirado Ohashi Bridge, and 4.8 kilometers from Tabira Catholic Church. The hotel features both indoor and outdoor communal onsen baths, as well as the option to arrange private onsen baths for an additional fee. Additionally, there is a revolving sushi restaurant within the hotel.
- Saigetsuan is located within the Hirado district of Hirado City, presenting convenient entry to and boasting a nicely prepared interior as a four-superstar motel. The rooms offer scenic perspectives of the citadel and bridges. The meals is delicious and beautifully supplied, genuinely satisfying the palate. The onsen baths provide the utmost comfort and relaxation. If you desire to enjoy a proper Japanese ryokan, that is a fantastic choice. The team of workers is tremendously helpful and affords splendid careers.
