Saikai National Park's renowned Kawachi Toge Pass (about 30 hectares) is set ablaze in this local Hirado ritual which marks the coming of spring each year. Performed in order to preserve the grasslands, countless visitors flock to the pass each year to witness the impressive flaming spectacle. The event may be postponed due to wind or other weather conditions, so it is a good idea to double check before you go.

"He who cries first wins."
In this traditional event held at Hirado's Saikyoji Temple, participants compete to see whose baby cries first. Konaki sumo (literally "crying baby sumo") is said to have originated some 400 years ago when the first feudal lord of the Hirado domain was being tormented by the spirits of his deceased servants and that it was a baby's cries which sent the spirits away, freeing the lord from their torment. The event is now held each year on Setsubun, or the last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar.

The Obon festival season is a time of many local traditional events held throughout the country each year, and in Hirado you can witness a variety of local traditional performances held throughout the city such as the Hirado Jangara and Suko-odori dances and more, so be sure to come and take advantage of this unique opportunity to experience these traditional local performances which have been handed down for generations.

The culinary star of Hirado's autumn and winter season may very well be the massive, high-end species of fish
known as the longtooth grouper (known as ara, or kue in standard Japanese). Hirado boasts one of the leading
longtooth grouper industries in all of Japan. With the refined taste of this white meat fish and its full,
rich umami flavor, aranabe (longtooth grouper hot pot) is a culinary delight that foodies are simply raving
about.

Hirado is known first and foremost for its flounder! The winter season is known for having the fattiest, most
delicious flounder (known in Japanese as samubirame, lit. "cold flounder"). During the wintertime
restaurants will typically serve hiramedon (rice bowls topped with flounder), flounder set meals, flounder
pizza, and any number of other unique menu items. Hotels and inns are likewise sure to serve items such as
flounder sashimi, flounder shabu shabu, and flounder ochazuke.

Designated a World Heritage Site, the terraced rice fields of Kasuga Village come alive with some 7,000 LED
lights. Changing colors every 30 minutes, the rice fields are set aglow in this unique, magical light
display.

In December of each year, Hirado's many Catholic churches are lit up with their annual Christmas light
decorations. Details for each church may vary, so be sure to inquire for more information.

Many former samurai residences and other historic homes throughout the city, many of which are designated
Cultural Properties of Japan, will open their gardens to the public to enjoy free of charge. From the
gardens you can enjoy the many seasonal flowers in full bloom, including the lovely Hirado azaleas.

Each year Mori Shuzo Brewery in central Hirado holds its annual open brewery festival (sakagura biraki). Not
only will you find a number of limited edition products only available at the festival, but there are plenty
of events to enjoy as well. This event offers something for everyone, even if you don't drink alcohol!

Approximately 700 cherry trees are planted around Kameoka Park.
This Festival is held during the cherry blossom blooming period.
During the festival, the cherry trees are illuminated at night, so enjoy a different view than during the
day.

This springtime market is held during Golden Week at Hirado Bridge Park. In addition to the many local
products for sale, you will also find food and drink stands, barbecue sets, and events for the kids to enjoy
such as fish and octopus catching events and more in this three-day festival that is fun for the whole
family!

This annual tea market is held each year in the Tsuyoshi Shopping Street found on
the southern part of the island of Hirado. You will find all 500 meters of this shopping street lined with
street vendors from all over Kyushu. A night market and stage performances are also held as well!

About a 30-minute drive from the city of Hirado you will find the Nakatsura River,
famous for its beautiful fireflies and fantastic natural scenery, so be sure to head over and enjoy the
lovely glow of the fireflies in the night sky.