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!

At this festival you will find plenty of local goods for sale, including Nagasaki wagyu beef (from the town of Tabira), strawberries and other fresh produce, fresh seafood, and more. There's even a BBQ stand!

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.