Sightseeing & History
Discover the city's rich history and historic landmarks
Hirado's history dates back not only to the city's heyday of international trade with
many Western nations during the Sengoku and Edo periods, but even further back to the era of Japan's envoys to Sui and Tang China when the city was honored with visits from many important figures in Japanese history, and vestiges of this rich history still remain to this day.
In addition to the city's historical sites themselves, the city is also home to a history museum with exhibits which explore the city's history in a clear, accessible way.
Hirado landmark Hirado Castle is now offering overnight lodging with its unique “Castle Stay” experience.
- Address
- 1473 Iwanouecho, Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Closed
- December 30th - 31st
- Opening Hours
- 8:30am - 5:30pm
Enjoy magnificent views from the castle tower of this symbolic Hirado landmark. Temporarily closed from October 2019 through March 2021.
Hirado Castle is now offering overnight lodging with its unique “Castle Stay” experience.
Click here to learn more!
- Address
- 12 Kagamigawacho, Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Closed
- December 29th - January 1st
- Opening Hours
- 8:30am - 5:30pm
Former estate of the Matsura clan and feudal lord of Hirado which now houses the Matsura Historical Museum.
- Address
- 166-1 Kasugacho, Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Closed
- December 30th - January 3rd
- Opening Hours
- 8:30am - 5:30pm
Hidden Christian village surrounded by beautiful terraced rice fields
- Address
- 2477 Sakigatacho, Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Closed
- 3rd Tuesday-Thursday of June each year
- Opening Hours
- 8:30am - 5:30pm
This reconstructed warehouse is identical to the original first built in 1639 and currently houses a historical museum.
World Heritage Sites/Churches
Explore the city's beautiful churches and historic Christian sites
The "Hidden Christian Sites of the Nagasaki and Amakusa Regions" were designated as world heritage sites in July 2018. Hirado is home to a great number of churches as well as world heritage sites "Kasuga Village and Sacred Places in Hirado (Nakaenoshima Island; Kasuga Village and Mt. Yasumandake)", so how about a journey through the city's many churches and world heritage sites?
- Address
- 19 Tabiracho Kotedamen, Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Closed
- Open 365 days a year
- Opening Hours
- No specific opening hours
This red brick Catholic Church by architect Yosuke Tetsukawa is a designated
Important Cultural Property of Japan.
- Address
- 269 Kagamigawacho, Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Opening Hours
- 6:00am - 5:00pm (*Closed to visitors on Sundays until around 10:00am for Sunday mass.)
This emblematic Hirado church is located near the city center.
- Address
- 1170 Hokicho, Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture
Hirado's oldest church. World heritage building candidate.
- Address
- 1039 Himosashicho, Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture
One of the most prominent Romanesque churches in East Asia
Nature
Enjoy the city's stunning natural scenery and landscapes
Take advantage of Hirado's privileged location off the western coast of Japan and enjoy gazing out upon the area's beautiful sea and coastal views. Home to popular filming locations for car commercials such as the Kawachi Toge Pass and Sunset Way, as well as other magnificent natural landscapes, beaches, and more, be sure check out some of Hirado's must-see scenic spots.
- Address
- Kasugacho, Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture
Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, here you can take in the stunning views of the rice terraces as they stretch out from the coast and up into the mountains.
- Address
- Onocho, Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture
This extensive grassland area is one of the best in Nagasaki Prefecture. Enjoy the magnificent views from Saikai National Park!
- Address
- Neshikocho, Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture
One of Hirado's most popular beaches, at Neshiko Beach you'll feel as if you were in Okinawa!
- Address
- Ikitsukicho Minamimen, Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture
Often featured in new car commercials, this scenic road is the perfect spot to go for a drive!
