Top Things to do

• Reconstruction of the 1639 warehouse of the Dutch Trading Post in Hirado

  Nagasaki Pref. Hiradoshi Okubochou 2477

  This trading post built in Hirado flourished as port of trade with the Netherlands for 33 years from 1609 to 1641 until the move to Nagasaki’s Dejima Island. The stone warehouse built in 1639 to store trade cargo is Japan’s first western-style building, and the exterior resembles the style of buildings in the Netherlands. To the Japanese this exterior was a strange sight and since the Western calendar was inscribed on the gables the Edo shogunate had it destroyed. The Hirado Dutch Trading Post that opened in 2011 is a faithful reconstruction of this building. Visitors can also peruse materials that concern trade in those days.

• Hirado Castle

  Nagasaki Pref. Hiradoshi Iwanouechou 1458

  This was the residential castle of the Matsura clan, the feudal lords of the Hirado Domain. The fortification technology at the time incorporated the unusual Yamagaryu (Yamaga school) style. Construction originally began in 1599 as “Hi-no-Takejo” but as it neared completion in 1613, it fell under suspicion from Tokugawa Ieyasu due to the deep friendship the clan had with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, so the clan head Shigenobu burned down the castle himself. The clan lived in the palace that was on the site for about 90 years, and reconstruction of Hirado Castle began in 1704 and was completed in 1718. The view of the Port of Hirado looking down from the castle keep is outstanding, and visitors can obtain a view that includes the virgin forest of Kuroko Island (a Natural Monument) and the Hirado Ohashi Bridge.

• Matsuura Historical Museum

  Nagasaki Pref. Hiradoshi Kagamigawachou 12

  This is a museum that conveys the history of the Lord Hirado Matsuura family who once dominated the northern area of Nagasaki Prefecture. In addition to weapons and letters from the Matsuura family, a large number of art objects such as paintings and maki-e artworks are displayed. The museum building uses the private residence of the Matsuura family built in 1893, and the stone steps and stone walls at the entrance date to the early Edo period. Experience trying on armor or a bridal kimono free of charge. It is ten minutes by car from Hiradoguchi Station.

• Hirado Kirishitan Museum

  Nagasaki Pref. Hiradoshi Oishiwakichou 1502-1

  This is a Christian Museum in Neshiko, Hirado City. The museum exhibits historic artefacts related to Francisco Xavier and others who visited Hirado in 1550 to spread Christianity, martyrdom in the early Edo period, and the hidden Christians. The hidden Christian’s image of Mary, who was the object of religious beliefs, and fumi-e (tablets bearing Christian images, on which Edo-period authorities forced suspected Christians to stand on) are also exhibited. It is ten minutes by car from the “Himosashi” bus stop.

• Kawachi Toge Pass

  Nagasaki Pref. Hiradoshi Onochou

  This is a gently sloping prairie over 6.4 times the size of Tokyo Dome occupying approximately 30 hectares. From the summit one has a view of the Ninety-Nine Islands, the Genkai Sea as well as Iki Island and Tsushima Island further away. In spring Hirado azaleas bloom profusely, in summer the grasses are a radiant green, and in autumn Japanese pampas grass covers the land as far as the eye can see. In the winter the fields are set ablaze to prevent serious fires and promote the cultivation of young grass, and many tourists come to see this spectacular sight.

• Palace Huis Ten Bosch

  Nagasaki Pref. Saseboshi Huis Ten Bosch Town 1-1

  A palace recreated deep inside the Huis Ten Bosch theme park. The structure, built with special permission from the royal family of the Netherlands, is a faithful recreation of the palace where Queen Beatrix lives. The Baroque style garden which extends behind the palace is a recreation of the Great Garden which was designed for the Dutch royal family. Inside the palace, visitors will find the Huis Ten Bosch Art Museum, whose collection includes etchings by Rembrandt.

• Saikai National Park

  Nagasaki Pref. Saseboshi , Goto City, Hirado City, Saikai City, others

  This national park is located in northwestern Kyushu, and features the seascape of more than 400 islands centered around the Kujuku Shima Islands of Sasebo. There are many scenic wonders in the area such as the mountains of Kawachi Pass and Mt. Bandake, etc. There are many other places to visit such as Hamagurihama Beach and Takahama Beach selected in the best 88 and best 100 beaches in Japan respectively, as well as Nagushiyama Park known as an area for enjoying flowers. The two visitor centers in the area are at Abunze and the Kujuku Shima Islands. The visitor Center on the Kujuku Shima Islands provides pamphlets in various languages.

• Nanatsugama Limestone Caves

  Nagasaki Pref. Saikaishi Saikaichounakaurakitagou 2541-1

  These limestone caves approximately 25 minutes by car from JR Huis Ten Bosch Station have been designated a National Natural Monument. Created by an uplift of the seabed about 30 million years ago, their age and composition are quite different from ordinary limestone caves. The caves maintain a comfortable year-round temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius, making them particularly popular in summer. They're illuminated a refreshing blue during certain periods too. You can explore parts of the cave generally not open to the public with a guide if you book in advance. A shop offers numerous original items for sale like Nanatsugama Meisui Ramune soda pop.

• Shiodawara no dangai Cliffs

  Nagasaki Pref. Hiradoshi Ikitsukichouichibu 1560

  These cliffs are on the northwest side of Ikitsuki Island, one of the many that dot the seas of Nagasaki Prefecture. The cliffs are approximately 15 minutes by car from Ikitsuki Ohashi Bridge. The sheer cliffs that stretch along the coast are formed from a columnar joint, characterized by rows of five to seven-sided broken pillars of basalt. Lots of the bases of these pillars are lined up like stumps where the waves break below. These magnificent cliffs reach as high as 20 meters and spread north-south over a 500-meter area. They've been chosen as one of the New Top 100 Nagasaki Prefecture Tourist Spots.