Hirado Travel Tips
Hirado (平戸) is a captivating island located in northwestern Nagasaki Prefecture, offering a rich blend of history and natural beauty. Once a thriving center of international trade, Hirado played a pivotal role as a key trading post for the Dutch East India Company during the early Edo Period. Its strategic position, close to the Asian mainland, made it an essential point for cultural and commercial exchanges, significantly influencing its cultural development. Today, Hirado remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its historical significance while enjoying breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, coastline, and tranquil bays. The island offers a peaceful escape, where history and nature seamlessly intertwine.
Hirado's historical legacy is closely linked to the arrival of early Christian missionaries in the 16th century. These missionaries established a presence on the island before the Tokugawa Shogunate enforced a strict ban on Christianity that lasted for over two hundred years. Despite this, many local Christians practiced their faith in secret, passing their traditions down through generations. As you explore Hirado, you’ll find traces of this hidden history in churches, cemeteries, and local communities that quietly preserved their beliefs. Alongside its historical landmarks, the island boasts traditional Japanese architecture, charming streets, and a welcoming local culture that continues to captivate those who venture off the beaten path.
Getting around
Getting around Hirado is easy in the city center, where top sights like Hirado Castle, the Dutch Trading Post, and the Matsura History Museum are within walking distance.
To explore the more rural parts of the island, such as scenic spots and historic churches, a rental car is the best option. Public buses are available but not very frequent. It's a good idea to rent a car in Sasebo or Nagasaki before visiting.
