Hirado is located in northwestern Nagasaki Prefecture. The area of present-day Hirado City was once the castle town of the Matsuura clan and served as a trading post between Japan and the West before the national isolation policy of the Edo period. As a result, Western influences are still visible today, giving the city a unique atmosphere that blends Japanese and Western cultures. A notable example is the view of a church and a Buddhist temple standing side-by-side. Other historic structures include Hirado Castle, the Dutch Trading House, and several cathedrals.
Hirado Castle
Hirado Castle was the castle of the Hirado Domain, ruled by the Matsuura family. The main tower displays historic artifacts.
St. Francis Xavier Church
Built in 1931, it stands near some Buddhist temples.
Tabira Cathedral
This brick church was built in 1918.
Dutch Trading House
This is a reconstruction of the original Dutch Trading House, which was used for storing trade goods. It is considered the first Western-style stone building in Japan.
