2025 Hirado Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

I love Nagasaki's combination of Japanese and Western styles, which reminds me of both Japan and overseas, and it feels so mysterious. Hirado is also a wonderful place with a mix of churches and temples, and the sea and mountains. 1. #Hirado Xavier Memorial Church 2. A view of the temple and church 3. #Kawachi Pass 4.5. #Ashiya Main Branch 6. #Hirado Dutch Trading Post 7. #Hirado Bridge 8. Kikka Hirado I recommend Kawachi Pass, which is full of Japanese pampas grass in the fall, so you can enjoy it in all seasons. I had cassudos at the eat-in. It's also recommended as a souvenir. #Road Trip #Nagasaki Trip #Hirado

Name of restaurant: Morito Shokudo Address: 824 Sakikata-cho, Hirado, Nagasaki Budget per person: 1000 yen and up Rating (out of 5): ★★★★★ Points: * This restaurant is the birthplace of Hirado Champon. * It was a Japanese-style champon with flying fish broth, which is different from the champon in Nagasaki city, but it was incredibly delicious! * It was a popular restaurant with a good location near the Hirado pier, but there was a notice posted saying that it will be closing on June 30, 2022. It will only be open for a short time, but if you have time, it is a restaurant that you should definitely try! #Gourmet #Photogenic spot #Gourmet trip #Hydrangea #Hirado #Recommended for dates #Nagasaki #Quintessa campaign

Suddenly, I felt like riding a horse, so I went to Hirado's "Sea View Ranch" that I had been interested in for a long time 🐴💕 On this day, we did horse trekking along the coast of Shichirigahama 🎶 Horse riding doesn't have to mean mountains ⛰, you can experience horse riding 🏖🐠 There are various courses prepared, so both beginners and experienced riders can enjoy it 🥰 There is also a cafe attached, so after the horse riding experience, you can enjoy a stylish lunch while looking at the beautiful sea 😋🍴💕 #Nagasaki #Hirado #Horse riding #Seaside scenery #Spring trip to enjoy #Couple trip #Cool travel experience #Cafe tour #Tourism support #Amazing view

●Name Hirado Tsutaya ●Access ●Points The oldest in Kyushu, founded in 1502‼️ A Portuguese sweet made by coating castella with egg yolk and frying it in molasses As expected, only in the Hirado area It's like castella French toast, but it has a strange texture because it's sprinkled with granulated sugar It's great to eat with tea You can also eat it at the cafe You can buy not only castella but also other sweets such as dorayaki #supporttourism #Nagasaki #Hirado #sweets #supporttourism

●Name Hirado Xavier Memorial Church ●Access JR Sasebo Station to Hirado (80 minutes) 5 minutes walk from Hirado City Hall. 10 minutes walk from Hirado Pier. ●Points The pointed roof and cross of Hirado Xavier Memorial Church on a hill in Hirado city ⛪️ One of Hirado's most famous tourist attractions The contrast between the temple and the church is wonderful This church was built in 1913 as the Catholic Hirado Church and in 1931 was constructed at its current location A "Xavier Memorial Statue" was erected next to the church to commemorate Xavier's visit to Hirado in 1550, and in recent years the official name was changed to "Hirado Xavier Memorial Church" #SupportTourism #Nagasaki #Hirado #SupportTourism

The seafood buffet was quite good, but the hotel and rooms were quite old and not very good. I recommend going there to eat seafood♪

#hellohalloween Perched dramatically on a hilltop overlooking the strategic Hirado Strait, Hirado Castle is a fortress steeped in international history. Unlike many inland castles, this was a sentinel of Japan's early encounters with the West, watching over Portuguese, Dutch, and Chinese trading ships. For a solo traveler, it's a powerful journey to the edge of Japan, where samurai, shoguns, and foreign traders once met. My Solo Itinerary: · Morning – A Castle Reborn & Panoramic Views: I took the ferry or crossed the bridge to Hirado Island and began the climb to the castle. The main keep is a striking 1960s reconstruction made of reinforced concrete. Inside, a museum details the history of the Matsuura clan, who ruled Hirado for centuries, and the island's pivotal role in early foreign trade. The real highlight was the top floor—a 360-degree view of the island-dotted sea, the charming town below, and the modern Hirado Bridge. · Afternoon – Tracing the Foreign Legacy: I descended into the historic town to visit sites from its cosmopolitan past. I walked to the Former Dutch Trading Post and the St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church, feeling the layers of cultural exchange. I then found a local restaurant for a lunch of Hirado's famous beef or fresh seafood caught in the surrounding waters. · Evening – A Bridge of Light & Quiet Reflection: As dusk fell, I found a spot along the coast to watch the Hirado Bridge illuminate. The view of the lit bridge with the silhouette of the castle on the hill was unforgettable. I ended my day reflecting on how this remote island was once a bustling, international gateway. Why Hirado Castle is Perfect for Solo Travelers: · Rich, Unique History: The narrative here isn't just about samurai; it's about the dawn of global exchange and Japan's period of isolation. · Breathtaking Scenery: The coastal and island views from the castle are among the most dramatic of any in Japan. · Atmospheric & Uncrowded: Its remote location means you can often explore in peaceful solitude. · A Complete Cultural Day: The castle, combined with the town's historic sites, makes for a deeply fulfilling and educational trip. Tips for Your Visit: · 🌉 Access: Hirado is connected to the mainland by the Hirado Bridge, making it accessible by bus or car. · 🚌 Public Transport: Buses run from Sasebo and Imari to Hirado, but schedules can be infrequent; plan carefully. · 📜 Context is Key: Reading about the Matsuura clan and the early European traders before your visit will greatly enrich the experience. · 🐂 Local Flavor: Don't leave without trying Hirado-gyu (local beef) or the island's unique gokoku (five-grain) rice. Hirado Castle doesn't just guard a coastline; it guards a story of when Japan first opened its doors to the world. A must for the solo traveler seeking history with a view. --- Hashtags: #SoloJapan #HiradoCastle #Nagasaki #JapaneseCastle #SeasideCa

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Located in Minamiyamate, Nagasaki, Glover Garden is a famous spot that is full of romance and history, and retains the atmosphere of a foreign settlement that was active from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period. In particular, the former Glover House, the residence of Scottish trader Thomas Glover, is known as the oldest wooden Western-style building in Japan and is a nationally designated important cultural property 🏛️. The exotic Western-style architecture and beautiful Western-style garden offer a spectacular view of Nagasaki Port, making you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the 19th century ⛵. The flowers of each season are also a highlight, with tulips in spring and autumn leaves coloring the garden 🌸🍁. In addition to the Glover House, the garden is dotted with historical Western-style buildings such as the former Ringer House and the former Alt House, allowing you to get a sense of what life was like at the time and the international exchange that took place. On the way up the slope, there are stone pavements, arch bridges, and retro cafes, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll 👒☕. At night, the Western-style building is lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere that makes it look just like a painting. It's a popular date spot for couples too. Why not stop by Glover Garden, full of Nagasaki's history and romance, and spend some time feeling the exotic atmosphere? #NagasakiTourism #NagasakiTrip #GloverGarden #GloverResidence #ExoticAtmosphere #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Hirado Castle, located in Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a beautiful castle surrounded by the sea, built in 1599 by Matsuura Chinshin 🏯 The natural moat surrounded by the sea on three sides and the spectacular view from the mock castle tower are its attractions! Historical materials, weapons, and cultural assets of the Hirado domain are on display inside the castle, making it a must-see spot for history lovers 📜 I visited on a sunny day and was impressed by the spectacular view that stretches from the castle tower to Iki Island ✨ The trick to conquering it is to "visit in the morning and stroll around the castle town together" + "wear sneakers to walk comfortably on the stone steps" 👟 There are several turrets and gates on the premises, and many photogenic spots 📸 Access is about 40 minutes by car from the Nishi Kyushu Expressway "Sasa IC" 🚗 If you are using public transportation, it is about an 8-minute walk from the "Yukokan" bus stop on the Saihi Bus. Parking is free to use 🅿️ Whether you are traveling as a couple or alone, Hirado Castle is a place where history and nature blend together. Feel the sea breeze and enjoy the charm of the castle and castle town 🌿 Overseas travel #Couple trip #Solo trip #Hirado Castle #Nagasaki trip #Japan's 100 famous castles #Castle town stroll #Stunning sea view #History romance

#Spring0yenTrip At the Hirado Dutch Trading Post, you can experience the history of exchange between Japan and the Netherlands. The impressive white stone building standing on the seaside made me feel like I had traveled back in time to the 17th century. Inside the building, documents and exhibits related to trade at the time were lined up, allowing me to feel the history of Japanese-Dutch exchange. There are also remains of Dutch walls and wells in the surrounding area, allowing me to feel the history while strolling around. It was a place where I could feel the weight of history along with the scenery of a quiet port town.

#Spring0yentrip Tabira Hiradoguchi Station is the westernmost station in Japan, connected by rail. When you arrive at the station, the first thing you see is the sign. The station building, standing alone in the quiet town, has a warm atmosphere that stirs up the traveler's feelings. There is a small railway museum on the premises, and it is nice to be able to touch a little on the history of the local line, with documents and uniforms from the time when this line was run by the Japanese National Railways and JR. I was also happy to receive a certificate of visit, which became a memento of my trip. It makes you feel like you have come to the end of the world, and even if you are not a train enthusiast, it is a station that you should definitely visit.

#Spring0yenTrip I was drawn to Hirado by its history and the seascape. It still retains the atmosphere of a port town, and the first thing that caught my eye was Hirado Castle. The view of the sea and the town from the castle tower was impressive. It was fun to walk around the churches that are alive with Christian history and the streets that are a mix of Japanese and Western styles, and I will never forget the white building of the Xavier Memorial Church that stood out against the blue sky. The view of the temple and church standing opposite each other is very typical of Hirado, and I felt a part of the history of religions coexisting. Because it is not overly developed as a tourist destination, the quiet and rustic air was comfortable and somehow nostalgic. The time spent walking leisurely while looking at the sea was just right for enjoying a leisurely trip.

#Spring0yenTrip I visited Hirado in Nagasaki on a family trip. First we went to Hirado Castle. It is a beautiful castle built on a hill overlooking the sea, and was the residence of the Matsuura clan during the Edo period. The view from the castle tower is spectacular, and you can see the whole town of Hirado. After that, we went to Hirado Xavier Memorial Church. This church was built in memory of Francis Xavier, who devoted himself to spreading Christianity, and its Gothic roof and cross are impressive. Nearby are the tiled roofs of Shoshu-ji Temple, Komyo-ji Temple, and Zuiun-ji Temple, and the "view of the temple and church" is famous as a symbolic view of Hirado. We went further north to Obae Lighthouse, which overlooks the majestic sea. The contrast between the white lighthouse standing on the cliff and the blue sea was beautiful and seemed to cleanse our souls. For lunch, we had the famous Hirado Chanpon! The light soup with plenty of vegetables and seafood blew away the fatigue of the trip. Hirado is a wonderful place filled with the charm of history and nature.

#FukuokaItinerary Wakato Bridge is an important bridge connecting Wakamatsu District and Tobata District in Kitakyushu. It is also the first large suspension bridge in Japan. It is 628 meters long and has become a local landmark with its bright red appearance. This bridge is not only an important transportation route, but also a unique tourist attraction. From the bridge, you can overlook the harbor scenery of Wakamatsu and Tobata, especially at sunset, when the setting sun shines on the sea and the bridge, the scene is very magnificent. The nearby "Takatayama Park" is the best place to enjoy the night view of Wakato Bridge. When night falls, the lights on the bridge are reflected on the sea, and the scenery is like a dream, attracting many photography enthusiasts to come and take pictures. In addition, there is the Wakamatsu Historical Folk Museum near the Wakato Bridge, which displays the port development and industrial history of Kitakyushu, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the city's changes. Wakato-Ohashi Bridge is not only a functional bridge, but also a fascinating attraction that combines history, architecture and beautiful scenery. It is recommended for travelers who like photography and night views!

#Domestic Travel Strategy Nagasaki Prefecture is located on the west coast of Kyushu, and is home to volcanoes and forested offshore islands. The fusion of Japanese and international cultures can be seen everywhere in the prefecture, including Western-style buildings, stone pavements, and Catholic churches. If you are planning a trip to Nagasaki, please read to the end and use it as a reference. 🔸Area: Matsuura, Hirado area ────────────────── 🔸Time required: Approximately 6 hours ───────────────── 🔸Transportation method: Rental car ───────────────── This time we visited 6 spots. ❶ 11:00 Start from Takashima at the mouth of Imari Bay in Matsuura City ↓ Horse mackerel fry lunch on "Kaido" ↓ 🚗 Approximately 70km Approximately 2 hours ↓ ❷ 13:30 Hirado Castle ❸ Kameoka Shrine ↓ 🚗 Approximately 2km Approximately 10 minutes ↓ ❹ 14:30 Hirado Xavier Memorial Church ↓ ↓ 🚶300m, about 5 minutes ↓ ❺ 14:40 Road with a view of temples and churches ↓ ❻ 15:00 Take a break at Mameruku Coffee ↓ ↓ 🚗Approximately 60km to Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, about 1.5 hours ↓ ↓ 17:30 Arrive at HOTEL KARAE Continue to the Saga trip Kaido 📍91-7 Kanzakimen, Takashima-cho, Matsuura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 859-4303 Hirado Castle 📍1458 Iwanoue-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 859-5121 Kameoka Shrine 📍1517 Iwanoue-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 859-5121 Hirado Xavier Memorial Church 📍859-5152 259-1 Kagamigawa-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture Road with a view of temples and churches 📍Kyoshuzaka, Kagamigawa-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 859-5152 Mameruku Coffee 📍308 Kagamigawa-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 859-5152 HOTEL KARAE 📍3rd floor, KARAE, 1783 Kyomachi, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, 847-0045 #Domestic travel #Solo travel #Nagasaki #Hirado #Church #Castle

From Tabira Hirado Station in Hirado City, Kitakyushu, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes on foot to reach Tabira Port, passing by the houses of Hirado City along the way. The first thing you will see is the magnificent Hirado Bridge. There are many restaurants to choose from along the way, and finally you will arrive at Tabira Port. Since it is close to a fishing port, the ingredients are very fresh and the prices are very affordable.

The southernmost and westernmost train stations in Japan are in Kyushu, and the westernmost train station is Hirado Station, located in Hirado City, Kitakyushu. If you want to explore, you should take the Matsuura Railway. You can consider departing from Hakata Station or Sasebo Station. There is an average of one train per hour. There is a small train museum in the train station, which also sells souvenirs of the Matsuura Railway, especially the iron stamp books that railway fans must collect.

Hirado Castle, one of the top three castles in Nagasaki Prefecture, is one of Japan's top 100 castles and is famous as the residence of the Matsura clan. In 1599 (Keicho 4), Matsura Shigenobu began building the castle as Hinojogaku Castle, but in 1613 (Keicho 18), just before it was completed, he set fire to the castle himself out of consideration for the Tokugawa shogunate. After that, Shigenobu built the Gokan, which became the residence of the Hirado domain for generations. In the mid-Edo period, the 5th lord of the domain, Matsura Taka, needed to guard the East Sea, so in February 1704 (Genroku 17), he began rebuilding the castle on the site of Hinojogaku Castle, which was completed in 1707 (Hoei 4). The reconstruction was designed according to the military studies of Yamaga Soko, and along with Akashi Castle, it is one of the few castles in the Yamaga style. The current castle site has been developed as the grounds of Kameoka Shrine and Kameoka Park, with a simulated keep and turret built.

🔥 Recommended Reasons A beautiful port and a historic town. You can enjoy a leisurely walk by the port, savor delicious seafood, or learn about the history. 📝 Travel Record I wanted to take a leisurely stroll around the port town, but the strong winds and summer heat got the best of me, so I cooled off at the Dutch Trading Post while learning about its history. It's fascinating to think that this port was once a hub for trade. On my way back, I stopped by the Hirado Seto Market for some gelato. It was worth the wait! It cooled me down and I was able to continue my sightseeing. -------------------------------------------------------- 📍 Hirado Dutch Trading Post 2477 Okubo-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 859-5102 📍 Hirado Seto Market 345-15 Yamauchi-men, Tabira-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 859-4825

Kikka Hirado in Hirado, Nagasaki This is a suite with an ocean view from all 5 rooms, including the lobby and lounge You can also use the sauna (reservation required) for private use, and enjoy the spectacular view ✨ The food is delicious to the eye and the mouth, with a wide variety of dishes made with fresh ingredients from Hirado, and the meat, fish, vegetables, and alcohol were all really delicious 🥹 You can experience zazen in the morning. Zazen while basking in the morning sun is very pleasant and recommended! The hospitality was wonderful, and it was a very satisfying stay! 📍Address: 323-2 Umeyashiki, Akenokawauchi-cho, Hirado, Nagasaki 859-5122 (about 10 minutes walk from Kurakake bus stop) #Hotel review #PR #Nagasaki hotel #Hirado, Nagasaki

A cafe located behind the Hirado Xavier Memorial Association in Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture. It is situated in a residential area at the top of Church Hill, where you can see both temples and churches. This cafe allows you to choose your favorite beans and brewing method, and they take pride in roasting their own coffee beans. The interior is designed like a renovated old house, with ornamental plants and stylish decor, creating a bright and comfortable space. You can also enjoy reading children's picture books and novels. The entrance has the order and payment area on the left side, and the roasting area and cafe space on the right side.

#DomesticTravelRecord The "St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church" on a hill in Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, and the surrounding temples create a space where the East and the West blend together If you go up the stone-paved slope, you can see the green spire and cross of the Xavier Memorial Church, and below that you can see the tiled roofs of Shoshu-ji Temple, Komyo-ji Temple, and Zuiun-ji Temple This is a spot that gives you a sense of history that is unique to Hirado 📍You can see it by going up the stone-paved slope that continues from the coastal street near Hirado Port Exchange Square, or by going down the slope from the "Hirado Xavier Memorial Church" 📍It's a narrow road, but there is a sign #Nagasaki #NagasakiTrip #NagasakiTourism #Church #TempleShrinesBuddhistTemples #DomesticTrip #GirlsTrip #SoloTrip #Hirado

Drive to Nagasaki & Sleep in the Car The course I'm introducing this time is to leave Saga City by car, go to Hirado Bridge → Ikitsuki Bridge → Ikitsuki Island, watch the sunset, sleep in the car, and return. First, to get to Hirado Bridge, you can go via Imari or Sasebo. This time, I went via Sasebo. There are many large ships in Sasebo Port, and I continued on while looking at rare ships. When I arrived at Hirado Bridge, there was an observation deck and a shop. The color of Hirado Bridge is red, so it stands out against the blue sky. There is an observation deck and a rest area, so I took a break. Then, I headed to Ikitsuki Island. There is Ikitsuki Island Bridge connecting Hirado Island and Ikitsuki Island, and as soon as you cross the bridge, there is a road station (Ikitsuki Bridge). From there, you can see Ikitsuki Bridge. The color of the bridge is light blue. It's quite beautiful when you see it up close. To the north of the island, there is the Obae Lighthouse. I watched the sunset near it. We also parked our car in a square along the island's seafront and spent the night in it on the way home.

"A restaurant with a view of the sea" ⁡ One day on a trip to Nagasaki🚗³₃ This restaurant is located in Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture ⁡ While driving, I was looking for a place to eat lunch and decided this was it! ¨̮♡ The view is amazing✨️ ⁡ This is what I was looking for! ✤Hirado Seafood Bowl Sashimi changes every day Shiny and shiny sashimi is plentiful🐟 And it comes with a small bowl and miso soup ⁡ The rice was really delicious The rice was shiny and cooked in a hagama pot🌾 It was a luxurious seafood bowl ⁡ The grilled fish set meal that other people were eating also looked really delicious It seems you can change the rice in the set meal to hagama rice🍚 ⁡ Great location and great lunch I want to go to Nagasaki again ⁡ Thank you for the meal (⋆ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)” ⁡ ⁡ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈𖠚ᐝ𖠿𖠋𖧧┈ [Restaurant with a view of the sea] ⁡ ■ 227 Iwanoue-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture ▷ 11:00-15:00 No holidays Parking available ༶ஐ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ⁡ ⁡ #Restaurant with a view of the sea #Nagasaki gourmet#Hirado gourmet #Nagasaki lunch#Hirado lunch #Nagasaki trip#Nagasaki sightseeing #Nagasaki drive #Hirado sightseeing #Seafood bowl #Fritabi

#church The Xavier Memorial Church is as dazzling as a bright pearl. 🕍The whole church is built of white granite, shining brightly under the sunlight, as if emitting a divine light that is otherworldly. The exterior lines of the church are simple and elegant, yet solemn and dignified. The Delicate Arch perfectly displays this majestic momentum. Walking into the church, sunlight leaks in from the doors and windows, weaving colorful beams of light in the air, adding a sacred and extraordinary atmosphere to the entire space. Occasionally, the melodious tunes of the organ can be heard, making people feel as if they can hear the mercy of God. #Xavier Church #White Stone Towering #Dome Beam #Pious Sanctuary

A restaurant near Hirado Port. I stayed at Hirado Onsen Hatashotei and stopped by here looking for a place to eat. It was an izakaya, and the order system was to write a note and hand it over. The sashimi was fresh and crunchy and delicious ^ ^ Cheap, delicious sashimi and fried chicken are excellent. I recommend the sashimi platter. It was delicious. Address: 618 Miyanomachi, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture Phone number: 0950-23-2815 Access: 4 minutes on foot from Hirado Port Exchange Square Recommended point: Sashimi platter #Hot spring #Food and drink place

#JapanTravel Like a high-priced Lego product, The St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church, which boasts a beautiful appearance, was built in 1931 and shows the symbolic scenery of Hirado with a blend of Eastern and Western beauty. This is a church where you can enjoy artistic sensibility with exotic sculptures and stained glass. St. Francis Xavier, who is respected by many people around the world as a great saint, was a Catholic priest and missionary born in Spain. He was dispatched to India by order of King John III of Portugal and is famous as the first missionary to spread Christianity to Japan in 1549. It is also said that many people came to believe in Christianity through missionary work in Japan and India. I highly recommend that those traveling to Hirado stop by.

Kameoka Shrine, located within Hirado Castle, is a shrine dedicated to the Matsudaira clan lord. From October 24th to 27th, it is an important stage for the annual autumn festival "Hirado Okunchi." If you are touring Hirado Castle, please be sure to visit. ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Facility name📍Kameoka Shrine Address📍1517 Iwanoue-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture Access📍Approximately 2 hours by car from Nagasaki Airport / Approximately 1 hour by car from JR Sasebo Station Visiting hours📍6:00-21:00 ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Kyushu tourism #girls' trip #adult girls' trip #couples' trip #domestic trip #japan#Kameoka Shrine #Hirado tourism #Hirado #historical sites #trip to experience historical culture