News


31 March 2011
Hirado supports the disaster stricken areas
In the period after the earthquake Hirado has tried to support affected people as much as possible. Staff were send to help with the rescue efforts, emergency aid was send as well as various necessary goods gathered by the local government and community. So far over 8 million yen has been donated by the local community through money collecting boxes in the city hall. If you are in Hirado, you can donate money and food with a long expiry date at the city hall and all local branch offices. Please send us an email if you have any questions.





14 March 2011
Hirado is unharmed and safe to travel to:
On March 11 2011 an earthquake of magnitude 9 hit the northeastern part of Japan and was followed by a tsunami of over 10 meters high. Due to Hirado's location on the northwestern tip of Kyushu in the south of Japan, it has not experienced any direct natural effects of the disaster, so everyone is safe. Hirado has received a lot of messages from many people around the world expressing their concern. Thank you very much for your support!
If you are planning a trip to Hirado please be assured that everything is normal and that you will not experience any inconvenience due to the disaster. As always we are looking forward to welcome you here, especially in this trying period for our country. Please support our country by not cancelling your travels to safe areas of the country. Our thoughts are with our fellow citizens that have suffered so greatly in this disaster.





1 August 2010
1639 warehouse of Dutch Trading Post sheds shaffolding:
The warehouse of the Dutch Trading Post was originally built in 1639 and was said to be one of the first Western buildings in Japan. Over the last decade Hirado has worked to make a careful reconstruction of the original building and it will open in September 2011. It has shed its scaffolding and for the first time is now totally visible from the city and harbour.





1 April 2010
Toll free bridges:
Hirado Ôhashi Bridge and Ikitsuki Ôhashi bridge have become toll-free on April 1 2010. Why not use this opportunity to visit Hirado?





1 April 2010
Free entrance to 5 museums:
To celebrate that the bridges in Hirado have become toll-free, entrance to 5 museums will be free on every saturday, sunday and Japanese public holiday in April 2010:

Hirado Castle
Matsura Historical Museum
Hirado Christian Museum
Tabira Insect Park
Ikitsuki Island Museum `shima no yakata`

In addition free books of discount vouchers are available at the Tourist Information centre on the Exchange Plaza in Hirado Harbour! Discounts include: `onsen` entrance, accomodation, food, souvenirs, etc.!