Historical sights of overseas trade relations

Hirado`s most successful period as a flourishing trading port started in 1550 with the arrival of the first Portuguese ship. During the 90 year period until 1641, when the Tokugawa Shogunate limited foreign trade locations to Dejima in Nagasaki City, it established close ties with various European countries, such as Portugal, England and the Netherlands, as well as Asian countries. Through trade, Lord Takanobu Matsura, whose clan had not been very powerful before, gained strength and became known as a strong warring lord. In this period Hirado was known as Firando among the western visitors. Reminders of the trade with overseas countries can still be found throughout the city and create a special atmosphere.

The Dutch Trading Post

Before it was ordered to be moved to Dejima in Nagasaki City, the Dutch Trading Post was located here in Hirado. In the 1980's the first plans for reconstruction were made, and this resulted in a multi-billion yen project to restore the 1639 warehouse, which is said to be one of the first western style buildings in Japan. Currently, careful reconstruction of this building is well underway and will open on September 20, 2011.
Click here to go to the homepage of The Dutch Trading Post in Hirado

The Dutch Bridge

Saiwai-bashi Bridge or Dutch Bridge

This bridge was built as the main bridge between the castle grounds and the town. It was build by the 30th Lord Takashi Matsura who ordered a stone bridge to be built instead of the wooden bridges that had been usual up till then. Another name for this bridge is the Dutch Bridge because it used building techniques that were introduced by the Dutch. The bridge is designated as an Important Cultural Asset by the government.
The Dutch Wall

The Dutch Wall

The Dutch Wall is part of the remains of the Dutch Trading Post. The wall is an accumulation of sandstone and basalt that was smeared with a cement of seashells and lime. The cement was the first of its kind used in Japan. It was built behind the Dutch Trading Post in the early decades of the 17th century with a height of 2 metres and a total length of about 30 metres.

The Dutch Wharf

The Dutch Wharf

The Dutch Wharf is part of the remains of the Dutch Trading Post. Here, the trading goods were loaded on and off the boats. To be able to use the wharf with low tide as well as high tide, it was built as a staircase.

William Adams' grave

The Gravesite of William Adams

The first English citizen to arrive in Japan, Anjin Miura (Williams Adams' Japanese name) became a diplomatic advisor for the Tokugawa Shogunate. He also contributed to the trade between Hirado and England and the Netherlands. Every year in May a commemoration service is held in his honour.

Tei Seiko Mausoleum Zheng Chenggong Mausoleum

Right behind Kawachi Village is a small hill on which the little Maruyama Park is located. Here one can find the mausoleum of Zheng Chenggong. Inside there's a statue of him and every year on July 14 the Tei Seiko Festival is being held at this spot.
For more information click here

Zheng Chenggong Birthstone

According to legend, Matsu Tagawa went to collect clams at Senrigahama Beach when suddenly, with no time left to make it home, she went into labour at this stone, which was in the shade of a tree at the time. The child she bore here became the famous Zheng Chenggong.
For more information click here



Topmenu