List of all the Japanese historical sights in Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan

Traditional and Historical Hirado

Hirado Castle gave protection to the town below so many merchants set up their shops along the harbour while the samurai built their mansions uptown on the lower slopes of the surrounding hills. This gave the city a special layout that can still be seen today. In addition, many temples and shrines that have a strong connection with the Matsura clan are dotted around town.
By walking around the temples, shrines and enjoying the old traditional houses that remain today, one can still feel the charm of the castle town Hirado. In addition, a visit to Konoura village on Oshima Island will certainly impress anyone as an authentic reminder of traditional Japan.

	Hirado Castle Dominating the hill that rises above the town and the harbour, Hirado Castle, also known as Kameoka Castle, looks out over the surrounding blue sea. From the top of the main donjon one can admire the view of the harbour and the primeval forest of little Kurokojima island. On a good day one can see as far as Iki island. Inside the buildings many items and artifacts from feudal times are on display, so whether you want to obtain a panoramic view of the city or visit the exhibits about Hirado in feudal times, Hirado Castle is a place not to miss. For more information click here

	Matsura Historical Museum This old Matsura clan residence is a place not to miss. Located on the hillside, the Matsura Historical Museum rises above Hirado city centre and dominates the Sakigata neighbourhood. This is the site where the old administrative centre of the feudal reign by the Matsura clan, as well as the clan’s old residence, was located before it was moved to Hirado Castle. After the abandonment of the feudal system in Japan during the Meiji restoration, the current buildings were built in 1893 by the Matsura clan to serve as their residence. For more information click here

	Kan-un-tei Tea Ceremony House About 300 years ago 29th Lord Shigenobu Matsura or Tenshô Chinshin, the feudal lord at that time, started a new school of tea ceremony, the Chinshin style tea ceremony. In 1893, the 37th lord Matsura had the Kan-un-tei Tea Ceremony House built here using natural materials. For over a hundred year it stood here in the grounds of the Matsura clan's residence until it was destroyed by a typhoon in 1987. It was rebuilt using the same techniques and materials as the original building. When you visit you can enjoy a cup of tea with a traditional sweet. For more information click here

	Umegayatsu Kairakuen Mansion This one storied Japanese style villa was built as a country house over 190 years ago, in 1816, by the 35th lord of the Matsura clan, Kanchû Hiromu. It is commonly known as Ume-yashiki or the Plum Tree Residence as there are many plum trees in the gardens. In old times there used to be an extensive ground to play the traditional Japanese ball kicking game (Kemari). Nowadays, various art objects are displayed inside the villa. From the grounds one also has a superb view of the surrounding sea. For more information click here

	Konoura’s Traditional Streetscape In Konoura village on Oshima Island you can still find the old wooden townhouses lining up next to each other creating a special atmosphere that is reminiscent of an old traditional Japan. Considering this old and original traditional streetscape is rarely seen these days, it has attracted more and more attention in recent years. On the hills directly behind the harbour and the surrounding streets one can find quite a few shrines and temples that can be accessed by the steep stone steps leading up the hills. Konoura is one of those places where you can really enjoy the charm of Hirado.