Hirado Castle

Hirado Castle (平戸城, Hiradojō), perched on a hill overlooking Hirado Port and the Hirado Strait, once protected an essential trade route between Japan and Asia. Built in 1599 by the Matsura clan, the original fortress was dismantled after the Battle of Sekigahara. In 1718, the current castle was constructed as part of Japan's coastal defenses during the isolation period. While the original structures fell into disrepair during the Meiji Era, the castle was reconstructed in the 1960s, with the Kitakoguchi-mon Gate and Tanuki Yagura watchtower still preserved.

Inside the castle keep, visitors can explore artifacts from the Matsura Clan, feudal Japan, and early foreign trade, including rare weapons and Christian relics. The top floor observation deck offers panoramic views of Hirado. The surrounding grounds now serve as a serene public park with shrines and walking trails, making it a perfect blend of history and nature.