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Hirado Castle

(Source : )
Hirado Castle overlooks Hirado Port and stands on a hill sticking out into the Hirado Seto sea, and its construction is believed to have started in 1704 and completed around 1707. The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1962 and has a beautiful view, which includes Hirado city, Hirado port, Hirado Ohashi bridge and even the lush forest on Kuroko Island in the far, which is a registered natural monument. The ninomaru (secondary area around castle) is used for Kameoka Shrine and Kameoka Park, which makes a perfect route for a walk.

Great Views from the Castle Tower!

Hirado Castle is the symbol of Hirado and has stunning views from its castle tower! Hirado Ohashi bridge with its vivid red paint and the lush forest on Kuroko Island, a natural monument, can be seen from here. The view of the ocean and Hirado Bay underneath is absolutely amazing. The sea breeze blowing through is also refreshing.

Valuable Historic and Cultural References

In the inside of the castle tower, there are many cultural properties and historic items displayed, such as the sword Kanto-no-Tachi, believed to be from the 3rd century and registered as an important cultural property, as well as references related to the trade within Asia. The items are all of great historic significance.

Remains of Ishizama (Embrasure)

Also not to be missed are the ishizama (embrasure) that still remain in their original form of when the castle was first constructed. An ishizama is a hole built into the stone fort in order to attack the enemy with arrows and guns. The holes are usually made into regular walls and called sama, so it is rare that they are part of a stone fort at Hirado Castle.

Address
1458 Iwanouecho, Hirado-shi, Nagasaki
Contact No.
+81-950-22-2201
+81-950-22-2201
Access
From JR Sasebo Station, take bus towards Hirado Zambashi and get off at last stop. Change to bus going towards Sasebo, get off at City Hall (Shiyakusho) and walk 10 min.
Opening Hours / Holidays
8:30-17:30
Time Required

Great Views from the Castle Tower!

Hirado Castle is the symbol of Hirado and has stunning views from its castle tower! Hirado Ohashi bridge with its vivid red paint and the lush forest on Kuroko Island, a natural monument, can be seen from here. The view of the ocean and Hirado Bay underneath is absolutely amazing. The sea breeze blowing through is also refreshing.

Valuable Historic and Cultural References

In the inside of the castle tower, there are many cultural properties and historic items displayed, such as the sword Kanto-no-Tachi, believed to be from the 3rd century and registered as an important cultural property, as well as references related to the trade within Asia. The items are all of great historic significance.

Remains of Ishizama (Embrasure)

Also not to be missed are the ishizama (embrasure) that still remain in their original form of when the castle was first constructed. An ishizama is a hole built into the stone fort in order to attack the enemy with arrows and guns. The holes are usually made into regular walls and called sama, so it is rare that they are part of a stone fort at Hirado Castle.