Hirado Castle

Castle / Ruins of Castle

4.0

This was the residential castle of the Matsura clan, the feudal lords of the Hirado Domain. The fortification technology at the time incorporated the unusual Yamagaryu (Yamaga school) style. Construction originally began in 1599 as “Hi-no-Takejo” but as it neared completion in 1613, it fell under suspicion from Tokugawa Ieyasu due to the deep friendship the clan had with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, so the clan head Shigenobu burned down the castle himself. The clan lived in the palace that was on the site for about 90 years, and reconstruction of Hirado Castle began in 1704 and was completed in 1718. The view of the Port of Hirado looking down from the castle keep is outstanding, and visitors can obtain a view that includes the virgin forest of Kuroko Island (a Natural Monument) and the Hirado Ohashi Bridge.

Spot details

Address: Nagasaki Pref. Hiradoshi Iwanouechou 1458 Map
Area: Hirado Area
Phone: 0950222201
Hours: 8:30-17:00
[Apr.- Sep.]8:30-18:00
Closed: 12/30-31
Fees: [Adult]520yen
[High school student]310yen
[Elementary and junior high school students]200yen
Parking Lot: Available(50spaces)
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Available (Outdoor)
Wi-Fi: Available
Note: 2021 4Monday1Sunday Reopening
Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day: Yes
Estimated stay time: 30-60 minutes
Infant friendly: Available
Pet friendly: Available

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Articles about this spot

Review

Small castle but lots of history

Reviewed : 2022.12.07

This is a smallish castle but with plenty of history. Its a short climb from central Hirado and easily accessible. The main keep has all the displays. Given Hirados history with foreign traders I...
A GREAT 1/2 day trip

Reviewed : 2021.10.24

A GREAT way to spend a 1/2 day in just an amazing place in southern Japan. Come enjoy the beauty, and history of a castle so deep in history. Hairdo is also the birth place of christianity in...
Closed for renovation

Reviewed : 2021.02.24

Hirado Castle stands on the top of Kameoka, where Kameoka shrine is also located. Although it is a reconstruction, it is known as a beautiful castle. Unfortunately, the castle was closed for...