Hirado Castle: Nagasaki's Seaside Fortress with Scenic Views

Nagasaki's Hirado Castle: A Beautiful Seaside Fortress

Photo provided by: Public Interest Incorporated Association, Hirado City Promotion Agency

Hirado Castle is located on Hirado Island in Nagasaki Prefecture. Completed in 1718, it served as the home of the ruling Matsura clan.

Although the original structure was abandoned and dismantled in 1873, the castle was faithfully reconstructed by Hirado City in 1962. Because it sits on the Kameoka hillside, it is also widely known as Kameoka Castle.

• Table of Contents
• Hirado Castle Highlights
• Operation Hours and Fees at Hirado Castle
• How to Get to Hirado Castle
• Seasonal Events in Hirado
• Places to Visit near Hirado Castle

Hirado Castle Highlights

Photo by Pixta

The highlight of Hirado Castle is the breathtaking view from its hilltop castle tower.

Surrounded by the ocean on three sides, the tower offers stunning vistas of the Kurokojima primeval forest across the water, the iconic Hirado Ohashi Bridge, and the charming cityscape below.

Inside, the tower houses a museum where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of Hirado Castle.

Operation Hours and Fees at Hirado Castle

Photo by Pixta

Admission Fees

Adults: 520 yen
High School Students: 310 yen
Elementary & Junior High Students: 200 yen

Hours of Operation

Open: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Last Entry: 5:00 PM

Closures

Year-End Closures: December 30 – 31

Official website: https://hirado-castle.jp/en/

*Note: Temporary closures may occur due to exceptional circumstances. Please check the official website to confirm before visiting.

How to Get to Hirado Castle

For international travelers, Fukuoka Airport is highly recommended due to its high volume of flights. Alternatively, you can fly into Nagasaki Airport, which is also located nearby.

Here is the step-by-step route to reach Hirado Castle from Fukuoka:

STEP 1: Fukuoka Airport → Hakata Station → Sasebo Station

It takes five minutes from the Fukuoka Airport Terminal Station to Hakata Station by subway.

At Hakata Station, take the Express Midori Train (bound for Sasebo Station) and head for Sasebo Station. The train ride will last approximately two hours and cost 3,360 yen for unreserved seats.

STEP 2: Sasebo Station → Tabira-Hiradoguchi Station

Head towards Tabira-Hiradoguchi Station using the Matsuura Railway (bound for Tabira-Hiradoguchi). The train ride will last approximately 90 minutes and cost 1,340 yen.

STEP 3: Tabira-Hiradoguchi Station → Hirado Castle

At Tabira-Hiradoguchi Station, take the Saihi Bus bound for Hirado Sambashi.

You can reach Hirado Castle in 10 minutes on foot if you get off at either Yukokan Bus Stop or the bus stop in front of the City Office.

Seasonal Events in Hirado

Photo provided by: Public Interest Incorporated Association, Hirado City Promotion Agency

Kameoka Park is home to approximately 1,000 cherry trees. Every year in late March, the park comes alive with visitors eager to witness the spectacular spring blooms.

The park also features a unique variety of cherry blossoms that bloom twice—once between October and January, and again in the spring.

Witnessing these rare, out-of-season blossoms is highly recommended for anyone visiting during the autumn or winter months!

Places to Visit near Hirado Castle

Kameoka Shrine

Photo provided by: Public Interest Incorporated Association, Hirado City Promotion Agency

Inside the areas of Hirado Castle and Kameoka Park is Kameoka Shrine, a site dedicated to the deified Lord Matsura. Today, the shrine is recognized as a Registered Cultural Asset of Japan.

Every year from October 24 to 27, the shrine hosts its vibrant autumn festival, known as Hirado Okunchi.

A major highlight of the festival is the Hirado Kagura (specifically the Daidaikagura), a series of 24 traditional Shinto dances performed to the evocative sounds of flutes and drums.

This captivating ritual has been designated by the national government as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Plum Pine Tree-lined Streets

Photo provided by: Public Interest Incorporated Association, Hirado City Promotion Agency

Inside Kameoka Park runs a striking path lined with Plum Pines (conifers). These magnificent, 400-year-old giants boast trunk circumferences exceeding 3 meters and have been designated as Natural Monuments of Nagasaki Prefecture.

Planted during the original construction of Hirado Castle, these ancient trees have stood watch over the city for centuries and remain deeply cherished by the people of Hirado.

Saiwai Bridge - The Holland Bridge

Photo provided by: Public Interest Incorporated Association, Hirado City Promotion Agency

Saiwai Bridge was originally constructed to connect Hirado Castle to the city's downtown district.

Built using stone-crafting techniques imported from the Netherlands, it is affectionately known as the Holland Bridge. Today, it is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and has become a staple of local sightseeing.

Beyond the castle and bridge, Hirado offers visitors a chance to explore stunning historic churches and shrines, or simply enjoy a charming stroll through the city streets. Why not plan a journey to this wonderful, historic destination?