Delve into the fascinating history of Hirado, a now rather forgotten island that was once a thriving trade center thanks to its proximity to the Asian mainland. The Dutch East India Company set up a trading post there during the early 1600s, and you will see a replica of one of the warehouses from that time. Exhibits in the museum inside the warehouse present a collection of armor, paintings and historical documents that detail the Japanese-Dutch trade relations. Japan banned Christianity in the early Edo Period and the ban wasn’t lifted until the late 1800s.

You will visit two churches built shortly afterwards—St. Francis Xavier Memorial and the red-brick Romanesque-style Tabira Church. The latter is considered one of architect Tetsukawa Yosuke’s greatest masterpieces and the Japanese government has deemed it an official cultural asset. Time will also be allotted for you to enjoy the serenity of an urban park while pausing for photos.

Enjoy hours of free time in Huis Ten Bosch, a meticulously manicured theme park that is a re-creation of a quaint Dutch town. Named for the royal palace in the Hague, Huis Ten Bosch is a sincere homage to the Dutch, who opened a Dutch East India Company trading office nearby in the 17th century. While wandering about the canals, you may see a replica of the palace, clusters of windmills, fields of colorful tulips and every other imaginable Dutch icon. As you might expect, large areas of the park are devoted to shopping, entertainment and restaurants. New attractions and seasonal events are constantly being developed and contrasted with the traditional Dutch cityscape. Perhaps the best place to start your adventure is atop the Domtoren observation platform, which offers a sweeping view of this wonderfully bizarre theme park.