Historical Hirado

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 Exhibits in the museum inside the warehouse present a collection of armor, paintings and historical documents that detail the Japanese-Dutch trade relations.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.