History of Hirado Port and the Matsura Clan
Hirado city in the north of Nagasaki Prefecture has long been located at a crossroad of important shipping routes that were used for trading with foreign countries. It has a long history of being open to foreign cultural influences which you can still feel to this day, especially around the old port.
Statue of the Matsura clan
Matsura Historical Museum
Based in the Hirado area, the Matsura clan grew in power from the Heian period (794-1185) and eventually they became the rulers of the Hirado domain.
The Matsura clan took advantage of the strategic geographical position to gain power through overseas trade, and used Hirado as a power base to build a solid position in the wider region.
Since the Matsura clan has been based in Hirado since ancient times and ruled the land for hundreds of years, there are many valuable cultural assets around Hirado port that tell the long history of the Matsura clan.
Matsura clan’s castle, towering above the Hirado Strait.
Hirado Castle
Hirado Castle was designed in accordance with the Yamaga School of Military Science founded by Yamaga Sokō. It is one of the rare examples of a castle that follows the principles of this school.
Hirado Castle from across the harbor
The main keep of the castle towering out above the peninsula is a must-see landmark of Hirado City.
The current main keep of the castle was built in 1962 and inside the castle interactive exhibits tell the history of the Hirado domain.
Within the castle grounds you will find Kameoka Shrine, which is dedicated to the lords of the Hirado domain.
The autumn festival held every year at Kameoka shrine from October 24 to October 27 is known as Hirado Kunchi. During the festival the famous Hirado Kagura dances are performed, an important event which can only be seen here at the Kameoka Shrine once a year.
Kameoka Shrine
Kameoka Park
The area around Hirado Castle is known as "Kameoka Park". The sight of seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and azaleas in full bloom is magnificent!br> The rows of ancient maki trees along the stone walls are also a sight to behold.
Kameoka Park
The park around the castle is the perfect spot to take a leisurely stroll while imaging the history of Hirado castle and its feudal lords who resided and trained here.
Hirado Castle
Katsuodake Hill
The Matsura clan has had several castles during its long history of ruling Hirado, all of which were built in the vicinity of Hirado Port.
In the early 1200s, they built their castle at Tateyama Hill, not far from Hirado Port. This hill is just behind the current Matsura Historical Museum.
In the Muromachi Period (1336-1465) and the Warring States Period (1467-1573), a new castle was called Byakosan Castle, which was located on Katsuodake Hill, where it’s ruins remain today.
Enjoy the Lord’s private garden during special openings
Seika’en Garden
In the castle grounds of Hirado Castle, the Matsura family's villa Seika’en still remains.
It was created by the 10th lord of the Hirado domain, Hiromu Matsura, in order to relax between his political duties by composing waka poems and admiring the scenery.
From the garden there are two staircases that lead up to Hirado castle. They were used by the lord for quick access to his castle.
Seika’en Garden
The garden was designed to look beautiful in each season, and it is apparent that the lord enjoyed the changing beauty of nature.
The garden is usually closed to the public, but it is opened on special occasions. That makes it even more special to get the rare opportunity to enjoy this splendid garden where the lord spent time away from his chores to relax in peace.
Seika’en Garden
Gaze at art and history in the last lord’s residence
Exterior (courtesy of the Matsura Historical Museum)
On the opposite side of Hirado Port you can find the Matsura Historical Museum, which was built as the residence of the last lord of the Hirado domain: Akira Matsura.
The former house of Matsura family is designated as one of Nagasaki prefecture’s important historical buildings.
It houses an incredible amount of valuable art and historical documents related to the Matsura family and the history of Hirado and is another must-see visit.
Sensaikaku Hall (courtesy of the Matsura Historical Museum)
It houses an incredible amount of valuable art and historical documents related to the Matsura family and the history of Hirado and is another must-see visit.
In the lovely garden of the museum you can find the tea house Kanuntei where you can enjoy matcha tea and local sweets.
In this historic tea house you can enjoy two specific types of traditional Hirado sweets. Ubatama is a sweet that was reproduced from recipes found in the ancient “book of 100 sweets” handed down in the Matsura family archives. The other sweet is Casdoce, one of the most famous traditional confectionary of Hirado that was introduced in Hirado by the Portuguese over four centuries ago.
Matsura Historical Museum
Oheya-no-zaka Slope
On the east side of the Matsura Historical Museum, there is a stone-paved path called "Oheya-no-zaka Slope" where the residences of the ladies-in-waiting were located. You can imagine them passing by in elaborate kimono’s.
Oheya-no-saka Garden
It may be a good idea to take a relaxing break at the quaint Oheya-no-zaka Garden while thinking about the love escapades of the lords in forgone days.
Walking the old streets of Hirado
Hirado’s Streetscape
As you walk down from the Matsura Historical Museum towards the harbour, you will see a lovely street lined with old wooden houses.
Hirado’s Streetscape
If you walk along this nostalgic street, you will surely be able to find some good spots to take nice selfie’s or other Instagram worthy pictures!
Footbath
You can also find a hot footbath!
After strolling through the cute streets, why not take a break and rest your feet for bit here?
Streetscape
Matsura Historical Museum
The Matsura clan has ruled Hirado port since ancient times, making the most of it’s strategic geographical location and special characteristics.
Why not go for a stroll around Hirado port, discovering the carefully preserved traces of their long history on this beautiful island?