Hirado Castle

In 1599 (Keichō 4), Matsura Shigenobu, the 26th head of the Matsura clan, built Hinotake Castle, but he set fire to it himself in 1613 (Keichō 8). For the next 100 years or so, the clan was based at the mansion on the site of the present-day Matsura Historical Museum. The castle was later rebuilt by the 29th head, Shigenobu, and the 30th head, Takashi. In 1718 (Kyōhō 3), during the time of the 31st head, Matsura Atsunobu, Hirado Castle was designed with Yamaga Sokō and completed.

The present castle was reconstructed in 1962. Following extensive renovations during the Heisei era, it reopened in April 2021.

Hirado Castle’s main keep has three tiers and five floors. Floors 2 through 4 introduce the history of Hirado through digital art. Exhibits include panoramic videos on a large screen, illustrations of the Kanto-no-Tachi sword, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and items associated with the Nanban trade. Interactive attractions include the Stone Wall Puzzle, which lets visitors recreate the Ote Gomon gate using a model; Loophole Spying, where visitors can look through openings in the stone walls; and an interactive calligraphy experience using a digital screen. The observation area on the 5th floor overlooks Hirado Strait. The floor also features a variety of hands-on attractions, including Be the Lord of Hirado, where visitors can take a commemorative photo with the main keep in the background.