Excursion Historic hirado and walking discovery tour at Sasebo

Explore the history and landmarks of historic Hirado during this half-day sightseeing excursion.

Hirado Castle

Depart from the pier for an approximately 75-minute drive to Hirado Castle, originally constructed in 1707 by the Matsuura clan. Perched atop a rounded hill overlooking the sea, the castle’s five-storied donjon offers striking views of Hirado’s coastline and surrounding islands. Inside, curated exhibits reveal the castle’s strategic significance, architectural evolution, and samurai history. Reconstructed in 1962, the donjon stands today as a proud symbol of Hirado’s feudal past. Please note that the castle visit requires negotiating approximately 150 steps.

Hirado Dutch Trading Post

After your visit, take a brief transfer to the Hirado bus parking area, where you will begin a 10-minute walk to the historic Hirado Dutch Trading Post. Established in 1609 as the base of operations for the Dutch East India Company, this faithfully reconstructed 1639 warehouse beautifully reflects early European-Japanese architectural fusion. The structure features interlocking stone blocks, exposed timber beams, and a traditional Japanese-tile roof. Inside, exhibits highlight Hirado’s role as a vital point of global maritime trade during the 17th century. Photography and videography are not permitted inside the building. After your guided exploration, return by foot to the coach.

The tour ends with approximately 70-minute drive back to the ship.

Note

Please Note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking of approximately 1 mile (1.7 km) and about 150 steps, including extended paved paths, uneven surfaces at times, and stairways within Hirado Castle. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility, and no elevators are available at the castle or Dutch Trading Post. Guests should be prepared for moderate uphill and downhill walking and for entering/exiting the coach without assistance. Photography is allowed outdoors, but photography and videography are prohibited inside the Dutch Trading Post. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat closed-toe walking shoes, and sun protection are strongly recommended. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility.