Hirado Castle

Hirado Castle (Hirado-jo) was the seat of the Matsura clan, the daimyo of Hirado Domain, of Hizen Province, Kyushu. It is located in present-day Hirado city Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.

Hirado Castle was built on top of a small, rounded mountainous peninsula facing Hirado Bay, surrounded on three sides by water.

The present Hirado Castle was constructed in 1704 by order of the 4th daimyo of Hirado domain, Matsura Takashi with the assistance of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Kameoka Park map. Kameoka Park is a huge park, which extends around Hirado Castle and Kameoka Shrine. It is known for its cherry blossoms.

Kitakoguchi Gate. The castle was abandoned in 1871 and only the Kitakoguchi Gate and Tanuki Tower are original surviving structures.

Hirado Castle Keep. In 1962, four yagura, the ramparts, and the keep were reconstructed. The modern keep is a five-story steel-reinforced concrete structure and contains a museum with artifacts of the Matsura clan.

Samurai armor. Samurai armor that is on display inside the keep.

Panoramic view from the top of the keep. Hirado Castle is surrounded on three sides by water.

Okimi Tower (left) and Kenso Tower (right).

See also

• Ikitsuki Island Museum
• Cruz Nooka Park
• St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church
• Tabira Church
• Shitsu Church
• Karematsu Shrine
• Oura Cathedral

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Source

• Hirado Castle - Wikipedia

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Location