Hirado - General Info
Description:
Historically known as Firando it is located in the Nagasaki Prefecture. With recent mergers, the city’s boundaries have expanded, and Hirado now occupies parts of the main island of Kyushu.
Early western traders were accompanied by Christian missionaries, and the religion gained a bit of a foothold in Hirado and across Nagasaki Prefecture. However, as the religion’s influence grew, the Tokugawa Shogunate responded by expelling missionaries and banning Christianity for more than two centuries. All Europeans were prohibited from entering the country, except for the Dutch, who were allowed to maintain a small trading post on Dejima Island off of Nagasaki City.
Japan ended its international isolation in 1868. Although Hirado never returned to its Golden Age, the Hidden Christians (slowly) came out of hiding and built many beautiful churches, including the inspiring Saint Francis Xavier Memorial Church, high on a hill overlooking Hirado Harbor and next to a Buddhist Temple, a sign of peaceful religious co-existence.
The (reconstructed) Dutch trading house is now a fascinating museum.
Hirado Castle, perched on the Harbor’s south side, welcomes visitors.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
Yachts heading to Hirado Harbor should time their arrival to arrive near slack water at Hirado Strait, where the current can reach six knots.
The Harbor itself is very well-protected, with steep, high hills on three sides and an island at the entrance. It’s a good typhoon hole.
Position:
33° 22″ 18′ N 129° 33″ 32′ E (harbor entrance)
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Related to following destinations: Hirado, Japan, Kyushu, Other Islands (Japan)
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