Excursion Hirado historical walking tour tour at Sasebo

Photo stop Tabira Church

Beginning in 1886, Father Raguet and Father de Rotz had some Christians from places such as Kuroshima and Shitsu migrate to Tabira. Tabira Church was designed and constructed by Tetsukawa Yosuke, with considerable help from local Christians themselves. It was completed in 1918.

The church is made from brick, and has a multilayered roof with a bell tower at the front.

The interior has three isles, with an arcade, triforium, and clerestory nave. Tabira Church is one of many churches which bear witness to the speed and strength with which Catholicism was revived throughout the Nagasaki region after a long period of official suppression.

Walking Tour of Hirado.

The Dutch Trading Post was set up in Hirado in 1609 as the base of operations of the Dutch East India Company in Japan. The building seen today is a reconstruction of a warehouse which was originally constructed here in 1639. It is faithful to the original design, and exhibits the facility's original Dutch architecture of interlocking stone blocks supported by large, exposed wooden beams. The structure is capped by a Japanese-style tile roof, just like the original.

Hirado Castle

The Hirado Castle was built in 1707 by the daimyo Matsuura Takashi. The donjon was built on top of a small mountain. The castle supposedly had a structure heavily influenced by the Yamaga -ryu, whose school of war strategy was highly regarded. It fell into disrepair when the Samurai class ended in the latter -half of the 19th century. The present donjon was reconstructed in 1962. The beautiful, three -tiered, five-storied donjon was built as if overlooking the ocean, and a large amount of information relating to the castle is exhibited inside.

Following your visit, commence the one hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Historical Hirado, The Dutch Trading Post, Hirado Castle, Tabira Park, Hirado Bridge

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately one mile (about 1.7 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces and slopes, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 150 steps at the Hirado Castle. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Guests must remove their shoes before entering the Hirado Castle. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. The tour sequence may vary. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility.