Between you and me, if I had to pick only one island in Japan to visit for the rest of my days, it would be Kyushu<\/strong><\/a>. It is an island with pristine nature, outstanding cuisine, vivid daily and cultural life, and a deep history tied to the first phase of Japan’s encounter with Western culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The historical Hirado Island holds a very important place in Japan’s history. The harbor of the island was one of the places where the Portuguese ships arrived in the 16th century, kicking off the first phase of interaction between Japanese and Western cultures. <\/p>\n\n\n
As a result, the highly intriguing and mystical island is one of those unique places in Japan where the traces of Western culture, such as churches, are as noticeable as traditional Japanese architecture and sites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this three-night, four-day tour, you will get the opportunity to encounter what makes this island a unique destination. While Hirado Island is connected to the mainland Kyushu by a suspension bridge, the tour starts with a boat trip, allowing visitors to appreciate the island’s topography from sea level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soon after arriving at the port, you will get on your bikes to explore Hirado town. The first stop is Hirado Castle, <\/strong>which offers panoramic views of the town. It was originally built right before the start of the Edo Period, although the current castle tower was restored in 1962. The first day includes stops at a mix of sites related to both Japanese and Western culture and history, from a museum dedicated to the ruling samurai clan of the island to churches located next to Buddhist temples.<\/p>\n\n\n
After a relatively easy first day, the second day will take you deep into the mountains. The hike to UNESCO Heritage Yasuman-dake<\/strong> offers a glimpse into a side of Japan that I greatly admire: how any outdoor experience also profoundly relates to the country’s culture. You will be greeted by stone steps leading up to the mountaintop, leading the way to a shrine frequently visited by locals. The mountain, seen as a sacred place by Shintoists, was also designated as such, although secretly, by the Hidden Christians of Japan<\/strong><\/a>, who had to practice their faith in secret during a period when Christianity was banned in the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the third day, prepare to be out on the sea on a fishing boat operated by locals! The breakfast will consist of freshly caught fish that you will (hopefully) catch. The marina outing will be followed by a relaxing biking trip on the neighboring Ikitsu Island<\/strong>, where you will ride on a road with dramatic cliffs on one side and the sea on the other. You will take a lunch break at Ohbae Lighthouse<\/strong>. The afternoon will involve more cycling, this time taking you through the island’s villages to observe the local island life. <\/p>\n\n\n
The remainder of the tour focuses more on culinary experiences with a night out in a local izakaya (Japanese pub) with locals, as well as trying your hand at making Hirado’s local specialty, casdoce<\/em> \u2013 a confection inspired by western cuisine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To arrange the tour, please contact the Hirado Tourism Association:<\/p>\n\n\n\n