The site where Christian Gaspar Nishi Genka was martyred in 1609, located on Kurose Hill overlooking Nakae no shima between Hirado and Ikitsuki. The tomb facing the sea is called Gaspar-sama and is a revered place for Ikitsuki’s Hidden Christians. The cross-shaped “Kurose no Tsuji Martyrdom Monument” was erected by Catholics in 1991, and Mass is held every year around November 14th.      Gaspar Nishi Genka was the first martyr of Ikitsuki and the father of Thomas Rokuzaemon Nishi who was one of the 16 Saint of Nagasaki, dedicated in Nakamachi Church in Nagasaki.    

Kurose no Tsuji, martyrdom site of Gaspa…の続きを読む

  Stands on a hill guarding Hirado Port and the Hirado Strait, which used to be part of an important trade route between Japan and the Asian mainland. The original fortress was built in 1599 by the local Matsura Lord; however, he destroyed the structure after fighting the Tokugawa on the losing side of the Battle of Sekigahara as a gesture of loyalty to the victor. The Matsura Clan continued ruling Hirado for the next two and a half centuries.   A new castle, also known as Kameoka Castle was built on the site a hundred years later in 1718 as part of the coastal defences erected during Japan’s self imposed seclusion in the Edo Period. This structure stood for over 150 years, but eventually fell into disrepair and was dismantled during the Meiji Period.        

Hirado Castle…の続きを読む

  Yoakejaya, Japanese restaurant using local delicacies of the Ariake Sea. Yanagawa is facing to Ariake Sea where many fresh and unique fishes are caught. Yoakejaya is serving Japanese cuisine using local delicacies of Ariake Sea.       

Seafood restaurant in Yanagawa…の続きを読む