The lovely island of Hirado is located in the northwestern prefecture of Japan, forming part of Nagasaki. Hirado may be a separate island, but it's connected to the main Japanese island of Kyushu by a bridge and is easily accessible from Fukuoka, Sasebo, and Nagasaki.
Although Hirado is off-the-beaten-path today, it was once part of a successful international trade route that made it a hub of exciting activity. This little island was chosen as a trading hub because it was the closest point between Japan and mainland Asia. So, during the early Edo Period, Hirado served as a trading post for the famous historic Dutch East India Company.
With such a wide variety of international influences throughout the centuries, it's no wonder that Hirado has such unique culinary delights. There are also many interesting attractions on the island of Hirado, such as Hirado Castle, Matsura Museum, and the Dutch Trading Post. Since Hirado is surrounded by the sea, you can expect plenty of fresh seafood and tasty sushi as well as other dishes such as "Hirado Wagyu" beef, Hirado Champon noodles, and the historical Hirado sweets. The local dishes in Hirado are a treat for visitors, which means you should definitely add this island to your Japan itinerary, especially if you're a foodie.
Most local cuisine in Hirado and the Nagasaki Prefecture, in general, was developed during the Edo Period, when the region was an international trading port. There is a wide mix of cultural influences that are all reflected in the local dishes. This guide will help you to discover the favorite local dishes that you must taste while in Hirado.
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