Matsura Historical Museum

What to know

Perched on a hillside overlooking Hirado Port, the Matsura Historical Museum (松浦史料博物館) occupies the preserved former residence of the Matsura clan, which ruled Hirado from the 11th to the 19th century.

The residence has stood on these grounds since the Kamakura Period (1192–1333), serving both as a home and as the domain's administrative center until government functions moved to Hirado Castle. Rebuilt many times over the centuries, the current buildings date to 1893. They were donated to the prefecture in 1955 along with a large collection of family heirlooms.

This atmospheric complex now houses an excellent exhibition of those treasures, including grand samurai armor and weapons, impressive fusuma sliding doors, intricately designed lacquer boxes, and other household items. Throughout the wooden building's rooms and corridors, visitors can also see documents, maps, globes, ship drawings, and other artifacts related to the clan's dealings with international traders.

Guests can stroll through the gardens and visit the Kanuntei tea house, where they can relax with a matcha tea set for 1100 yen. The museum also has a pleasant cafe and gift shop in the main building.

The museum is a 5–10 minute walk uphill from the Hirado Bus Terminal.