Distance
75 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
600 m
Hirado Island Coast Loop.
An island loop off the far west of Nagasaki, from the red Hirado Ohashi bridge across the old castle town to the grassland ridge of Kawachi Pass, then over a second bridge to Ikitsuki Island and its wild basalt sunset coast. Hirado was Japan's first port open to Portuguese and Dutch traders.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance75 km
Days1
Total climb600 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
Hirado Ohashi BridgeStart · The red suspension bridge from the Kyushu mainland onto Hirado Island. Photogenic from the mainland side before you cross.
Hirado CastleScenic Point · The Matsura clan's hilltop castle over the old trading harbour, where Dutch and English factories stood in the 1600s. Sweeping view over the strait.
Kawachi PassScenic Point · A rolling ridge of open grassland with 360-degree sea views — burned off each spring to keep it treeless. The best road on the island.
Ikitsuki Ohashi BridgeScenic Point · A graceful blue truss bridge leaping to Ikitsuki Island, long a stronghold of the hidden Christians.
Shiodawara Cliffs — Sunset WayPhoto Spot · Columnar basalt cliffs on Ikitsuki's west coast, along the road locals call Sunset Way. Time it for late afternoon light on the sea.
Ikitsuki TownRestaurant · A tuna-fishing port. Fresh sashimi and Ikitsuki tuna rice bowls before doubling back over the bridges.
Hirado Castle TownEnd · End back in the castle town. Walk the old Dutch Wall and stone bridge before dark.
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