This little museum has a lot of history about it, and I’m not just talking about the items exhibited within. What has been known as the Matsuura Historical Museum since 1955 is also known as 旧松浦藩主旧邸 (Kyū Matsuura Hanshu kyūtei). Not exactly a term you’d come across too often, and why would you? It means (The) former feudal lord of the Matsuura domain’s former residence, and there’s probably only one of them.

The former domain of Hirado, formerly located at the north-western corner of former Hizen province, was a modest yet notable one. It was once home to Japan’s first European foreign trading posts steered by the likes of Jacques Specx & William Adams.

The buildings that currently occupy the site were built in 1893, but these were not the first. Rather disappointingly, I’m unable to determine exactly when the site was established. What I can confirm is that the site was in use by the Matsuura clan before the move to Hirado castle, which can be seen on the hill, across the bay in the above photo.

One point I’d like to make, and it comes courtesy Hoikusha-published, Japanese Castles by Michio Fujioka, is that the Matsuura mansion was built in the defensively-strong position at the foot of a mountain; one of the two favoured positions of the earliest castles. The other being at the mountain’s peak. Both of these positions would become less and less popular, but that story is for another time.

As I said, the buildings date from 1893, and there is a real charm about them. The main building is the Chitose Kaku (千歳閣) and houses over 150 fascinating items relating to the Matsuura clan. There’s armour and other items of clothing, there are also many items dating from early European trade.

Another building of note is the Kanun Tei (閑雲亭). It’s a largish tea house and was originally built along with the others in 1893. There is a twist though. A typhoon struck in 1987 which levelled the structure. It was rebuilt soon after, and they say with the original materials. (cough, co.. bullshit!)

The Matsuura Historical Museum and both the city & island of Hirado have so much to offer tourists. So, if you find yourself in Nagasaki, take a bus or a train up North. It’s well worth it.