Hirado, Nagasaki

Hirado
平戸市
View of Hirado port from the castle
Interactive map of Hirado
Hirado
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 33°22′05″N 129°33′13″E / 33.36806°N 129.55361°E / 33.36806; 129.55361
CountryJapan
RegionKyushu
PrefectureNagasaki
Government
 • MayorNaruhiko Kuroda (since October 2009)
Area
 • Total
235.12 km2 (90.78 sq mi)
Population
 (June 1, 2024)
 • Total
28,172
 • Density119.82/km2 (310.33/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+09:00 (JST)
City hall address1508-3 Iwanoue, Hirado-shi, Nagasaki-ken 859-5192
ClimateCfa
WebsiteOfficial website
Symbols
FlowerHirado Rhododendron
TreePodocarpaceae

Hirado (平戸市, Hirado-shi) is a city located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 June 2024, the city had an estimated population of 28,172, and a population density of 120 people per km2. The total area of the city is 235.12 km2 (90.78 sq mi).

Historically, Hirado has been an important port city and a gateway for foreign trade between Japan and Europe, especially during the 16th–17th centuries. Its rich history blends samurai culture, foreign influence, and maritime trade. Today, Hirado is also recognized for its role in Japan's early international connections, as part of the broader UNESCO World Heritage Sites related to Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.