Peter en Carina's Reisblog: 'Dutch Day' - Hirado - Nagasaki

Japanese lady in Dutch costume at the rebuilt Dutch Trading place in Hirado

Monday, 8 May 2017: a 'Dutch Day'

We started with a real Japanese breakfast, our first this holiday, at the vintage Kishotei hotel in Hirado. Mmm, that's nicely said, coz the hotel looks very outdated and rather old and sad, with hardly any visitors. After a bad night sleep, with mosquitoes torturing us, and a quilt that was far too hot, we were both exhausted. Phew, travelling is hard work sometimes.

the lobby of the enormous hotel was the only place with WIFI

nice, traditional Japanese breakfast at the hotel

Starting our 'Dutch Day' in Hirado with exploring the village and the Dutch remnants here.
There used to be a Dutch Trade Post in Hirado for 33 years from 1605-1639. With Christianity coming up, the Shogun decided that all foreigners had to leave. However, an exception was made for the Dutch; they were allowed to rebuild their trade post in Decima, Nagasaki.
It's strange to walk around here far away from home and see Dutch old books, paintings, furniture and more.
A Japanese woman in a Dutch costume, wooden shoes, postcards with greetings from Noordwijkerhout and even T-shirts with the text 'Groeten uit Noordwijkerhout'. Mmm, guess somebody from this village, which by the way is very close to our home, must have been visiting lately.

Zondag is the name of one of the first Dutch vessels to arrive at Hirado

the rebuilt Dutch Trade post in Hirado

inside the Dutch Trade post in Hirado

A visit to the ceramic wholesale in Arita is a must as this area is famous for its ceramics. Sooo many ceramic shops in one street with so many great goodies.
After visiting almost all we opted for 2 mugs (for either coffee or tea) from an artist. Loved all the different mugs, however, we had to choose both one. On the picture more impressive works, among them the super bowls, of this artist.

the artist

'Huis Ten Bosch'; strange to see a sign like this here in Japan...

Next stop was a surprise visit to another 'Dutch spot' the Port of Hoorn, which we passed on the way to Nagasaki.
A copy of the harbour of Hoorn, the city hall, the central square and several Dutch houses. It was very quiet when we visited, although there was a lot of staff present. When asking the shop attendant she told us that around 16.30 hrs buss loads of Chinese tourists were expected, who plunder the drug store for toiletries. Strange world it is.

Scheepsjongens van Bontekoe

Moving on to our next home; the Forza hotel, in Nagasaki, where we will be staying for 4 nights. Lovely hotel, very modern, with Ipad, lots of sockets and a good shower. AND above all a kind, very well English speaking, lady at the counter.

view from the car

street where our hotel is situated

We asked her what were good restaurants in the neighbourhood and she gave us several.
Wow, the one we visited was the best food of the holiday we had until now. Superb! Of course we had a good sake to accompany the food.
Another lovely day has come to an end.