Location of Matsuura

Matsuura is a city located in the northern area of Nagasaki Prefecture, formed by three sets of land: Takashima Island and Fukushima Island which are situated in Imari Bay, and the main land connected to Kyushu. On the west of Matsuura is Hirado City, and on the east is Imari City of Saga Prefecture. Both Nagasaki airport and Fukuoka airport are about 100 km away, and accessible within 2 hours by car. The entire city – scattered as islands and part of the main land of Kyushu – stimulates the natural qualities and people’s uniqueness to blend and merge, creating Matsuura City full of historic and natural allure.

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History of Matsuura

Long ago, the area was a significant water route that tied mainland Asia and Japan. Based on a Chinese historical account “Gishi Wajinden”, “the local people were skilled at diving to catch fish and clams”. From this account, we can assume that local people have consumed seafood in a lifestyle centered on the ocean, as it is still in continuation today. During the middle ages, a marine union “Matsura-to” was founded. Through trade and commerce with mainland Asia, the swift control of ships and military power has created many of Japan’s historical records. After the modern period, the area has prospered due to the coal mining industry, but recently due to energy reformation, all of the coal mines have now closed. Today, the city is centered around the fishing industry and the electric power business.

Characteristics of Matsuura.

Matsuura, known long as a city across waters, was a site of a bloody battle during the 2 ^nd Mongol invasion, and even today, the scars of the battle vividly remain.. Moreover, it is also well known as the land where “Matsura-to”, a democratic group of samurai by the council system was founded. Ample fishery has allowed fishery business as well as farming to prosper, and even today, you can have a glimpse of people living in the midst of nature. “Honnamon (Real) Hands-on Program” which tourists can experience the lifestyle of people in Matsuura is popular, and over 30 thousand people visit the city yearly.