Hirado City Japan, Looking For Castle Lord And Lady

Have you ever fancied lording over your own castle, even for just a night? This may be your chance. Hirado City, Japan is looking for a castle lord and lady for a night, to stay in the famed Hirado Castle.

Japan daily Mainichi reported that the city launched its search on April 6 which the city called “castle day.” Named as one of the 100 Fine Castles in the country, it is also considered a national Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Hirado Castle: One Night Stay With Domestic Tickets

According to the report, the one-night stay is courtesy of Hyakusen Renma Inc. and it includes domestic plane tickets to Hirado City. The city, which maintains the castle, allowed its use for 24 hours free of charge. The winning couple will get to experience a day in the life of a Japanese lord and lady.

Hyakusen Renma’s President, Yasuhiro Kamiyama, also serves as an adviser to the Japan Tourism Agency. In order to boost local tourism, he presented the idea of allowing tourists to stay overnight in a castle. He shared this with municipal governments in the country and Hirado City responded first. The city wanted to share with the rest of the world what Hirado has to offer.

Hirado Castle: Details, How To Join

The winning couple will be treated to a tour of Hirado City and a tour of the castle itself. With 30 volunteers dressed as royal guards in full armor, the couple will be welcomed into the castle. A traditional lord’s dinner will be prepared, having the couple enjoy how to eat like a lord and lady 400 years ago.

The day will be capped with a good night’s rest at the castle tower. With the castle overlooking Hirado Bay, the couple will also get a chance to go net fishing with local fishermen the next morning. The stay is scheduled on May 20 to 21, 2017. International airfare is not included in the package.

Interested couples have to be 20 years old and above to join. They must have valid passports on the day of departure. To join, couples must submit a valid email address to the contest site on or before April 23. Winners will be announced on April 26.