Is Matsuura City Hall a tourist attraction?

No. Matsuura City Hall is an administrative building for local government operations. It is not a tourist site and contains no museums or exhibitions. Visitors can obtain tourist information and maps during business hours.

How do I get to Matsuura City Hall from major cities?

From Nagasaki or Fukuoka, travel first to Sasebo, the nearest major city located approximately 30 kilometers south of Matsuura. From Sasebo, take the Matsuura Railway local line, which reaches Matsuura in roughly one hour. Alternatively, drivers can use Route 204 along the coast. The journey from Fukuoka takes approximately two hours by car, while from Nagasaki it takes around 90 minutes depending on traffic and route.

Can I get tourist information at Matsuura City Hall?

Yes. The city hall provides tourist information, maps, and directions to local attractions including Takashima coal mining island, fishing ports, and Saikai National Park areas during regular business hours.

What attractions are near Matsuura City Hall?

The Matsuura area is known for its Ikeshima coal mine heritage, coastal fishing villages, and maritime history connected to the Matsuura clan who ruled the region for centuries. Visitors can explore the nearby Takashima island with its coal mining remains, enjoy fresh seafood at local markets, and experience the rugged coastline facing the Genkai Sea. The area also has historical connections to 16th-century Portuguese traders and offers access to parts of Saikai National Park.

Is there an admission fee for Matsuura City Hall?

No. Public areas are free to enter during business hours. Access is limited to designated public sections as it is a functioning government facility.

Matsuura City Hall

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Matsuura City Hall serves as the administrative center of Matsuura, a coastal city located in Nagasaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in western Japan. The building represents the civic heart of a municipality with a population of approximately 23,000 residents, overseeing an area that stretches across 130 square kilometers of rugged coastline and rural landscapes facing the Genkai Sea.

Matsuura's historical significance stems from its role as a castle town under the Matsuura clan, a powerful maritime family that controlled the region for centuries. The city developed as a port settlement with strong ties to fishing and trade, and this heritage continues to define the local economy and culture. While the city hall itself is a modern administrative building rather than a tourist attraction, it sits within a municipality known for its coal mining history at the Ikeshima coal mine, traditional fishing villages, and connections to early Portuguese traders who arrived in Japan during the 16th century.

Visitors traveling to Matsuura typically come to explore the city's coastal scenery, seafood markets, and historical sites rather than the city hall specifically. However, those conducting civic business or seeking tourist information can access services at the facility. The building serves as a practical starting point for understanding local governance and obtaining maps or guidance for exploring attractions such as the Takashima coal mining island, scenic fishing ports, and the surrounding Saikai National Park area.

The city hall is accessible via the Matsuura Railway, a local line that connects to Sasebo, the nearest major city approximately 30 kilometers to the south. From Sasebo, the journey takes roughly one hour by train. Visitors arriving by car can reach Matsuura via Route 204 along the coast. There is no admission fee to enter the public areas of city hall during regular business hours, though most tourists focus their time on the city's natural and historical attractions rather than administrative buildings.

What other travelers are saying about Matsuura City Hall

I had no income so I asked for advice about taxes, and I explained that I couldn't pay tens of thousands of yen a month, but they asked me how much I could pay, by what date, and told me what I wanted, and that they'd be in trouble if I didn't pay, which sounded like a debt collector and really pissed me off. They just keep taking taxes and don't listen to the voices of the struggling citizens. I'm in trouble and came to them for advice, but I'm not saying I won't pay, so I don't think they would say it like that. It's impossible that they ended up forgetting about it later. It's not that they forgot. It's happened a few times, right? You're getting paid more than others, so you should work responsibly and work hard.

いろは

Aug 12, 2025

Speaking of islands, the Cultural Tourism Division is in charge, but starting in April, there will be no buses to the port. I'd like the Matsuura City Bus (community bus) that used to be on Takashima to be transferred to the Cultural Tourism Division at the main office. Instead of the "Matsuura - Imari" route, I'd like to see a single route established: "Matsuura Station - Imabuku Port - Uranosaki Port (Fukushimaguchi Station)." (If city employees can't run the route, I'd like to see a Matsuura City taxi company or charter bus company help out.) I've visited Matsuura City's islands, including Takashima and Fukushima, and they're lovely.

丈択溜漓及

Jan 23, 2025

The quality of hometown tax donations is high. I ordered tiger prawns and was impressed by how fresh they were. The flavor was rich and I plan to order again next time. Also, when I called to make my hometown tax donation, the city hall staff member was very kind and taught me in detail about Matsuura City's specialties, making me want to visit.

I don't really want to say this because my parents work there, but it was a young woman in the My Number department. She didn't show me her name tag, so I don't know her name, but from start to finish, her face and demeanor were plastered with "this is a pain." I went with my mother, and even though my mother spoke to her politely and humbled, she mostly just spoke to me rudely. After she was done, even though I hadn't left my seat yet, she quickly put out a placard? or sign? saying to go to another counter, and she didn't even say "thank you." It was so bad I couldn't believe it was my parents' workplace.

しいなゆき

Dec 7, 2022

I made an inquiry to the Citizens' Life Division. I made my inquiry over the phone, but the woman who answered the phone was wonderful. She was very polite and helpful, even though it was a busy morning. I felt this was even more wonderful because the response I received from a neighboring city in the same prefecture was so terrible. This was probably due to the way the person in charge handled the situation, but... It made me want to visit Matsuura City. Thank you so much for your help!