Nagasaki

Japan's earliest port opened to foreign trade, where Dutch Slope, Glover Garden and the view from Mount Inasa – one of the 'New Three Major Night Views of the World' – come together in a harbour town blending Japanese, Western and Chinese influences.

Nagasaki sits at the northwestern tip of Kyushu, the city spreading in tiers up the hillsides on both sides of the long, narrow Nagasaki Bay. During Japan's period of national isolation it was the only port open to the Dutch and Chinese, and Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese and Japanese cultures mingled here, leaving behind Dejima, the Chinese quarter (Tōjin Yashiki), churches and Western-style residences; after the atomic bombing of 9 August 1945 it also became a city of peace. The sights fall roughly into three areas: in the south, the Western-style quarter (Ōura Cathedral, Glover Garden, Dutch Slope) adjoins Shinchi Chinatown and Dejima, all easily linked on foot; in the centre are Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge), the stone bridges over the Nakashima River and the temple district, including Sōfuku-ji; and to the north, the Urakami area is home to Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum. To the west, Mount Inasa offers night views, and boats leave the harbour for Hashima (Battleship Island); Huis Ten Bosch lies to the north in Sasebo and needs a separate day. The climate is warm and rainy; March–May and October–November are the most comfortable; the June–July rainy season and August–September typhoons can cancel Battleship Island cruises; winter brings the Nagasaki Lantern Festival (around Chinese New Year) and Huis Ten Bosch's illumination season. Getting there: from Hakata Station in Fukuoka, the Relay Kamome limited express plus the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to Nagasaki Station; buses from Nagasaki Airport to the city take about 45 minutes. In the city, trams are the main way to get around, with a flat fare per ride and one-day passes available, covering almost all the sights. Suggested stay: 2 days in Nagasaki city plus 1 day at Huis Ten Bosch. Note: Nagasaki is very hilly, so wear comfortable walking shoes; landing on Battleship Island depends on sea conditions, so schedule it early in your trip to allow for rebooking; please be respectful at the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. Local specialities include champon (a hearty noodle soup), sara udon (crispy noodles), castella sponge cake and Turkish rice (toruko rice).

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