As the first and only Port that opened up to foreigners back in 1571, Nagasaki has a central part in Japanese history. Nagasaki is a natural port with much history, and two locations included on the UNESCOs World Heritage List.
The Historical Nagasaki Port
Almost as far south as we can go in Japan, we find the port city of Nagasaki. The city is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and the geography of the area forms a natural port. The port has been an important part of the infrastructure of the area, and since olden times the area has been a very important harbor for trade with foreign countries and exchange of culture. Back in 1543 Nagasaki became the epicenter of historical events that would influence Japan. A Portuguese man by the name of Fernao Mendes Pinto came to Japan, and spurred events that expanded a new area for Nagasaki, which prior to this was just a small fishing village. Soon after Nagasaki started seeing an increase in traffic making its way to the area. Portuguese ships became a regular sight in the area. They brought trade from Europe, and even functioned as a middleman between Japan and other Asian countries, especially China. In the following years Nagasaki was heavily influenced by the Portuguese and the Dutch. Nagasaki is a well-known place, but it is perhaps best known as the site where the second atomic bomb was dropped during World War Two. The port has officially been around since 1571, and it is safe to say that the dropping of the bomb has had an effect on the city.
A Bustling Port
There are several fascinating things to see in Nagasaki, and people from all around the world come to visit. Quite a few make their way there by cruise ship. Many tourists eagerly disembark the cruise ready to venture out and experience all that Nagasaki has to offer. Every year around 250 cruise ships arrive at the port in Nagasaki city. It is a popular destination for people on cruise vacations. Many big cruise companies make the journey to Nagasaki throughout the year. These are massive ships. Ships that have restaurants, shopping malls, pools and several other types of activities available to the guests. Quantum of the Seas is one such cruise ship that often stops at the Nagasaki port. It has a total length of 1,141 ft(348 m). Another ship take comes by Nagasaki is Viking Orion, with a length of 744ft(227 m) it carries 930 guests. Having 250 massive cruise ships come into a port through the course of a year is amazing. This traffic helps solidify Nagasaki Port as one of the biggest and most busy ports in Japan.
World Heritage Sites
There are several fascinating things to see in Nagasaki, and people from all around the world come to visit. Quite a few make their way there by cruise ship. Many tourists eagerly disembark the cruise ready to venture out and experience all that Nagasaki has to offer. So, what is there to be seen in the area? One example is the Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region. There is a total of 12 sites spread around both Nagasaki Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture. Christianity was historically not well received in Japan, and there was a long period of official suppression. Back in 2007 the sites were proposed to be included as part of UNESCO World Heritage List. Churches and Christian Sites in Nagasaki officially made it in January 2018, and they were included on the World Heritage List. All in all, 13 of the 26 proposed sites made the list. One of the sites is the Bascilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan. A catholic church that was made in 1853, soon after Japan’s Seclusion Policy ended. In 1933 the building was given the honor of being designated as a National Treasure, and there are claims that it is the oldest church in Japan.
The Nagasaki Peace Park
On a low hill, slightly north of the epicenter of the atomic bomb, lies Nagasaki Peace Park. In the park there is a statue that stands 31.8 ft(9.7 m) tall. The stature is known as the Peace Statue. Created by the sculptor Seibou Kitamura, the statue is meant to symbolize the Nagasaki citizens’ hopes and wishes for peace. The right hand of the statue is raised to the heavens as a symbol of the threat of atomic weapons. The left hand of the statue is pointed horizontally to signify the wish for peace. Each year on August 9th, the day the bomb was dropped, there is a ceremony in the park. People gather in front of the statue, and they make a peace declaration to the people of the world.
Inasa Observatory
Nagasaki city is surrounded by mountains on three different sides. One of these mountains is Mount Inasa. Within the Inasa mountain range lies Mount Inasa Park. The park, designated as a natural park, is quite popular among the citizens of Nagasaki. Inquisitive visitors can make their way to the summit by ropeway. In the spring the natural park offers a gorgeous display of azaleas. Another notable feature is the glass dome that offers 360 degrees view of the surrounding area. The view of Nagasaki is, simply put, stunning. Mountains and coastlines are all on display for visitors to see. The bustling port, with cruise ships and tour boats, coupled with the Nagasaki mountain’s and the city itself are absolutely breathtaking. There is no view quite like it.
Local Cruises For The Visitors
Being a port city, there is a lot of activity in the area. Not just in term of luxury passenger cruise ships, but there is also quite a bit of local tours by boats in the area. 12mi (19km) from Nagasaki port is an island that goes by the name of Hashima. The cruise to the island is called Gunkanjima cruise. The name translates to “Battleship island”, a name that was given to it because of its resemblance to a battleship named “Tosa”. The island was closed for 40 years, and has only recently been opened up again. From departure to arrival in Nagasaki Port it takes 2.5 hours.
Another option is the Kujuku Island tour. The tour is a great way to experience the aquatic life, and there is even a chance of meeting dolphins. There are even seasonal events, for example the Oyster Festival.
Another option is the Kujuku Island tour. The tour is a great way to experience the aquatic life, and there is even a chance of meeting dolphins. There are even seasonal events, for example the Oyster Festival.
Information
The journey from Tokyo to Nagasaki is not very complicated. By airplane it should take you about 90 minutes. As always taking the shinkansen is also a viable option. You can get all the way to Hakata by Shinkansen, from Hakata to Nagasaki you must take the JR kagoshima line. This journey should in total take around 7 hours and 15 minutes.
Nagasaki Port Terminal Building
17-3 Motofunamachi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki-ken 850-0035
Nagasaki Port Terminal Building
17-3 Motofunamachi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki-ken 850-0035
