Nagasaki
< Nagasaki >
Nagasaki is a city in southern Japan that was destroyed by an atomic bomb on August 9, 1945, during World War II. The bomb, dropped by the United States, killed an estimated 70,000 people, many of whom were civilians.
The bombing of Nagasaki, along with the bombing of Hiroshima three days earlier, remains the only use of nuclear weapons in war to date. The bombings are widely considered to have played a role in Japan's decision to surrender, and have had a lasting impact on the world's view of the use of nuclear weapons.
Nagasaki Travel
< Nagasaki Travel >
Nagasaki is a popular tourist destination, known for its history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can learn about the city's past at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, which documents the events of August 9, 1945, and the effects of the bombing on the city and its people. The Nagasaki Peace Park is another popular destination for those interested in the city's history, and features monuments and sculptures dedicated to peace and the victims of the atomic bombing.
In addition to its historical sites, Nagasaki also offers a variety of other attractions for visitors. The city is known for its beautiful bay area and scenic views from Mt. Inasa. The Glover Garden is a popular tourist spot, and features a collection of Western-style houses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Nagasaki was an important port city.
The city's Chinese and Dutch quarters are also popular destinations, offering a glimpse into Nagasaki's diverse cultural heritage.
Nagasaki is also a great place to try local cuisine, such as Nagasaki Champon, a spicy noodle dish, and Sara udon, a type of thick wheat noodle.
< Glover Garden >
The Glover Garden is a popular tourist spot in Nagasaki, Japan. It is a collection of Western-style houses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Nagasaki was an important port city. The garden is named after Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish trader who played an important role in the modernization of Japan during the Meiji period.
The garden features several buildings, including Glover's own residence, which is now a museum showcasing the lifestyle of the Western merchants who lived in Nagasaki during the late 19th century.
Visitors can also see other Western-style houses, such as the former residence of Frederick Starr, an American educator and author, and the Former Takashima Residence, which was the residence of a wealthy merchant.
The garden also offers scenic views of the city and the Nagasaki Bay. Visitors can also enjoy the beauty of the garden's flowers and greenery, which change with the seasons.
< Dejima >
Dejima was a man-made island located in Nagasaki Harbor, Japan. It was the only place where foreigners were allowed to live and trade with Japan during the period of Japanese isolation from 1641 to 1853. During this time, Japan closed its borders to foreigners, except for a small number of Dutch traders who were confined to Dejima.
Dejima was built by the Japanese government as a way to control and monitor foreign trade and interactions with foreigners. The island was designed as a small, self-contained community, with warehouses, houses, and other buildings for the Dutch traders. The Dutch were not allowed to leave the island or to bring Japanese people onto it.
Dejima played an important role in the history of Nagasaki and Japan. It was the only place where foreigners could interact with the Japanese, and it served as a window to the outside world for the Japanese. Many Japanese scholars, artists, and officials visited Dejima to learn about foreign cultures, science and technology.
Today, Dejima is an open-air museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Dutch traders in Japan and allows visitors to experience what life was like on the island during the period of isolation. The remains of the island were restored and reconstructed, such as the warehouses, houses, and other buildings.
< Nagasaki Dejima Wharf >
Nagasaki Dejima Wharf is a historical site in Nagasaki, Japan. It was the main point of entry for foreigners to Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868), when Japan was under strict isolationist policies. The Dutch were the only foreigners allowed to enter Japan during this time, and they were confined to the small artificial island of Dejima in Nagasaki harbor.
The wharf was used for the loading and unloading of goods and people between the Dutch traders and the Japanese. Today, the area has been restored and is open to visitors as a historical attraction.
< Oura Catholic Church >
The Oura Catholic Church, also known as the Oura Church, is a historic church located in Nagasaki, Japan. It is the oldest standing Western-style building in Japan and is considered an important cultural heritage site.
The church was built in 1864 by French missionary, Bernard Petitjean, to serve the small community of foreign traders and their families living in Nagasaki.
The church was designed in the Gothic Revival style, with a mix of European and Japanese architectural elements. It features a tall steeple, stained-glass windows, and a bell tower. The interior of the church also features an altar, statues and paintings that were brought from France.
The Oura Catholic Church is an important symbol of Christianity in Japan, and it has a special significance for Catholics in the country. The church has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan, and it is open to visitors.
< Shinchi Chinatown >
Shinchi Chinatown, also known as Nagasaki Chinatown, is a neighborhood located in Nagasaki, Japan. It is one of the oldest Chinatowns in Japan, and it is known for its Chinese culture, history, and food.
Shinchi Chinatown was established in the late 16th century, when Chinese merchants and traders came to Nagasaki to trade with Japan. The area was designated as a "Chinatown" by the Japanese government and the Chinese traders were confined to live in this area. Over the centuries, the Chinese community in Nagasaki has grown, and the neighborhood has developed a distinct Chinese culture and atmosphere.
Visitors to Shinchi Chinatown can stroll through the streets and enjoy the colorful architecture, lanterns and street vendors. The neighborhood is home to a number of Chinese restaurants and shops, and it is known for its delicious Chinese cuisine, such as ramen and dumplings. Visitors can also find Chinese herbal medicine shops, traditional Chinese medicine clinics, and Chinese-style tea houses.
Shinchi Chinatown is also home to several temples, such as the Confucius Shrine, which is dedicated to Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, and the Kōfuku Temple, which is a Buddhist temple built by Chinese merchants in the late 16th century.
< The 26 Martyrs Museum >
The 26 Martyrs Museum, also known as the 26 Saints of Japan Museum, is a museum located in Nagasaki, Japan. It is dedicated to the memory of 26 Catholics who were martyred in Nagasaki in 1597 during the period of persecution of Christians in Japan.
The 26 Martyrs were Japanese Catholics who were arrested, tortured and executed by the Japanese government for their refusal to renounce their faith. They are considered to be the first Japanese Catholic martyrs and are venerated as saints by the Catholic Church.
The museum is located on the grounds of the Oura Cathedral, which is the oldest standing Catholic church in Japan. The museum tells the story of these 26 martyrs and the history of Christianity in Japan through exhibits and artifacts, such as the ropes and chains that were used to torture the martyrs, and the replica of the crosses where they were crucified.
Visitors to the museum can also learn about the life of the martyrs and the circumstances that led to their persecution and execution. The museum also has a small gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs such as books, rosaries, and other religious items.
< Dutch Slope >
Dutch Slope, also known as "Holland Slope" or "Oranda-zaka" in Japanese, is a historical district located in Nagasaki, Japan. It is named after the Dutch traders who lived in the area during the period of Japan's isolation from 1641 to 1853.
Dutch Slope is a steep street that runs from the top of a hill to the bottom, leading to the harbor. The street is lined with traditional Japanese houses, many of which were built during the 19th century and have been preserved to this day. The houses have a unique architectural style, with a mix of Dutch and Japanese elements. Many of the houses have Dutch-style gables, and some have gardens with Dutch-style flowers and plants.
Dutch Slope is a popular tourist destination, known for its historical significance and picturesque scenery. Visitors can explore the street and admire the traditional houses, and learn about the history of the Dutch traders in Nagasaki. The street is also home to several souvenir shops and restaurants, where visitors can try local delicacies such as Nagasaki champon, a spicy noodle dish, and Dutch-inspired sweets.
< Mt. Inasa >
Mt. Inasa, also known as Inasayama, is a 333 meter tall mountain located in Nagasaki, Japan. The mountain is famous for its scenic views of the city, the Nagasaki Bay and the surrounding islands.
Mt. Inasa is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can take a ropeway or a drive to reach the summit and enjoy the panoramic views. From the summit, visitors can see the entire city of Nagasaki, including the famous landmarks such as the Nagasaki Peace Park and the Oura Cathedral, as well as the beautiful bay and the islands of the Goto archipelago.
The Mt. Inasa Ropeway is the main means of transportation to reach the summit. The ropeway ride takes about 10 minutes and offers a bird's-eye view of the city. The summit also has a viewing platform and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy the views while having a meal.
< The Nagasaki Peace Park >
The Nagasaki Peace Park is a park located in Nagasaki, Japan, that was established in order to commemorate the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. The bombing killed an estimated 70,000 people, many of whom were civilians, and is remembered as one of the most tragic events of World War II. The park serves as a reminder of the devastation caused by the atomic bomb, and as a symbol of the city's commitment to promoting peace and nuclear disarmament.
The park is located in the city center, near the hypocenter of the atomic bombing. The most prominent feature of the park is the Peace Statue, a bronze statue of a man, with outstretched arms, which symbolizes the hope for peace and the desire to abolish nuclear weapons.
The park also features the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, which documents the events of August 9, 1945, and the effects of the bombing on the city and its people. The museum also serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of nuclear war and the importance of world peace.
The park also has several monuments dedicated to peace and the victims of the atomic bombing, such as the Memorial Cenotaph, which is a monument that lists the names of the victims of the bombing, and the Peace Fountain, which is a fountain that symbolizes the desire for peace and the healing of the wounds caused by the bombing.
< Meganebashi >
The Spectacles Bridge, also known as Meganebashi, is a historic bridge located in Nagasaki, Japan. The bridge is named after its unique shape, which resembles a pair of eyeglasses. The bridge is also known for its beautiful design and its historical significance.
The Spectacles Bridge was built in 1634 and is the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan. The bridge was an important part of the city's infrastructure, linking the main part of Nagasaki with the Dejima, the artificial island where foreign traders were allowed to live and trade during the period of Japan's isolation from 1641 to 1853.
The bridge is made of granite and spans a small canal. The bridge's unique design is characterized by two arches that resemble the lenses of eyeglasses. The bridge is surrounded by beautiful greenery and has a small park nearby.
The Spectacles Bridge is a popular tourist destination and is considered an important cultural heritage site. Visitors can take a walk across the bridge, take pictures and admire the views of the canal. The bridge is well-lit at night, making it a great spot for evening strolls.
< Urakami Cathedral >
The Urakami Cathedral, also known as Urakami Tenshudo, is a Catholic cathedral located in Nagasaki, Japan. The cathedral was built in 1895 and was the largest Catholic church in the Far East at the time. The cathedral was also the center of the Catholic community in Nagasaki, before it was destroyed by the atomic bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.
The cathedral was rebuilt in 1959 and is now a symbol of the resilience and determination of the Catholic community in Nagasaki. The cathedral is built in the Gothic Revival style, and features beautiful stained-glass windows, a large bell tower and a statue of the Virgin Mary.
The Urakami Cathedral is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics in Japan and many visitors come to the cathedral to pay their respects to the victims of the atomic bombing. The cathedral also serves as a reminder of the devastating effects of nuclear war, and as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
The cathedral is open to visitors year-round, and it's recommend to check the official website for the schedule and fees before planning your visit. Visitors are also required to follow the dress code of no shorts, no sandals, and cover shoulders.