Nagasaki
Nagasaki city is a picturesque port city on the island Kyushu in the South West of Japan. This beautiful city has had a varied history and has been a key player in the history of Japan. In 1543, Portuguese explorers first landed near Nagasaki and trade was established. Spanish, Chinese and Dutch traders were also present through the 16th to 19th centuries. The international influence on the town is still evident today.
Nagasaki was Japan’s only official international trading port and gateway to the world for culture, industry and science during the country’s period of national seclusion (1641-1859).
In the Meiji period (1868-1912), Nagasaki became the centre of the ship building industry with Mitsubishi a major contractor for the Imperial Japanese Navy. Nagasaki was devastated by the second atomic bombing in 1945.
Today Nagasaki is a beautiful town and the view of the city at night is considered to be one of the top night views in all of Japan.
Our top 5 activities in Nagasaki with kids
1. Boat trip to Gunkanjima
The trip out to Gunkanjima gives an amazing view of Nagasaki from the water. However, if the weather is wild, and you or the kids are prone to seasickness, you may want to skip this one. Check out our Gunkanjima blog for more details.
Gunkanjima, translates to Battleship Island, because the island looks like the outline of a battleship. Gunkanjima or Hashima Island is an abandoned mining community where miners and their families lived. The only way to get to Battleship Island, is by a boat tour that leaves from Nagasaki port.
The island itself is quite eerie, the abandoned buildings, battered by wild weather are like the skeleton remains of another life.
2. Explore the port area including Dejima wharf, Dejima island, Nagasaki seaside park and the Dutch slopes.
From Nagasaki port, around Dejima wharf and island, Nagasaki seaside park and the Dutch or Holland slopes, there is a lot to explore.
We started our walk from Gunkanjima Nagasaki port, after we had been on our trip out to Gunkanjima Island. From there you can walk to Dejima wharf, which is a lovely area and you will find plenty of places for lunch.
If you follow the Nakashima river inland you will find Dejima, a man made island in the port of Nagasaki. This reclaimed island was constructed in 1634 for Portuguese merchants, later imprisoning them there until they were expelled. It then served as a Dutch trading post during the country’s period of national seclusion (1641-1859). Today, Dejima is a Japanese national historic site with Edo period buildings carefully reconstructed and fitted with European furniture. The city of Nagasaki is restoring this area and planning to re-establish it as an island. Cost for entry is ¥520.
Nagasaki seaside park is a beautiful green space right on the water. The kids will find lots of places to run around. There are also benches and picnic spots. If you visit in cherry blossom season, the pathways and avenues are picturesque.
From the seaside park it is a short walk to the Hollander or Dutch slope. The road slopes up the hillside past historic Dutch homes, however, we didn’t walk the entire slope, instead we continued along Holland Street to Oura Cathedral. There are a number of shops in this area that sell the local speciality, Castella cake, a Japanese creation, based on Portuguese cake. Make sure you pick up some on your travels – perfect for omiyage (family and colleague gifts)!
The Oura Cathedral was built in 1864. It is considered the oldest Christian church in Japan and is recognised as a national treasure. Entrance cost is ¥1000 and includes entrance to the museum which covers the history of Christianity in Japan.
The Dutch slopes are right next door to Glover Garden.
3. Explore Glover Garden and see the view of the city
Glover Garden is located on the hill where Western merchants settled at the end of seclusion in the 19th century, the area consists merchants mansions and gardens and provides an amazing view of the city.
Glover house is the oldest western houses in Japan and was owned by Thomas Glover who moved to Nagasaki in 1859.
Moving walkways lead up the hillside and the view of Nagasaki from the top is fantastic. Admission is ¥620.
4. Pay your respects at Nagasaki Peace Park and Museum
The Peace Park in Nagasaki, is a place of remembrance of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945 during WW2. It is located near the hypocentre of the explosion and consists of two parks.
On the hill above the park is the atomic bomb museum. The museum stands testimony to devastation of Nagasaki and the horror of nuclear war. It calls for cessation of nuclear testing and implores for peace.
5. Night view of the city
The most popular viewing spot day or night is from Mount Inasa. To make it extra special how about enjoying the view while relaxing in an onsen! We went to Inasayama Onsen Fuku no Yu so we could book a family bath. Ok so perhaps that’s not as relaxing as it sounds!
Another iconic way to enjoy this stunning night view is from your ryokan while enjoying a keiseki meal! To fully appreciate the city view we stayed at Yataro on the top of the mountain. Yataro is a ryokan with amazing night views of the city, it has traditional tatami mat rooms, keiseki meals and onsen. We have very fond memories of enjoying our Keiseki meals at Yataro while overlooking the city lights at night.
Location
Nagasaki is on the north-west coast of the island Kyushu. It is a beautiful port town nestled between the mountains.
Who would enjoy this…
Nagasaki is a a charming city and today you would not know of the horrors of its past. In Nagasaki, there are obvious influences of its continued trade with the West in architecture and food. We loved exploring Nagasaki and wished we could have stayed longer than two nights (so yes we did all of that in one day!). The mountains either side of the city give a beautiful view both day and night while the twisting tiny streets weaving up the hillside and the houses clinging to the hills, give this city its own unique charm.
Need more info?
Official tourism site Nagasaki
Japan Guide
Japan with the Fam – Gunkanjima
Japan with the Fam – Nagasaki Peace Park
Oura Cathedral official website
