History and culture of Nagasaki prefecture
1. The depth of Nagasaki’s history
Nagasaki Prefecture boasts a richly cosmopolitan history and tradition, and has had exchanges with many countries since before Japan opened its doors to the world. When I, Kasumi, visited Nagasaki, I was moved by its diversity and the depth of its ancient history. In particular, Dejima was the only island that was allowed to trade with foreign countries during the Edo period, and is still visited by many people today as proof of the exchange between Japan and the Netherlands.
2. Cultural fusion
In Nagasaki Prefecture, a unique culture has been developed through the fusion of traditional Japanese culture and foreign culture. For example, Nagasaki Champon originates from Chinese cuisine, but with the addition of Japanese flavors, it has become a delicious dish unique to Nagasaki. Castella is also said to have its origins in a Portuguese sweet, adapted in Nagasaki, and now loved throughout Japan.
3. Beautiful scenery and tourist destinations
The scenery of Nagasaki is also surrounded by the beautiful sea and mountains, and there are many places that soothe the soul. In particular, the night view seen from Nagasaki city is so beautiful that it has been called one of the “world’s top three night views.” Additionally, the Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum are important tourist destinations where you can feel the desire for peace.
4. My experience
I was fascinated by the diverse culture and history of Nagasaki. In particular, I feel that the delicious gourmet experiences in Nagasaki and the peace of mind I felt while looking at the night view are charms that cannot be found in any other prefecture. I was also exposed to the warmth and hospitality of the local people, which further deepened the appeal of Nagasaki.
Nagasaki Prefecture is an attractive tourist destination that combines history and culture, delicious gourmet food, and beautiful scenery. You’ll be truly moved as you experience a unique culture born from a cosmopolitan background. Enjoy the charm of Nagasaki and discover the beautiful side of Japan.
Charm of Nagasaki’s main tourist destinations
1. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
At the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, you can learn about past tragedies and reaffirm the importance of peace. When I visited there, I felt both the sadness and the strong desire for peace. Here you can learn more about the actual damage and effects of the atomic bomb.
2. Nagasaki Dejima
Dejima once flourished as a gateway for international exchange. At Dejima, you can feel the history of cultural exchange between Japan and the Netherlands, and see many historical buildings and exhibits. Through studying here, I was able to deeply understand Nagasaki’s international background.
3. Glover Garden
Glover Garden is a tourist destination that combines Nagasaki’s beautiful nature and Western-style architecture. You can see Nagasaki’s historic buildings while strolling through the beautiful garden. Here, I was impressed by the beautiful scenery where Western and Eastern cultures meet.
4. Holland Hill
As the name suggests, Holland Hill is an area that strongly reflects the influence of the Netherlands. The cobblestone slopes are lined with cute cafes and shops, and the scenery is full of exoticism. I also enjoyed walking around here and was able to feel the international side of Nagasaki.
Nagasaki Prefecture is dotted with various tourist spots, each of which strongly reflects the history and culture of Nagasaki. By visiting these sightseeing spots, you can learn more about and understand the charms of Nagasaki.
How to enjoy Nagasaki gourmet food
After touring the sightseeing spots in Nagasaki, enjoy some delicious local gourmet food. Nagasaki’s local cuisine and sweets offer a variety of flavors born from its cosmopolitan history.
1. Nagasaki Champon
Nagasaki Champon is a representative local dish of Nagasaki. The soup is rich in ingredients and has a deep flavor. I also fell in love with the rich flavor of this Champon.
2. Castella
Castella is a traditional sweet from Nagasaki. The fluffy texture and elegant sweetness are appealing. The castella from Fukusaya, a long-established local store, is especially recommended.
3. Turkish rice
Turkish rice is a Western dish unique to Nagasaki, and you can enjoy omelet rice, spaghetti, and pork cutlet in one dish. I was also satisfied with the volume and variety.
Nagasaki’s gourmet cuisine captivates the hearts of visitors with its diversity and depth. Taste local cuisine and sweets that make use of local characteristics, and experience Nagasaki’s culture through food.
Recommended Nagasaki sightseeing plans and accommodation facilities
When visiting Nagasaki Prefecture, it is important to have a plan to visit the sightseeing spots efficiently and to choose accommodation facilities that will allow you to spend a comfortable time.
1. Points of sightseeing plan
Nagasaki Prefecture has many tourist spots, so we recommend making a list of the places you want to go and the meals you want to eat in advance and planning an efficient route. In particular, sightseeing spots in Nagasaki city are relatively close together, so you can move around smoothly using public transportation. I was also able to plan ahead and visit tourist spots efficiently.
2. Recommended accommodation facilities
There are a variety of accommodations in Nagasaki, but Garden Terrace Nagasaki Hotels & Resorts is recommended for its comfortable accommodation and beautiful scenery. Hotel Nagasaki Onsen and Hotel New Tani Nagasaki are also easily accessible and offer excellent services.
3. Transportation in Nagasaki
Streetcars are convenient and economical for getting around Nagasaki city. Additionally, if you want to sightsee extensively within Nagasaki Prefecture, renting a car will give you more freedom. I used the streetcar in Nagasaki city and rented a car to go to sightseeing spots in the suburbs.
4. Summary
In order to fully enjoy sightseeing in Nagasaki, it is important to have an efficient sightseeing plan and choose comfortable accommodations. Plan ahead, choose your mode of transportation, and enjoy all that Nagasaki has to offer.
Nagasaki sightseeing tips and trip summary
Let’s take a look at some tips on how to enjoy sightseeing in Nagasaki even more, as well as some of the best parts of traveling here.
1. Choosing the time to visit
Nagasaki offers seasonal attractions, but especially beautiful scenery can be enjoyed during the cherry blossom season in the spring and the changing leaves in the fall. When I visited in spring, I was captivated by the scenery surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom.
2. Interaction with local people
The locals of Nagasaki are friendly and will make your trip even more enjoyable. Through interaction with local people, I was able to deeply learn about Nagasaki’s daily life and culture.
3. Selection of Sauvener
Nagasaki’s traditional crafts and special products are perfect as memories of your trip. In particular, the traditional lacquerware and pottery from Nagasaki are beautiful, and I purchased several of them.
4. Trip summary
Nagasaki Prefecture attracts visitors with its diverse culture born from its historical background, delicious gourmet food, and beautiful scenery. Visit tourist spots in a planned manner, enjoy local culture and food, and have a memorable trip.
Impressions of the trip
When I visited Nagasaki Prefecture, the spring cherry blossoms were in full bloom. I, Kasumi, was deeply moved by Nagasaki’s beautiful nature, rich history, diverse culture, and the warmth of the local people.
Overwhelmingly beautiful nature and historical scenery
The cherry blossoms in Nagasaki are truly beautiful, and the scenery of dancing cherry blossom petals was like a dream. In addition, historic buildings such as Dejima and Glover Garden remind us of the lifestyle and culture of people in the past, and we lost track of time as we walked around. In particular, the view of the cityscape of Nagasaki from Glover Garden was spectacular, and the sunset from there was an unforgettable beauty.
Savor a variety of gourmet foods
The gourmet food in Nagasaki was also amazing. The rich Nagasaki Champon soup, the fluffy castella cake, and the unusual Turkish rice were all unique and delicious. In particular, the Champon from a small shop recommended by a local was so delicious that it melted away the fatigue from the trip.
warmth of local people
Most of all, I was impressed by the warmth and friendliness of the local people in Nagasaki. I had many conversations with local people and was able to learn about Nagasaki’s daily life, culture, and history. Through this interaction, I was able to deeply appreciate the charm of Nagasaki.
Summary impressions
This trip to Nagasaki became a lifelong memory for me. Beautiful nature, deep history, unique culture, delicious food, and warm people. Everything was in harmony and filled my heart. It was a wonderful trip where I was able to experience the various charms of Nagasaki and appreciate the beauty and richness of Japan once again.
Historical buildings selected by Kasumi
There are various historical buildings in Nagasaki Prefecture, but this time we will introduce five that are particularly impressive.
1. Dejima (Nagasaki City)
Kasumi points:
Dejima was once an international trading center, where trade with the Netherlands was carried out. The original building is still preserved today, and you can remember the state of international exchange during the Edo period. Through studying here, you can feel the depth of Nagasaki’s international character.
2. Glover Garden (Nagasaki City)
Kasumi points:
Glover Garden is home to Japan’s oldest Western-style building as well as a beautiful garden. From here, you can see a panoramic view of Nagasaki Port, and the view of the sunset is especially spectacular. You can feel the beauty of Nagasaki with your whole body from this place where the beauty of Western-style architecture and the beauty of nature are fused.
3. Oura Cathedral (Nagasaki City)
Kasumi points:
Oura Cathedral is the oldest wooden Christian church in Japan and is also registered as a World Heritage Site. You can feel the magnificent architecture and the history of Nagasaki’s Christians. It is a place where the depth of faith and the weight of history touch your heart.
4. Peace Park (Nagasaki City)
Kasumi points:
Peace Park is a place to convey the tragedy of the atomic bomb. While looking at the Peace Statue and Cenotaph in the park, you can reconsider the misery of war and the preciousness of peace. The desire for tranquility and peace here will be deeply engraved in the hearts of those who visit.
5. Nijusanya Shrine (Hirado City)
Kasumi points:
Nijusanya Shrine is a historic shrine located in Hirado City, with impressive stone steps and torii gates. The precincts have a quiet and sacred atmosphere that will give you a feeling of being cleansed. You can experience the calm atmosphere of this shrine and the beauty of good old Japan.
These historical buildings are wonderful places where you can feel the history, culture, and beauty of Nagasaki Prefecture. We hope that you can feel the diverse and deep charm of Nagasaki from each of the buildings.
