With just under 600 different islands in the prefecture, Nagasaki is full of cultural and natural experiences for anyone who makes the trip over. Stretching out over the west coast of the southern island of Kyushu, endless views and beautiful beaches make for a relaxing stay. Whether you are travelling by bullet train or plane, boating to and from the many islands off the coast, you’re in for a stunning time in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Dejima
We start off in the capital city of Nagasaki, with a population of just under 400,000 people. Nagasaki is historically known for its ports and trade with other countries in Asia and Europe during the Edo period. What was called ‘sakoku’, or the isolation period, the island of Dejima in Nagasaki was one of the few areas where foreign trade was permitted. Portuguese missionaries and Dutch traders made their way through Dejima, trading goods with local merchants. Nowadays, you can wander through the historic buildings, see residences, warehouses, and even see some archaeological discoveries made in the area. Nearby Dejima Wharf also provides plenty of entertainment, with stores and cafes, and great views of the surrounding boats and city. Watching the sunset while enjoying a meal at Dejima Wharf is the perfect way to finish off a day in Nagasaki.
Nagasaki Peace Park
Nagasaki was the site of the second usage of the atomic bomb during World War II, and multiple monuments and a museum have been created to remember and pay respects to the victims of the event. The Nagasaki Peace Park has a nearly ten metre tall Peace Statue, designed by Seibo Kitamura, that points to the sky to show the threat of atomic weapons while its other outstretched hand wishes for peace. There is the Fountain of Peace that remembers the victims’ search for water after the bombing, and various memorials from other countries around the world. Every August 9th, on the anniversary of the bombings, the mayor of the city also gives a Peace Declaration. The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum also houses various exhibitions and displays to teach people about the bombings.
Tsushima
To the north of the prefecture, even north of Saga Prefecture, lies Tsushima Island. Only 50 kilometres away from Busan in South Korea, Tsushima was made more famous by the recent video game ‘Ghosts of Tsushima’. You can reach the island through a short flight from Fukuoka or Nagasaki, or a longer ferry ride from Fukuoka. The island is nearly 90% forest, making it a perfect getaway for a nature lover. Mt. Eboshi-dake, near the centre of the island, gives views of the rugged coastline and even smaller islands in the many inlets and bays.
The rare Tsushima Leopard Cat also lives on the island, you may have a chance to see one! The Kaneda Fortress Ruins are also a historically rich site, dating back to the 7th century as Japan watched out for invasion forces, but the fortress was fortified during the Russo-Japanese War at the turn of the 20th century. The island is also known for a very unique type of soba noodles, known as taishu soba. It is characterised by its firm texture, and thought to have come to Japan through Tsushima from China. Tsushima Island is a nature and history lover’s paradise, from ancient castles to gun batteries, shrines and mountains, a trip to Tsushima is worth more than just a day.
Suwa Shrine
Suwa Shrine is known to be one of the main shrines of Nagasaki City, hosting the famous yearly Nagasaki Kunchi Festival. Located on Mt. Tamazono, it takes climbing 277 steps to reach the top of the shrine. The trek is well worth it, as you can get views of the city and the intricate shrine grounds. The shrine dates back to the 17th century and the Edo period, and enshrines the deity known as Suwa no Kami. The shrine burned down in the early Meiji period but was rebuilt afterwards, and to this day remains an important piece of Nagasaki City. The Kunchi Festival, held every October over 3 days, celebrates the deity and is characterised by various dances inspired by both Japanese and Chinese culture. There are aspects of the festival that also include Dutch influence as well, such as the Dutch Ship, a float that is paraded around during the festival. Held in early October every year, experiencing this festival is sure to make your visit to Suwa Shrine even more spectacular.
Sasebo
Sasebo is another of Nagasaki’s main cities, located in the northern part of the prefecture and with a population close to 250,000. Similar to other places in Nagasaki, Sasebo also has incredible views of islands that dot the surrounding water. You can see a perfect view of many different islands from the Ishidake Observatory, which looks over what is called Kujukushima, also known as the 99 Islands!
There are multiple shopping streets and markets where you can find a plethora of goods and food, including the Yokkamachi Shopping Street and Tunnel Yokocho. You can visit Chiwata Station to the south of the city, a small station with stunning views of the blue ocean. Also south of the city is Huis Ten Bosch, a resort park that is built in the style of a 17th century Dutch town. If you want to visit the Netherlands without leaving Japan, this is the place! One last snack that you shouldn’t forget in town is the Sasebo Burger. Created as a result of American influence post World War II, this burger is stacked high with lettuce and meat.
Shimabara Peninsula
Heading further south in the prefecture and near the border with Kumamoto Prefecture, you’ll find the Shimabara Peninsula. Filled with even more breathtaking natural scenery and outdoor activities, including being part of Unzen-Amakusa National Park, this southern peninsula is a must see. You can venture up Mt. Unzen by means of a cable car, especially beautiful in autumn when the entire mountainside is lit up by the changing foliage. After a trip up the mountain, you can relax at Unzen Onsen, filled with hot and soothing water that is said to be good for the skin.
In the city of Shimabara, make sure to visit Shimabara Castle, which was built more than 400 years ago in 1618. From the 5th floor of the castle, you can see Mt. Unzen, and even Kumamoto Prefecture across the Ariake Sea. The city is also known for its samurai district known as Teppo-machi, and a neighbourhood where you can see carp swimming in the roadside canals.
The Islands
As we have learned through the many amazing natural features of Nagasaki Prefecture, it is made of a lot of islands, 594 in total! There are so many islands that you can visit for unique experiences, which makes it essential to spend more than just a day in the prefecture. You can travel to Hirado Island, north of Sasebo and visit the grave of William Adams, or Miura Anjin, the man who inspired the book Shogun, which recently was a hit TV show. On Iki Island, south of Tsushima, there are nearly 150 different shrines to visit, such as Kojima Shrine which is only approachable at low tide, similar to the famous Mont Saint-Michel of France. The Goto Islands are another chain of 100 islands to the west of the mainland. Osezaki Lighthouse, on Fukue Island, is set on steep cliffs, affording a near otherworldly view of a sunset.
Nagasaki is a prefecture of islands and beauty. Everywhere you step you’ll encounter deep history, from the Edo period trade with the west to castles built by daimyos. No matter how long you spend in Nagasaki, you’ll never run out of things to do.
To stay up to date with all the latest happenings in Japan follow us on Facebook or Instagram!
