Nagasaki travel guide

 

Fascinating and distinctive Cultures created from many different

historical features

 

Nagasaki became a center of Dutch, Portuguese and other European influences in the

16th century and flourished as a trading port & center of Christian missionary activities.

Now, Hidden Christian Sites in Nagasaki region has been registered on the UNESCO

World Heritage.

The detonation for an atomic bomb over Nagasaki during the Second World War is a dark

page in the cities turbulent history. 

 

At the present, however the city has become a center of peace, blessed with beautiful

natural scenery and eclectic mix of historical sites and architecture. 

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Peace Park

Established in 1955 near the Ground Zero where the Atomic Bomb was dropped 

at 11:02 am on Aug. 09, 1945.

Peace Memorial Ceremony is held in front of the statue on August 9 every year and

the Mayor of Nagasaki makes the “Nagasaki peace declaration” for the whole world.

 

Peace Statue Completed in 1955, ten years after the atomic bombing

Peace Fountain Reminds the tragic scene unfolded shortly after the dropped Atomic Bomb

Ground Zero The Atomic bomb exploded about 500m over the central monument

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 World Heritage   Hidden Christian Site

 

Oura Cathedral  / UNESCO World Heritage

Basilica of Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan.     

One of the famous landmarks in Nagasaki-city, was built in 1865 under the supervision of 

the French priest Bernard Petitjean. It was designated as a National Treasure in 1933 for

its value as Japan’s oldest Gothic-style cathedral.

 

Entrance gate of Oura Cathedral

Japan’s oldest Gothic-style Cathedral building

Statue of Mary, at entrance of Cathedral, installed in 1867

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Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan     

Nishizaka hill, the site of Martyrdom in 1597

The martyrs said that  ” All people, bless God ”

The 26 Japanese martyrs have  been canonized in 1862

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Sotome area Hidden Christian Site   / UNESCO World Heritage     

When he discovered the underground Christians, Petitjean realized that there were many other

Christians hiding in the Sotome region.

He appointed de Rotz as the parish priest of the Shitsu and Kurosaki districts.    

 

Shitsu Church

Former Shitsu Aid Centre

The statue of Mary

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 Featured destinations  

 

Mount Inasa   World’s three great night veiw  can be seen from the summit

Magane-bashi bridge The oldest stone arch bridge in Japan

Kazagashira Park Magnificent view of Nagasaki, on the other side of Mt. Inasa

 

Dejima Only the trading port in Japan  during Natinal isolation

Urakami Cathedral Newly constructed church, after destroyed by Atomic bomb

Sofukuji temple  The first Chinese style temple in Nagasaki

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China town One of the three big China  town in Japan

Confucius Shrine   The world’s only Confucian shrine built outside China by Chinese hands

Suwa Shrine The spiritual and cultural hub for the citizens of Nagasaki

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Nagaaski Wharf Elegant international & domestic tourist harbour

Kofukuji Temple A Chinese temple to pray for safe navigation

Nagasaki Pearl Nagasaki-prefecture is the birthplace of pearls

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 Featured tours related to Nagasaki 

 

Nagasaki one-day tour

The one-day tour is operated from Fukuoka-city.

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Nagasaki Hidden Christian History tour                 

Congratulations on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site registration

Japan’s unique practice of the Christian faith continued even during the ban on Christianity.

This tour introduce the history of Hidden Christian in Nagasaki Region while taking the World Heritages

and related sites of Nagasaki-city, Shimabara and Unzen.

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6 days North-West Kyushu tour

Where to Explore

Saga (Karatsu, Yobuko, Imari, Kashima, Takeo) →　Nagsaki 　→　Shimabara  

Unzen  →   Yanagawa　→　Kitakyushu  →　Fukuoka 

 

　　 

 

 

 

Nagasaki Hidden Christian History tour

 

Congratulations on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site registration

Japan’s unique practice of the Christian faith continued even during the ban on Christianity

 

Hidden Christian Site in Nagasaki Regions bear unique testimony to the tradition of people and

their communities who secretly transmitted their faith in Christianity while surviving in the midst

of the conventional society and its religions during the time of prohibition.

This tour introduce the history of Hidden Christian in Nagasaki Region while taking the World Heritages

and related sites of Nagasaki-city, Shimabara and Unzen.

 

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Tour condition

・Start and end place of the tour : Fukuoka-city

・Places to be visited : Nagasakicity, Shimabara and Unzen

・Duration : 2 nights and 3 days

・Transportation : Chartered vehicle

・English speaking guide

 

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 Itinerary  

 

Day 1

Depart Fukuoka-city and transfer to Nasgasaki-city

Sotome area → Martyrdom of 26 Saints of Japan → Oura Cathedral → Glover Garden → Mt. Inasa

Stay at Nagasaki

 

Day 2

Peace Park →　Ground Zero  →　Urakami Cathedral

Transfer to Unzen

Nita Pass →　Unzen Jigoku

Stay at Unzen

 

Day 3

Transfer to Minami Shimabara

Harajo Castle ruins ;  Battle field of Shimabara Rebellion

Shimabara Castle

Transfer to Fukuoka-city

Arriva at Fuuoka-city

 

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 Where to visit  

 

 Day 1  

 

Sotome area Hidden Christian Site  / UNESCO World Heritage 

When he discovered the underground Christians, Petitjean realized that there were many other

Christians hiding in the Sotome region.

He appointed de Rotz as the parish priest of the Shitsu and Kurosaki districts.        

Shitsu Church

Former Shitsu Aid Centre

The Statue of Mary

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Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan

Veiw from Nagasaki harbor

View from the Summit

World’s three great night veiw

 

Unzen, Nita Pass

Unzen is a beautiful mountain and Onsen resort, and was the first area to be designated as   

a National Park in Japan.

At any time of the year the natural scenery of Nita-toge Pass in Unzen is magnificent.

Azaleas, green leaves, brilliant autumnal tints of maples and silver frost represent each

season of the year.

 

Entrance to Nita pass

Nita pass Observetory

Rope way to Myoken mountain

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 Day 3  

 

Harajo Castle ruins

The Battle field of Shimabara Rebellion which was a peasant uprising agaist bakufu’s persecution of

Christians under the leadership of Amakusa Shiro in 1637.  Christian farmers rose in a riot due to their

grievance about the oppression by Matsukura Shigemasa. The Shogunate regarded this riot as Christian

rebellion and sent its punitive force, therefore locked themselves in the castle and with their leader

Amakusa Shiro Tokisada fought against the Shogunate. On February 27, 1638, he died in battle.

The following day, the castle fell. 37,000 Christians including women and children died a violent death. 

1637.

Entrance to Harajo Castle Ruins

Battle field of Shimabara Rebellion

The Statue of Amakusa Shiro

 

Shimabara Castle

The castle was built in 1625 by the feudal load Matsukura Shigemasa, who was regarded as a master of

castle building. The castle, which took 7 years to complete, is also known as “Moritake Castle”.

It was an almost rectangular flatland castle built in the Renkaku-style.

Donjon of Shimabara Castle

Moat of the Castle planted lotus

Great stone wall of moat

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Samurai Houses & Samurai street

Samurai was a term for the military nobility in pre-industrial Japan.

The Samurai houses in Shimabara along the old Samurai street nearby Shimabara Castle

were built in 18th century.

Samurai street

Samurai house

Japanese garden

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Confucius Shrine

 

The world’s only Confucian shrine built outside China by Chinese hands

 

First built in 1893 by Chinese residents of Nagasaki with the support of the Ch’ing 

Dynasty government, the shrine was designed to serve as a place of worship and 

learning for the Chinese community, and housed a Confucian sanctuary and primary school. 

The buildings were severely damaged by the Atomic bomb explosion on August 9, 1945 and were

not restored and opened to the public until September 1967.
The shrine was extensively renovated in 1982. 

Standing outside the shrine are 72 statues representing the 72 followers of Confucius

 

A building at the rear of the shrine houses the Museum of Chinese History and Palace Museum.

It features large illuminated photographs of the old Silk Road and models of 

early Chinese inventions such as the world’s first seismograph. 

 

Displayed on the second floor are more than 80 treasure-class articles of varying antiquity on loan directly from the Chinese National Museum and Palace Museum in Beijing.

 

Ground Zero

 

Disastrous War must not be repeated.

 

The plutonium atomic bomb exploded about 500m over the central monument

at 11:02 a.m. on August 9, 1945. 

The most part of Nagasaki was destroyed, and a tremendous number of lives were lost.  

And about 70,000 of Nagasaki’s 240,000 residents died instantly, and up to 60,000 were injured.

 

The time, Atomic bomb was exploded

Atomic bomb exploded over  the central monument

Nuked 50th Anniversary Monument

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The radius of total destruction was about 1.6km, followed by fires across the northern portion of the 

city to 3.2km south of the bomb.

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Ruin of destroyed Urakami Cathedral

Ruin of destroyed Urakami Cathedral

The one leg Torii gate at Sanno Shrine

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The total number of residents died may have been as many as 80,000, including those who died from radiation poisoning in the following months.

Even now, many atomic bomb survivors are suffering. The list of names of the atomic bomb victim

who died up to now is stored in the monument.

 

The Bell of Nagasaki

Peace Fountain

Folding paper cranes pray for peace

 

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 General information  

 

Address	Heiwakoen, Matsuyama-machi, Nagasaki-city
Access	3 minuts walk from Heiwa-koen-shita Tram Station

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Peace Fountain at Nagasaki Peace Park

 

Peace Fountain reminds us of the tragic scene unfolded shortly after America dropped

the Atomic Bomb on Nagasaki at 11:02 am on Aug. 09, 1945.
With the completion of the Peace Fountain on Aug. 3, 1969, a monument inscribed with an

epitaph was constructed. Many people were burned deeply and died, crying and groaning

for water. When people recovered their peaceful life in 1965, a campaign for a Peace Fountain 

was launched.

Recorded on the monument are the name of the founder including the People’s Congress for

Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and Promotion of Peace and the Committee for the Construction

of the Peace Fountain.

 

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Part of the epitaph reads as follows: To those who visit this place today. 
May you offer prayers to console the souls of those killed and promote peace.

 

 

 General information  

 

Address	Heiwakoen, Matsuyama-machi, Nagasaki-city
Access	3 minuts walk from Heiwa-koen-shita Tram Station

Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan

 

Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki reminds us of the Martyrdom of 26 Japanese Saints.

Nishizaka hill, the site of Martyrdom in 1597

The martyrs said that  ” All people, bless God ! ”

The 26 Japanese martyrs have  been canonized in 1862

 

Dejima

 

Only the trading port in Japan during Natinal isolation              

 

The fan-shaped artificial island in the bay of Nagasaki that was a Dutch trading port

as Japan’s only open gateway to Europe during Japan’s self-imposed isolation of Edo period

from 1641 until 1853.
The Dutch East India Company’s trading post at Dejima was closed in 1857. Since then,

the island has been surrounded by reclaimed land and merged into Nagasaki: its original

location is marked by rivets.

 

Entrance of Dejima

Fan-shaped artificial island, was built in 1636

Dejima used from 1641 until 1853

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A project to restore Dejima is underway.   In 2000, five buildings including the Deputy

Factor’s Quarters were completed and opened to the public. 

 

Dejima International Club

Building of residence, cooking room, warehouse

The old Dejima seminary, a Christian theological school

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In the spring of 2006, the finishing touches were put on the Chief Factor’s Residence, 

the Japanese Officials’ Office, the Head Clerk’s Quarters, the No. 3 Warehouse and 

the Sea Gate.

 

Urakami Cathedral

 

Construction of the original Urakami Cathedral, a brick Romanesque building, began in 1895,

after a long-standing ban on Christianity was lifted.

When completed in 1914, it was the largest Catholic church in East Asia.

 

The atomic bomb dropped on August 9, 1945 explored in Urakami, only 500m from the

cathedral, which was completely destroyed. What remained of the cathedral is now on display 

in the Atomic Bomb Museum.

A replacement was built in 1959, and remodeled to more closely resemble the original in 1980.

 

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The nearby the Ground Zero in Nagasaki Peace Park contains remnants of the Ruins of Urakami Cathedral

 

 

 General information  

 

Address	1-79 Motoo-machi, Nagasaki-city
Access	8 minuts walk from Heiwa koen Tram Station
Open hours	9:00 to 17:00
Admission fee	No fee is required, please donate to the donation box
Days closed	No closing days

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Nagasaki one-day tour

 

Nagasaki-city  is one of the most popular destination in Kyushu,

and one-day tour can be made from Fukuoka. 

 

Nagasaki became a center of European influences in the 16th century and flourished as a 

trading port & center of Christian missionary activities. The detonation for an atomic bomb over

Nagasaki during the Second World War is a dark page in the cities turbulent history. 
Now, however the city has become a center of peace, blessed with beautiful natural scenery

and eclectic mix of historical sites and architecture

 

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  Itinerary  

 

8:00 Depart Fukuoka-city

Transfer to Nagasaki using Kyushu Expressway and Nagasaki highway, 2hours 

Exploring Peace Park ; Peace Statue, Peace Fountain, Grond Zero, Atomic Bomb Museum 

Exploring Glover Garden and visit Oura Cathedral

Lunch at China Town

Exploring Dejima

Exploring Mount Inasa

Transfer to Fukuoka using Nagasaki Expressway and Kyushu Expressway, 2hours 

18:00 Arrive at Fukuoka-city 

 

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 Where to explore  

 

Peace Park

Established in 1955 near the Ground Zero where the Atomic Bomb was dropped 

at 11:02 am on Aug. 09, 1945.

Peace Memorial Ceremony is held in front of the statue on August 9 every year and

the Mayor of Nagasaki makes the “Nagasaki peace declaration” for the whole world.

Peace Statue Completed in 1955, ten years after the atomic bombing

Peace Fountain Reminds the tragic scene unfolded shortly after the dropped Atomic Bomb

Ground Zero The Atomic bomb exploded about 500m over the central monument

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Glover Garden  / UNESCO World Heritage

The garden takes its name from Thomas Glover, his arms-importing operations played 
an important part in the Meiji Restoration, he built the first train line in Japan and he even

helped establish the first modern Mitsubishi ship yard.

Tomas Glover Residence, World Heritage

Former Mitsubishi second dock house

Overlooking of Nagasaki harbour

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Mount Inasa

It is a 333 meter high mountain in close distance to JR Nagasaki Station. The summit can be reached

by ropeway or car and offers great views over the city. And also, the magnificent night views from

Mount Inasa are ranked among Japan’s three best night views.

Veiw from Nagasaki harbor

View from the Summit

World’s three great night veiw

 

Dejima  Only the trading port in Japan  during Natinal isolation

Megane-bashi Bridge  The oldest stone arch bridge in Japan

China Town  One of the big three china town in Japan

 

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Travelling route

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 How to make your customized tour  

 

1. Enquiry

 The tours we are offering are customized for private travel accordance with your preferences

 and date,  click the   Enquiry Form   to tell us what you are looking for.

 

2. Proposal

・Preliminary quotation which is guide line of the tour price as per the Enquiry.

・Basic suggested itinerary will be provided.

 

3. Clarifications

 All the tour conditions are to be clarified including the grade & type of accommodations,

 transportation, visiting placed, meals and other excursions, in order to meet your requirements

 and budget.

 

4. Final proposal

 The quotation and itinerary are provided based on the Clarification.

 

5. Make an agreement 

 The agreement for proceeding the customized tour is conducted.

 

6. Enjoy the customized journey 

  All the arrangement are made as per the agreement and operated the tour in

  accordance with the plan

 

Price of the tour

The price is customized based on travel date, number of participants, hotel choices,

transportations, and other custom preferences.

 

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Oura Cathedral

 

Basilica of Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan

 

Registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage as Hidden Christian site

 

One of the famous landmarks in Nagasaki-city, was built in 1865 under the supervision of 

the French priest Bernard Petitjean.

It was designated as a National Treasure in 1933 for its value as Japan’s oldest Gothic-style

Cathedral.

 

Entrance gate of Oura Cathedral 1,000 yen admission fee

Japan’s oldest Gothic-style Cathedral building

Windows of Cathedral building

“On March 17, 1865, a group of peasants from Urakami came to the church and professed

their faith to Father Petitjean, thus revealing that Christianity had survived through the 

centuries of persecution.

The white marble statue of the Holy Mother at the entrance was built in commemoration of

the dramatic discovery of the “Hidden Christians.

 

Former Latin Seminario Nagasaki

Statue of Mary, at entrance of Cathedral, installed in 1867

Statue of Pope John Paul II, visited here in 1981

 

 

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