Nagasaki travel guide
The city in harmony with foreign countries cultures
Nagasaki-city has many oversea countries cultures and the significant Japanese histories
like no other areas. The fascinating Nagasaki-city has been created since Japan began exchanging
with foreign countries during the National isolation period. In addition to above features, the
geographical conditions are creating fascinating tourism and now many tourists are visiting here.
Historical features
1)National isolation in Japan
Nagasaki is the only place opened to oversea countries ( just Dutch and China ) during the
National isolation period from 1639 to 1854.
And trading with Dutch was done at artificial island Dejima.
2) Christian Pilgrimage sites
Japan’s unique practice of the Christian faith continued in Nagasaki region even during the ban
on Christianity from 1587 to 1859.There are many Christian Pilgrimage site and
Hidden Christian Sites in Nagasaki region is registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage in 2018.
3) Japan’s Industry modernization
Shipbuilding, and Coal Mining, industries in Nagasaki were great contributed Japan’s Industry
modernization. And 5 sites of these industries are registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage as
Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution
4) Atomic bomb
The Atomic bomb exploded at 11:02 a.m. on August 9, 1945.
The most part of Nagasaki was destroyed, and a tremendous number of lives were lost.
Nagasaki is now appealing for World Peace, Disastrous War must not be repeated.
Exploring Nagasaki
Glover Garden / UNESCO World Heritage
Located on Minami-Yamate hill in Nagasaki-city, Glover Garden has nine Western style buildings
including the Glover’s Residence built in 1863 and is Japan’s oldest wooden Western–style building
registered on the UNESCO World Heritage. The elegant scenery of Nagasaki harbor view from
Glover Garden can be enjoyed.
Tomas Glover Residence, World Heritage |
Former Mitsubishi second dock house |
Overlooking of Nagasaki harbour |
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.
The museum exhibits a number of photograph that depict the devastation caused by atomic
bomb showing the lead-up to this tragic day, the history of the development of nuclear arms
and our desire for peace.
Atomic Bomb Museum |
Exhibits a number of photograph |
Paper folded cranes wishing for World Peace |
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 |
Ruin of destroyed Urakami Cathedral |
Completed in 1955, ten years after the atomic bombing. The 9.7 meter high statue sitting on
a 4 meter tall pedestal, made by renown sculptor Kitamura Seibo who born in
Minami-Shimabara-city, Nagasaki-prefecture in 1884. The raised arm points to the threat of
nuclear weapons and the out-stretched arm symbolizes peace.
Visiting from all over Japan and the World |
Wishing for eternal World peace from Nagasaki |
Peace Fountain, reminds the tragic scene after the Bomb |
Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution UNESCO World Heritages sites
The origin of Japan’s modernization is here. Under the growing sense of crisis over a foreign
menace, Nagasaki supported the introduction of Western countries technology, which started
during the last years of Japan’s National isolation period. With “ Dejima ” as the only window
to West during the period of National isolation. Nagasaki contributed for Shipbuilding and Coal
Mining and 7 sites have been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage.
Glover House |
Hashima island / Gunkan-jima island |
Giant Cantilever Crane
|
Christian Pilgrimage sites in Nagasaki
Oura Cathedral / UNESCO World Heritage
The Cathedral is one of the significant Christian Pilgrimage site in Japan.
Established 1865, this church is officially known as “Oura Cathedral, the Church of 26 Martyrs.”
It was built by the French priest Bernard Petitjean of Fier who had been dispatched by the Foreign
Missionary Church of Paris to dedicate prayers to the 26 saints martyred on Nishizaka hill.
Entrance gate of Oura Cathedral |
Japan’s oldest Gothic-style Cathedral building |
Statue of Mary, at entrance of Cathedral, installed in 1867 |
Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan
Nishizaka hill is the most significant Christian Pilgrimage site in Japan. The 26 Martyrs of Japan
were a group of Catholics who were executed by rucifixion on February 5, 1597.Their martyrdom
is especially significant in the history of the Catholic Church in Japan. In 1637, St. Lorenzo Luiz
from Philippines martyred here at Nishizaka hill.
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 |
The museum behind the monument is devoted to the memory of the martyrs and to Christianity in
Japan in general. Its interior is reminiscent of a church with stained-glass windows, making for
atmospheric viewing of the exhibits. On display are artifacts related to Christianity in Japan,
including old documents, statues and jewelry.
Saint Lorenzo Luiz from Philippines |
Pope Francis visited Nagasaki in 2019 |
The 26 Martyrs Museum |
Sotome Pilgrimage sites / UNESCO World Heritage
Sotome is a rural, coastal area on the peninsula north of central Nagasaki. During the ban
on Christianity, Sotome was home to communities of “Hidden Christians”, many of whom
emigrated there from other parts of Nagasaki as the remote region allowed them to practice
their religion in secret.
Shitsu Church |
Former Shitsu Aid Centre |
The statue of Mary |
Featured destinations
World’s three great night veiw can be seen from the summit |
The oldest stone arch bridge in Japan |
Magnificent view of Nagasaki, on the other side of Mt. Inasa |
Only the trading port in Japan during Natinal isolation |
Newly constructed church, after destroyed by Atomic bomb |
The first Chinese style temple in Nagasaki |
One of the three big China town in Japan |
The world’s only Confucian shrine built outside China by Chinese hands |
The spiritual and cultural hub for the citizens of Nagasaki
|
Elegant international & domestic tourist harbour |
A Chinese temple to pray for safe navigation |
Nagasaki-prefecture is the birthplace of pearls |
Location of Nagasaki-city
General information
Address | City hall : 2-22 Sakura-machi, Nagasaki-city, Nagasaki-prefecture |
Access |
2 hours and 40 minutes by a vehicle from Kitakyushu-city 2 hours by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city 1 hour and 30 minutes by a vehicle from Saga-city 1 hour and 30 minutes by a vehicle from Shimabara-city 1 hour and 10 minutes by a vehicle from Unzen-city 1 hour and 10 minutes by a vehicle from Sasebo-city
2 hours and 20 minutes by JR express train from JR Hakata Station |
Transportation |
Tram : Convenient transportation system for sightseeing in Nagasaki-city Almost all the tourist attractions are located within walking distance from tram station |
Population | 418,000 Population density 1,030 |
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And we would love to chat about your travel plans on the phone as well,
please ring our office a call in English Tel : +81-93-521-8897
Tour results
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