Home > Port-area Attractions > Nagasaki
Nagasaki, home of Japan's 600 most westerly islands. During the Sakoku (National Isolation) Period, the artificial island Dejima was built here, and the city was deeply influenced by the cultures of China and the West. With its multitude of vertiginous slopes and flights of stone steps, it is still rich today with the exotic flavor of this period. A wealth of historical buildings are found here, including Japan's oldest arched stone bridge, the site of its first trading company, the western-style houses and churches centered around the old site of the foreign settlement, and the Toudera (Chinese style temples). The Peace Park near the site of the atomic bomb dropped in 1945 serves as a testament to the city's regeneration and as a message of peace.
Excursion Information
With the Western-style houses and gardens that stand on the hillsides overlooking the harbor, Nagasaki is rich with the vestiges of the flourishing foreign settlement established in the Edo Period. There are also many opportunities to get a feel for traditional Japan, with the architecture of the samurai residence site in the old castle town, and experience workshops in traditional craft arts such as ceramics and silverwork. For an experience of the natural beauty of Nagasaki, it is a short distance to the Kujukushima Islands. Why not enjoy the stunning nature and scenery of the islands to the fullest with a cruise on a large pleasure boat.
Half Day Course
Jump on a tram from the port to take a tour around the city's national treasures and important cultural properties. The Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture offers the chance not only to learn about the history of Nagasaki's interaction with other countries, but also to take part in experience workshops in traditional craft arts that are alive with the elegance and charm of Nagasaki, such as stained glass, silverwork and ceramics painting. Finally, enjoy the seasonal beauty of the flowers at Glover Garden, where the vestiges of the age of the foreign settlement more than 140 years ago are more striking now than ever, before strolling a little further to enjoy a tour of the settlement itself.
Sofuku-ji > Kofuku-ji > Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture > Glover Garden
1 Day Course
This course allows you not only to enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of the Kujukushima Islands of Saikai National Park, but also to appreciate traditional culture. Saikai Pearl Resort offers a wide range of ways to enjoy the islands, including everything from pleasure cruises to kayaking, as well as the Umi-kirara Aquarium, an enclosed natural corner of the Kujukushima sea that stretches out in to the distance. The day is rounded off with a visit to the Mikawachi-yaki Traditional Craft Center, where you can marvel at the beautiful works of craft art, and try your hand at ceramics painting and fretwork (mailing on following day).
Saikai Pearl Sea Resort (Sailing aboard the Pearl Queen) > Yumihari-no-Oka Hotel (lunch) > Mikawachi-yaki Traditional Craft Center
2 Days Course
After enjoying a tour around the streets of the samurai residence site, which is rich with the atmosphere of the castle town of past times, try your hand at preparing Shimabara noodles, which are made using the lovingly preserved traditional techniques of old times. At Unzen Hot Springs, nearest hot springs to Japan's newest volcano Mt. Heiseishinzan born in 1991, you can relax in natural spa baths that are famed throughout Japan, and walk around the ‘Unzen Hells', from which hot spring water and clouds of vapor gush forth. At the end of the tour, give your feet a well-earned treat in the country's longest foot spa at Obama Hot Springs, which boast the best water supply and temperature in Japan.
Samurai residence/Shimabara Castle > (lunch) > Unzendake Fatality Memorial Hall > Somen noodle preparation experience > Unzen Hot Springs (1 night's accommodation) > Tour of Unzen Hells > Nita Pass > Obama Hot Springs
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