Nagasaki Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia
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Nagasaki Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

November 21, 2019


The thriving city of Nagasaki is cradled in the lush western
mountains of Japan’s Kyushu Island. An 8-hour bullet train from Tokyo, this charmingly diverse city
lies on the edge of a scenic channel of the Sumo-nada Sea. In a nation isolated from
the outside world for generations, Nagasaki was a gateway, through which knowledge and
resources flowed to and from the rest of the globe. This historic harbor city is now a
dynamic fusion of Japanese sophistication, which co-exists and harmonizes
with elements of overseas cultures and faiths. To much of the world, the name Nagasaki is bound to one of the most
devastating events in modern history. At 11:02 am on August 9th, 1945, World War Two’s second atomic
bomb, “Fat Man,” was detonated over the city. Tens of thousands perished, and most of the northern
valley was reduced to rubble and ash. At the Peace Park in the Urakami District, a dark pillar stands under the
exact location of the bomb’s detonation. Take in the surrounding art and statues, and reflect on the horror of the blast and its aftermath. Take a short walk to the
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, founded in remembrance to all those who perished. Just across the road from
the museum is The Memorial Hall. Meditate in the solemn glasshouse, and leave a message of
peace before you continue on your journey. Discover a serene refuge
from Nagasaki’s often-confronting history at the San’no Shrine. These 500-year old camphor trees
were a surprising survivor of the blast, and stood strong when nuclear
winds flattened this part of the city. Today, they remain a symbol of Nagasaki’s resilience. Despite all odds, greenery sprang forth
within a few months of the detonation, giving hope to those who were spared. The city’s surviving residents put aside old quarrels and banded together irrespective
of cultural and religious differences. Historical monuments were painstakingly rebuilt, and brick by brick, season by season, the Nagasaki way of life was restored. Today, Nagasaki invites
visitors to look beyond its atomic story; this is a city whose
earliest chapters are filled with riches, and whose future pages are
written with the ink of inspiration and hope. Travel to the harbor, the historic gateway which has brought travellers and trade to the nation’s shores for over 400 years. While away an afternoon in Nagasaki Seaside Park and watch as ships cruise in and out of the channel. This is a place of relaxation and recreation, where locals unwind and enjoy their beautiful city. Take a tour from the harbor to Hashima Island, an eerie landmass which
was once home to miners and their families. The island was deserted
almost overnight in the mid 1970s when coal reserves ran dry. Explore the crumbling buildings, listen to the echoes of
those that called this island home, and dredge up whispers of the hardships which once occurred beneath the rocky surface. Back on the mainland, savor steaming fusions
of Japanese and Chinese cuisine in the Shinchi Chinatown District. After filling your belly, fill your shopping
bags in the Hamamachi Arcade. This warren of wellness,
fashion and sweet shops is a favorite of Nagasaki, and the perfect place to immerse
yourself in the city’s modern culture. Ride the trade winds north to the
Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture. Discover the fascinating story of how new faiths and peoples boosted the city’s economy, and helped Nagasaki become the
multicultural beacon that it is today. Refresh your mind and spirit
amidst the tranquil gardens of Sofuku-ji. This hillside Zen temple was built by Chinese merchants who settled at the port in the 17th century. Faith is the lifeblood of Nagasaki. For centuries, conflict reigned
between followers of different beliefs. But since the city’s total obliteration, its people have united in a
single prayer that transcends religion. A prayer for peace. To the north-east, a relic of traditional Shinto times lies at the base of leafy Mount Tamazono-San. The Suwa Shrine can be traced back 500 years and is believed to be the ancient
dwelling place of three kami spirits, the sacred gods of the Shinto faith. As your journey reaches its peak, climb to one of the most epic
vantage points in Japan, Mount Inasa-yama. This mountain’s protective embrace helped
shield much of Nagasaki from the devastating atomic winds
and today it continues to watch over the city. Gaze out in awe at the
incredible beauty of a city, reborn. Nagasaki has become a beacon of hope, stepping out from the
shadows of one of history’s darkest days and into a bright, new future. Though great suffering is
woven into the fabric of this city, its light of creativity, tolerance, and forgiveness is leading the
rest of the world on a pathway to peace.

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