Nagasaki: The Historical Hub of Japan

The city of Nagasaki on the west side of the island of Kyushyu is the cultural hub of Japan. When most people hear Nagasaki they think of Pearl Harbor and the atomic bombings of this city; however what most people don't know is that when Japan went through an isolation period of 200 years, Nagasaki was the only port in which anyone could enter or leave the nation.

From about 1641-1853 the Tokugawa shogunate enforced an isolation law that was made to keep outside people's and industrialization out of japan and from threatening Japan's livelihood at the time. 

Because of this long period of isolation in most parts of Japan, Nagasaki was inhabited with lots of worldly growth. Settlers, explorers, missionaries, and scholars came from all over the world to learn of Japan's culture, and to spread knowledge of their own. Most notably the Portuguese and Dutch had a large influence on Japan at this time because of their medicinal/industrial knowledge but also the Portuguese's brought Christianity to Japan as well during this time. 

The atomic bomb that the USA targeted Nagasaki with was purposeful in destroying such a historical city of Japan. The devastation of the 1945 "fat man" atomic bomb can still been seen thought the city today. The atomic bomb museum dedicated to preserving the memory and the people who lost their lives to the bomb and its after affects is located exactly where the bomb originally hit. 

Nagasaki is an amazing city with an extremely cultured past and present. This city was home to the emperor at one time, was the only port in japan open for 200 hundred years to the rest of the world, and was victim to second and last atomic bomb to ever be bombed for real. For these reasons I believe Nagasaki to be the most historically important city in Japan. 

Top 5 places to see in Nagasaki!

The city of Nagasaki, the city of slopes, has many historical sights, top cityscape views in the world, staple foods, and unique cultural events :) because Nagasaki is so amazing I made it a goal to see everything (and eat everything) on my travels when I stayed there for my year-long study abroad. The things I have chosen are the things that were most fun, beautiful, and seen as a must by the locals.

1. The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

The atomic bomb museum is a must see for locals and foreigners alike. The devastation caused by the atomic bomb is out of this world and horrifying. The Nagasaki city website says that the museum serves as a powerful reminder of the true nature of nuclear weapons and of the pressing need for world peace. Seeing what it was like for the people in the vicinity of the explosion after the bomb is well documented in this museum, the struggles some people went through to survive, and a representation of the destruction caused to this area in Japan. Close to the museum is Nagasaki's peace park. Also a symbolism of peace after the bomb.

2. Mt. Inasa sights!
Mountain Inasa is a hill to the west of Nagasaki in which all of Nagasaki and its boat harbor can be seen from. There is a rope way travelers take from the shrine at the bottom of the hill to the top. Your view from the top is breathtaking. The night cityscape view is what made mt. Inasa famous, making it one of the top views in the world to see at night!

3. Pray for luck at Suwa Shrine

Suwa Shrine is the biggest Shinto shrine in Nagasaki. Not only is this place enormous but it's very traditional, old, and all major festivals and Shinto related events always have a celebration at the shrine. However, to get to this shrine please be in shape! The stairs are never ending and the only only water at the top in cleansing water :D

4. Seaside park, Dejima
Seaside park outside of the Dejima wharf is an amazing park that always has its fountains on, grass green, and families playing around it. The park is located right on the seaside and there is no better place to stop and relax. Big festivals like hanabi, and kunchi are celebrated here

5. Glover Gardens
Is a park in Nagasaki that was built for Thomas Blake Glover because of his work in shipbuilding , coal mining and other fields. The gardens are built on a hillside in an area with old restored Meiji period European homes. One of the most unforgettable aspects of these gardens is the giant koi pound at the top of the hill, a pound with hundreds of funny koi dying to play, is a dream here that needs to be experienced :)