Local GuideLOCAL GUIDE/NAGASAKI

Nagasaki. It's nearly impossible to separate it from its recent tragic past, but Nagasaki is a city with a rich history and culture as well as its present-day dynamism. Visitors should not be misled into believing this to be sad place. The memory of the atomic bombing is respected and remembered, but Nagasaki is a city which dates back through the centuries as one of Japan's most dynamic and internationalized. Fascinating cultural, culinary and historical attractions await any visitor to this vibrant port city.

Nagasaki can trace its origins to the late 7th Century and was always Japan's first window on the world. Early contact and trade with merchants from China, Korea and Southeast Asia and then 16th Century business with Portuguese and Dutch merchants left a lasting impression on Nagasaki and its citizens, which later spread to the whole of Japan.

As a seaside port, spring, autumn and winters are milder than cities further north while summers tend to be hot but more comfortable than other areas with refreshing ocean breezes to help combat any humidity. Though spread out over a fairly large area, Nagasaki has extensive streetcar services which only add to the unique atmosphere of the city. These trams are augmented by bus and rail systems that make the city very easy to navigate. The city is also served by the Kyushu Shinkansen.

Food

As an energetic port city with a long history of international trade, Nagasaki can lay claim to many unique culinary offerings famed throughout the country:

Champon is a noodle dish of Chinese origin that is made by frying pork, seafood and vegetables and adding to a chicken & pork broth.
Sara Udon is another noodle dish with a distinct flavor. Thin crispy noodles or thick soft noodles are topped with vegetables and a variety of seafood such as squid and prawns.
Shippoku Ryori is a blend of Japanese, Chinese and Western culinary and cooking traditions. Using a Chinese style circular presentation, tables are heaped with Japanese, Chinese and Western influenced dishes.
Castella is a signature cake from Nagasaki. Derived from recipes originally brought with Portuguese traders in the 16th Century, Nagasaki Castella is one of the most popular sweets now enjoyed throughout Japan.

Attractions and Local Specialties

Nagasaki enjoys a spectacular natural setting and intruiging, complicated, occasionally tragic, history. Travelers will find a wide variety of historical and natural points of interest throughout the city and its environs...

The Dutch Slope. Enjoy a walk through leafy, hilly avenues of this historic residential area leading up to the Glover Gardens.
Glover Gardens and Residenc. An open air museum featuring 19th century merchant houses, strolling gardens and excellent views of the city from the hilltop.
Shinchi Chinatown. One of the oldest Chinatowns in Japan, Shinchi Chinatown leaves its mark on Nagasaki through its festivals, music and, most notably, champon and soba udon restaurants!
Dejima Island. Originally an artificial island built to house Dutch traders, the only Westerners allowed in Japan during the Edo Era (17th-19th Century), is today the focus of a major restoration project as well as offering visitors the chance to explore Nagasaki's past and present.
Nagaskai Peace Park. Monuments, memorials and museums reminding us of the history of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.

Events & Activities

The vibrant, international character of Nagasaki is best demonstrated in it's numerous festivals held throughout the year:

Autmun's Nagasaki Kunchi Festival spotlights this blend in dramatic fashion. Traditional Japanese and Chinese musicians set the rhythm of the festivities while Chinese dragon dances share the streets with mikoshi portable shrines and floats showcase Nagasaki past and present.
February sees Nagasaki's historical connection to China highlighted during the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, with over 10,000 lanterns adorning Chinatown during the celebrations.
The Nagasaki Hata-age Kite Festival helps usher in Spring in early April. Dating back centuries, kite flying and battles create an amazing spectacle in the skies over parts of the city.

ATTRACTIONS

Nagasaki Night View (Mt. Inasa / Mt. Nabekanmuri)

Officially recognized as being one of the New Three Great Night Views of the World (alongside Monaco and Hong Kong), Mount Inasa truly does offer a 'ten million dollar view' of the twinkling city lights below. From here you can get a sense of why Nagasaki was nicknamed Crane Port (it looks like a crane spreading its wings), as you gaze out on the spectacular night view unique to Nagasaki. For a different angle, viewing from Mount Nabekanmuri is also recommended![From Hotel Monterey Nagasaki it is about 45 minutes by train to Mt. Inasa, and about 10 minutes by car to Mt. Nabekanmuri]
Hashima Island (World Heritage Site)

Nicknamed "warship island", this now abandoned island is accessible to sightseeing groups, with boat tours leaving from sites close to Hotel Monterey Nagasaki. This tiny island was once a vibrant mining town, home to schools, hospitals, shops and even a cinema, and the eerie remains of many buildings can still be observed from a safe distance. A visit to Hashima Island makes for an interesting and unusual experience.[About 3 minutes on foot from Hotel Monterey Nagasaki to the boarding pier]
Glover Garden

Located within walking distance of Hotel Monterey Nagasaki is the World Heritage Site of Glover Garden, which features the former residence of Thomas Glover, as Scottish merchant who settled here in the 19th century and made significant contributions to the modernization of Japan. Set on a small hill, the grounds offer lovely views of Nagasaki harbor, seasonal flowers, and a romantic atmosphere in evening time. Search for a heart-shaped paving stone in the garden and make a wish![About 10 minutes on foot from Hotel Monterey Nagasaki]
Megane Bridge (Important Cultural Property)

Meaning 'spectacles bridge', it is so called because the reflection of the double arches in the water flowing beneath looks like a pair of eye-glasses. Along with Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo and Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni, Megane Bridge is amongst the three most famous bridges in the country. It is also said to be the oldest stone arched bridge in Japan, and recently the heart-shaped stones that can be found within its vicinity have made it a popular power spot. See if you can find one of the heart stones along the walled embankment near the bridge.[About 15 minutes by train from Hotel Monterey Nagasaki]
Oura Church

The oldest Japanese church still in existence, Oura Catholic Church is a gothic-style church, but with wooden pillars and beams, as well as Japanese roof tiles, giving it a unique atmosphere. In the morning time, warm sunlight bathes the interior through its stained glass windows, thought to be the oldest in Japan, although some parts had to be repaired after suffering damage in typhoons and the atomic bomb blast.[About 10 minutes on foot from Hotel Monterey Nagasaki]
Suwa Shrine

Affectionately called 'Osuwa-san' by locals, this is a major shinto shrine for Nagasaki. In addition to warding off evil and bringing good luck for marriage, it is also said to offer maritime protection for the ships of Nagasaki. Each autumn, a major festival called Nagasaki Kunchi is held, drawing vast numbers of visitors to the shrine. If you fancy stretching your legs for a day out, take a visit to 'Osuwa-san', and maybe also take in the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture as well as Nagasaki Park, both located nearby.[About 20 minutes by train from Hotel Monterey Nagasaki]