Holiday in Nagasaki

About Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a city of contrasts and reconciliation - a place that became world-famous due to its tragic history, but surprises every visitor with its unique cultural diversity, its dramatic location at a deep bay, and its warm atmosphere. As the only Japanese port that remained open for trade with Europe during the country's over 200-year isolation, Nagasaki has developed a fascinating mix of Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese cultures that is unparalleled in Japan. The Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum are the emotional center of the city. The Peace Statue, which points one hand to the sky and invokes peace with the other, is one of the most poignant monuments in the world. The museum documents the destruction of August 9, 1945, with an intensity that deeply moves. Yet Nagasaki has shaped a message of peace from its tragedy, which is palpable throughout the city. Dejima, the artificial fan-shaped island in the harbor, was the only contact point between Japan and the West during the Edo period. The Dutch trading post has been meticulously reconstructed and tells the story of a unique cultural exchange. Glover Garden, with its Victorian mansions on the hill above the harbor, not only provides insight into the lives of Western traders but also offers a breathtaking panorama over the bay. Nagasaki's Chinatown, the oldest and most authentic in Japan, pulses with colorful lanterns, temples, and a cuisine that blends Japanese and Chinese traditions. Champon noodles and Castella cake are culinary inventions of this city. Hashima Island (Gunkanjima), an abandoned coal mine in the sea, has been one of the most fascinating lost places in the world since its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. From Germany, you can fly to Nagasaki with a stopover in Tokyo or Osaka in about 14 hours. Within Japan, the Shinkansen has connected Nagasaki with Fukuoka and the rest of the high-speed network since 2022. The best travel time is from March to May (cherry blossom) and from October to November (autumn foliage). Nagasaki is less crowded than Tokyo or Kyoto and offers a more authentic Japan experience.