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Nagasaki, Japan
Description
For most travelers, Nagasaki is a symbol of the horror and the inhumanity of war. An estimated 75,000 people perished in 1945 when the city became the second target of a nuclear attack. Today, Nagasaki's Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world.
But this beautiful city on Kyushu offers other sights. Often described as the San Francisco of Japan, the city occupies verdant hills surrounded by a deep-water bay. For three centuries, Nagasaki was Japan's sole window on the world. The city is also celebrated as the setting for Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly."
Points of Interest
- Peace Memorial Park
- Atomic Bomb Museum
- Glover Garden
- Oura Catholic Church
- Shimabara Castle and Village
- Arita
- Dejima
- Mt. Inasa
More about Nagasaki, Japan Points of Interest
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Peace Memorial Park -
The massive "Peace Statue," erected in memory and a symbol of world peace, dominates this thoughtful park commemorating the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.
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Atomic Bomb Museum -
Above Peace Memorial Park stands the sobering Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Here you can view displays of photographs and artifacts and watch videos detailing this tragic event in world history.
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Glover Garden -
This hilltop, open-air museum exhibits mansions from the Meiji era, belonging to former Western residents of Nagasaki. Enjoy panoramic views of Nagasaki harbor from the beautifully landscaped grounds.
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Oura Catholic Church -
Constructed in 1864 during the Edo Period, the church was designed to appeal to the growing community of foreign merchants and is the only Western building designated as a national treasure.
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Shimabara Castle and Village -
Visit this charming, well-preserved, 16th-century town featuring a samurai village and a superbly reconstructed feudal castle. Tour the elegant, five-story white structure, which is now an historical museum.
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Arita -
The birthplace of porcelain manufacturing in Japan, Arita is a quaint mountain town with 400 years of history producing ceramic treasures. Tour a working kiln and shop for pieces to take home.
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Dejima -
Originally built for Portuguese missionaries in the 17th century, this fan-shaped island and National Historical Site became a Dutch trading center, introducing beer, coffee and chocolate to Japan.
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Mt. Inasa -
Nearly 1,100 feet high, this hill to the west of Nagasaki is known for its "10 Million Dollar Night View" - also spectacular in daylight - which you can see if you ride to the summit by cable car.