"Nagasaki is one of my favourite cities in the world. The city is built-up around a natural bay and the rich history and culture that has created it is obvious to see throughout with Japanese shrines next to Chinese temples and western colonial style houses. This is a city that should be renowned for a lot more than the atomic bomb. Nagasaki is laid back and just a nice place to be."
James Mundy - PR Manager
Japan’s first contacts with the West took place in Nagasaki with the arrival of missionaries and traders from Portugal and the Netherlands. Foreigners were at first confined to the small enclave of Dejima but soon, as their influence spread and trade grew, so did their concessions.
One of the most interesting parts of Nagasaki is the hillside Glover Garden named after the influential Scottish entrepreneur Thomas Glover. Here, set amidst the gardens, many fine turn-of-the-century European residences look out over the harbour.
A tragically ill-fated break in the clouds lead to Nagasaki having the misfortune of becoming the world’s second target for an atomic bomb that had originally been intended for Fukuoka. This part of the city’s history is commemorated in the Peace Museum and Peace Park situated in the north of the city.
Also recommended is an evening cable car trip to the top of Inasa-yama for a spectacular night-time panorama of the city. With its easy to use tram system, many of whose streetcars are museum pieces in themselves, Nagasaki is a joy to explore. Blessed with a cosmopolitan and relaxed atmosphere, the city is remembered by many visitors as one of the most pleasant experiences in all Japan.
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