๐ Why Visit Nagasaki?
Nagasaki is unlike any other city in Japan. For over 200 years during Japan's period of isolation (sakoku), this harbor city was the only point of contact with the outside world โ through the tiny artificial island of Dejima, where Dutch traders were confined. This unique history created a fascinating cultural blend of Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese influences that you can see in the architecture, food, and traditions.
The city carries the weight of being the second city struck by an atomic bomb in 1945, and the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum tell this story with dignity and power. But Nagasaki is also a city of beauty โ the Mt. Inasa night view is rated among the world's top 3, the hills are dotted with churches and gardens, and the food (champon, castella, Turkish rice) is unforgettable.