As a hub of international trade, Nagasaki has been trading with countries around the world since ancient times, with a strongly exotic atmosphere as part of its appeal. Nagasaki, a port city with lovely night scenery, and the Goto area, with its beautiful sea and stars spreading throughout the night sky, are studded with the assets that make up their UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
Nagasaki
This strip of white sand is known as the most beautiful natural beach in Japan. The view from the beach is wonderful and the change in color gradation from the cobalt blue of the deep ocean to the emerald green of the shallows as seen from the Gyoran Kannon Observatory is truly beautiful.
The delightful red brick Imochiura Church has the first Lourdes site built in Japan. It is said that drinking the holy water here cures disease, and the site is visited by pilgrims from throughout Japan.
The beautiful modern interior of the GOTO TSUBAKI HOTEL is based on the blue of the sea around the Goto Islands. The ocean-view rooms command views over the whole of the Gotonada Bay, and the hotel’s Italian food, which makes generous use of local ingredients, also has an excellent reputation.
The range of sundries, skincare items, and foods based on superbly pure Tsubaki (camellia) oil, taken from high-quality camellias grown in the Goto Islands, make superb gifts. You can also try squeezing Tsubaki oil in the adjoining cafe space.
Nagasaki Peace Park, located on a low hill on the north side of ground zero of the nuclear explosion, was built to embody hopes for world peace and vow to never repeat the tragedy of war. The Orizuru Tower, which sparkles with golden Tsuru cranes, receives countless folded paper cranes, given with prayers for permanent world peace.
Oura Cathedral, which is one of the component assets of the World Cultural Heritage area, is a beautiful church in the Gothic style typical of Medieval European architecture, built for foreign residents. It is the oldest such church surviving in Japan.
This small island, which was once a seabed coal mine housing many people, came to be called Gunkanjima (“Warship Island”) because the way its tall reinforced concrete buildings clustered together made it resemble a warship. Now that it is uninhabited, visitors can land on the island in tours that explore its interior.
Select location to view on map
First, go to Nagasaki Airport on the West side of Kyushu. It’s a straightforward 40-minute bus ride from Nagasaki Airport to the center of Nagasaki. The city’s trams are an easy way to move around central Nagasaki and visit the main sight-seeing spots. The best way to Fukue Island is by air to Goto Fukue Airport from either Fukuoka or Nagasaki Airports. Options for getting around the island include rental cars or motorcycles, and taxis.
