Five peninsulas, 971 islands and many exotic streets. A diverse, exciting and pulsating area of varied cultural and topographical differences.

Nagasaki Prefecture lies in the northwestern part of Kyushu, the third-largest island of Japan and most southwesterly of its four main islands, and consists of five peninsulas and numerous islands. With the sea in between, it stands face-to-face with a continent, part of which is China, and the Korean Peninsula. It has therefore long been an important transportation point facing the continent of Asia. Ports for trade with Portugal and Holland were also established there in the 16th century. In addition, since it was once the center of Christian propagation, there are many exotic historical ruins and buildings that still remain within the prefecture.

Almost half of the total land area of the prefecture consists of 971 inhabited and uninhabited islands. The prefecture has many scenic spots, such as the Kujuku-shima Islands, a part of Saikai National Park, and Fugen-dake, the principal peak of the volcano Unzen-dake, which is situated right in the center of the Shimabara-hanto Peninsula. Huis Ten Bosch, a residential-style resort modeled after a mediaeval 17th century Dutch town, is also known as a popular tourist spot.

Nagasaki City, which is the heart of the Nagasaki-hanto Peninsula, is a port city that developed all the way up along the steep slope of a mountain, while it also stretched out horizontally, hugging Nagasaki Bay. The line of visitors attracted to its many tourist spots never ends. Such spots include Peace Park which tells of the facts and memories of the horrible damage that was inflicted by the atomic bomb and continues to appeal to the world with its wish for peace, and the nation's oldest wooden Christian church, O-ura Tenshu-do, which even today exudes an exotic atmosphere.

A stronghold for believers of a banned Christian faith. The center of Nagasaki that experienced an atomic bomb blast.

The Urakami district is located roughly in the center of Nagasaki, to the north of the city center. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, in the Edo Period, Christianity was banned and Urakami became the stronghold for oppressed believers who steadfastly adhered to their religion in secret. Also, during the Second World War, an atomic bomb was dropped on this part of the city two days after the first atomic bomb used in war had utterly devastated Hiroshima.

Urakami Tenshu-do Cathedral was completed in the beginning of the 20th century by believers who had withstood religious oppression and ultimately won their freedom. However, it was destroyed by the atomic bomb, and later rebuilt in 1960. The damaged stone statues and other relics around the cathedral continue to speak of the tragic effects of the bomb.

You can learn a lot about the atomic bomb at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, located in Hirano-machi. Within Peace Park, which was constructed to present a declaration that "we will never repeat a war," and offer a wish for world peace, are the Peace Statue and Peace Fountain, as well as other monuments symbolizing peace presented to the city by countries from around the world. In addition, the neighboring Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Park has an atomic bomb hypocenter monument, and many people go there to pray for peace.


A breathtaking view overlooking "the port of cranes" in Nagasaki. Cherry blossoms and azaleas attract many visitors every year.

Mt. Inasa-yama, 333 meters above sea level, is in the northwestern part of the city of Nagasaki and is known as the best viewing point there. A round observation station on the top of the hill provides not only a panoramic view of the beautiful harbor, sometimes called "the port of cranes" because of its beauty, and the city extending northward, but also offers distant views of Unzen, Amakusa, or even the Goto-retto Islands on clear days. At twilight the city lights begin to blink on one after another, while the sky becomes radiant with the colors of sunset, which is a moment not to be missed. At the halfway point to the top of Mt. Inasa-yama are many Japanese-style ryokan (inns) and hotels found in favorable locations. You will surely enjoy a wonderful dining experience at the observation station or one of those cozy hotel restaurants. Don't miss what is called the "million dollars night view."

The mountain is also popular among the people of Nagasaki for its beautiful cherry blossoms and some 80,000 azalea plants. The Inasa-yama Tsutsuji-matsuri Festival (Azalea Festival) is held each spring, with events taking place at various locations, including the open-air stage in Inasa-yama Park. Also, many people participate in and enjoy watching the Kite Flying Competition, where colorful "hata," or kites, dancing in the wind attract a large number of visitors.