Location of Nagasaki
Nagasaki Prefecture is located on the westernmost of Japan. There are many islands such as Iki, Tsushima, and the Goto islands, and it is famous for having the largest number of islands among the 47 prefectures. Not only the islands, but the entire Nagasaki prefecture is surrounded by the seas such as the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, so the coastline is very long, which is the origin of the name “Nagasaki”. Since Nagasaki is surrounded by the seas and close to the continent, Nagasaki has played an important role in history as a gateway to the world where many people and cultures come and go.
Nagasaki is surrounded by a rich natural environment, such as Unzen-Amakusa National Park which has Mt. Unzen and Saikai National Park as well as the seas. In Nagasaki, warm air flows from the Tsushima Current that flows north of the prefecture in summer, and cold air flows from the Eurasian continent in winter, and you can enjoy the four seasons. Nagasaki is where cultures and people from all over the world come and go in the rich nature and four seasons.
〇Reference Website〇
・DISCOVER NAGASAKI The Official Visitor’s Guide
https://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/access
・VISIT NAGASAKI Official Tourism Website for Nagasaki City
https://www.at-nagasaki.jp/access/
Sightseeing Spots in Nagasaki
Nagasaki has sightseeing spots which make you feel the various countries and the history. Among them, Mt. Inasa is the representative spot of Nagasaki. It is known as one of the best three night views in the world, and offers a beautiful night view overlooking Nagasaki City. If you visit there during the day, you can see Nagasaki which used to be known as a gateway to the world through looking buildings reminiscent of various countries in the world and cruise ships entering Nagasaki Port.
The islands surrounded by nature such as the sea and mountains are also wonderful sightseeing spots. Each island has its own characteristics; Kujukushima, where you can explore the islands of various shapes by boat, Iki, where ancient Japanese historic sites are scattered everywhere, Tsushima, which has played a major role in history as a border island, and Goto Islands, where has a World Heritage Church.
〇Reference Website〇
・DISCOVER NAGASAKI The Official Visitor’s Guide
https://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/guide
・VISIT NAGASAKI Official Tourism Website for Nagasaki City
https://www.at-nagasaki.jp/spot/
Foods in Nagasaki
Many local cuisines in the prefecture were developed when Nagasaki was an international trading port. The mixture of cultural influences was reflected on the local dishes. At the mention of Nagasaki, many people in Japan immediately think of Champon. The Meiji 30th Period, it was developed by a local Chinese restaurant that wanted to provide a low-cost yet highly nutritious meal for the local Chinese students. Since then, it has become one of the well-loved and famous gourmets in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Besides Champon, Shippoku is a famous cuisine in Nagasaki. Shippoku is a mixture of traditional Japanese, Chinese and Western cuisine that is unique to Nagasaki Prefecture. The recipes used for this fusion feast were developed during the Edo Period as a result of international & cultural exchange between Nagasaki and other countries.
〇Reference Website〇
・DISCOVER NAGASAKI The Official Visitor’s Guide
https://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/feature/eat
・VISIT NAGASAKI Official Tourism Website for Nagasaki City
https://www.at-nagasaki.jp/restaurant/
Access to Nagasaki
Nagasaki Airport is the world’s first full-scale offshore airport floating in Omura Bay. It is located in the center of Nagasaki prefecture, and you can reach Nagasaki city and Sasebo city in about an hour by car or train. There are also flights to Iki, Tsushima and the Goto Islands. It is 2 hours from Haneda Airport in Tokyo and 1 hour from Kansai International Airport in Osaka.
