Our Nagasaki journey started when we bought our 3Day JR Kyushu Rail Pass, we chose Nagasaki as one cities for our day trip from Fukuoka. We had scant knowledge other than the the fact that Nagasaki was one of the two Japanese cities where the atomic bomb was dropped.
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| Nagasaki Peace Park - with remnants of buildings strutures |
We took the 7:53 am Kamone 7 train. The train was more popular and we did not manage to reserve two side-by-side seats on the the train. Fortunately, one of the passengers graciously exchanged seats with us.
From our brief research, we placed the Atomic Peace Park and Museum, Chinatown, Megane-bashi(Spectacle Bridge) and to eat Nagasaki Champon noodle on our to-do-list.
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| Nagasaki to-do-list : Peace Park and Museum, Chinatown, Spectable Bridge, Champon noodle |
Once we arrived, we approached the tourist information counter for maps and directions and also to buy the one-day tram pass (as recommended by the staff).
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| Nagasaki One-day tram pass and Routes |
The tram routes are extensive and popular amongst the locals and tourists. The conductor announces every stop, and stands up to thank the passengers when many are alighting from the tram! Where else do you find such conscientious service?
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| Tram Stop, Tram and money machine |
The Hypocenter: Ground Zero of the Atomic Bombing
A part of the relics of the former Urakami Cathedral is preserved. There are about 500 cherry blossom trees in the park. It is such a peaceful and quiet park belying the horrors that had taken place.
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| Nagasaki Hypocenter Park |
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| Information Plaque and Cherry Blossom |
Peace Park
The Peace Symbol, fountain brimming with water, artworks donated by other countries and remains of bricks from bombed-out buildings on the ground can be found here. It is full of trees and blossoming flowers. It was said that grass and trees would not grow on this spot for 75 years. I feel the park reflects the resilience of the local residents to rebuild their lives.
Excerpt from the Sculptor
" After experiencing that nightmarish war, that blood-curdling carnage, that unendurable horror, Who could walk away without praying for peace? This statue was created as a signpost in the struggle for global harmony"
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| Peace Statue and Words from the Sculptor |
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| Peace Park Entrance and Park's Fountain |
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| Art Works donated by countries |
Atomic Bomb Museum
The museum is perched on a small hilltop overlooking the Hypocenter.
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| Signage and People at Peace Artwork |
The museum covers the history of the event by providing interactive models, replicas, short films and actual objects recovered at the bomb sites.
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| Atomic Bomb Museum Exhibits |
It also further confirms my belief that wars bring the greatest harm to the common people who want to have a peaceful existence.
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| Exhibits : Melted Cider bottle and others |
It was a sobering experience, and I felt great respect for the effort, grace and determination of the residents to rebuild and move forth after such an unprecedented, tragic event.
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| Inside the Museum and Swans paper foldings |
"Gladness tinges with Blues : Triumph of nature and human determination over engineered destruction"
Oura Catholic Church and Lunch
We took the tram to the Oura Catholic Church to have 'Champion Noodles' for lunch at the famous Chinese restaurant "Four Sea" or 四海楼. The restaurant was full to the brim with tour groups and other customers. We ate our lunch at the Chinese Restaurant in Crown Plaza's Hotel, across from the famed restuarant. It was a good lunch.
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| Lunch of Champon and Chinese Set Lunch in Crown Plaza Hotel |
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| Road leading to Our Catholic Church |
Many shops line the slope to the Oura Catholic Church. As there was an on-going renovation, we gave it a miss. We did sample a few varieties of the Nagasaki Castella cake from the few cake shops though, which were nice.
Dutch Slope
We passed by the Dutch Slope on our way to Chinatown.
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| Roads leading to Dutch Slope |
Slowly, we climbed the steep slope and were rewarded with one of the most beautiful cherry blossoms (to me) scenery at an old former foreign residence house compound; with elderly ladies sitting under the tree engaged in painting. Certainly, it was a beautiful sight worth translating into drawing!
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| Ladies drawing under the Cherry Blossom |
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| One of the houses on Dutch Slope |
Chinatown and Hamamachi Shopping District
Chinatown is buzzing with tourists and boasts many restaurants and shops.
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| Chinatown Gate and Street |
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| Chinatown shops and Hamamachi shopping alley |
Following the map, we walked through the Hamamachi shopping alleys to go to the Spectacle Bridge.
Magane Bashi (Spectacle Bridge)
The Nakashima River runs through a series of 17th century bridges and the best-known is the double-arched Megane-bashi or Spectacles Bridge. It was Japan's oldest stone bridge.
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| Magane Bashi (Spectacle Bridge) |
We took a break at the cafe overlooking the bridge, and also threw coins onto the ledge of the bridge. Yes, the coin remained on the ledge:).
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| Stones Bridges and cafe along Nakashima River |
Dejima Wharf
A short stroll along Dejima wharf before heading back to the Nagasaki JR station.
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| Dajima Wharf |
It was fortunate that we took it at Nagasaki station (the first stop). The train was crowded and many passengers needed to stand even as the train made numerous stops along the way.
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| Nagasaki Station and views along the route |
The Nagasaki trip was very enjoyable. Most of the attractions are within walking distance from one another. We were indeed ignorant of the many interesting sights and attraction Nagasaki has to offer. Prior to the trip, I was apprehensive if the atomic park visit may be depressive. It was totally unwarranted. Instead, the park gives hope that human resolution and determination can overcome immense tragedy, and was a pertinent reminder that peace must be maintained.
If I have the opportunity, I would like to spend a few days in Nagasaki to further explore and discover the beauty of this city.
On this Trip:
Fukuoka
Kagoshima (Sakurajima)