Nagasaki City has many attractions unique to Nagasaki, including its unique culture and customs that were born from interactions with foreign countries.
I decided to hold a photo exhibition because I wanted people to know about the unique charms of Nagasaki City, which are common to local residents but mysterious to people outside the city.
If you come to know Nagasaki from a citizen's perspective, you will be able to enjoy Nagasaki even more.
NEW
More than 160 people live on the island, which is 480m long and 5000m wide, and is home to not only kindergartens, elementary and junior high schools, and hospitals, but also
It was more like a town than an island, with temples, shrines, movie theaters, and even pachinko parlors.
Hashima, commonly known as Gunkanjima, is a world heritage site where the town has remained as it was back in the day.
Japan's first high-rise reinforced concrete apartment buildings are lined up,
Miners have high salaries and nearly 10% of them own televisions in Japan, where the penetration rate is 100%.
During the heyday of coal mining, it had the highest population density in the world, 15 times that of New York.
If you take a sightseeing boat and land on the island,
Even today, the scenery of those days, where people's lives of the past can still be seen, is still unfolding.
NEW
Places in the city associated with Ryoma Sakamoto are famous for the bronze statue in Kazegashira Park and Kameyama Shachu, Japan's first trading company.
It is said that Ryoma often visited Wakamiya Shrine, which is located right next to the shrine, along with other patriots at the end of the Edo period.
Finally, Sakamoto Ryoma Shrine was built and Ryoma's amulet was available.
From there, you can admire the scenery typical of a hill town and go down Ryoma Street, where people from the company used to come and go.
There is the remains of the photo station where Hikoma Ueno was photographed wearing a haori hakama and boots.
Also in the city are Shofukuji Temple, where negotiations were held during the Irohamaru Incident, and the ruins of the Ozone mansion where he first stayed.
If you go further, you can see the mansion where Glover lived, where he bought a training boat and guns.
In the evening, visit Kagetsu, a historic restaurant that Ryoma also visited, and see the sword scars on the pillars made by Ryoma and his handwritten petition.
If you've come all the way, touring the historical sites is just like Ryoma, and it's all about action.
NEW
Kaminoshima, which is now connected to land, was once an island with a circumference of about 1 km that could only be accessed by boat.
At the southern tip of the island, there is a small cape that juts out into Nagasaki Port.
If you look from a distance, you can see the two torii gates of the shrine and a large 4.6m statue of Mary beyond them.
However, if you head to the cape and climb the stairs with a torii gate, you will find Ebisu-sama enshrined there.
Ebisu holding a sea bream has been worshiped as the god of bountiful catches since ancient times.
The statue of Mary was erected in 1949 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Francisco Xavier.
Here, two faiths come together to truly bring the world closer to our daily lives.
NEW
In 1879, Father de Rotz was assigned to the Sotome area, where hidden Christians had overcome the hardships of the era when Christianity was prohibited.
Utilizing the priest's wide knowledge of architecture, medicine, industry, etc.,
He invested his personal funds to build two churches in Shitsu and Ono for the benefit of his followers, and established an orphanage and midwifery home.
They passed on methods of growing wheat and noodle making techniques that could be grown even in poor soil, and started industries such as textiles and printing.
We provided a place for church-centered living and supported the independence of believers.
Exchanges began between the priest's birthplace, the village of Vosserolles in northwestern France, and Sotome.
Three bridges dyed in the colors of the French flag were built in Sotome, which has become a sister city.
It is a bridge with France that Father de Rotz gave to us.
NEW
The East China Sea, which Nagasaki Port faces, is known as the ``cradle of fish'' because it is home to many migratory fish, with more than 250 types of fish being landed, and the number of fish landed being the third in the country.
Glover's son Tomisaburo Kuraba saw many rare fish.
We asked five Japanese painters living in Nagasaki to draw a total of 801 fish pictures.
He even compiled an illustrated encyclopedia of fish called the Ishizo Ishu.
Visit taverns and restaurants in the city where you can eat fish you've never seen or heard of,
One of the fun things about Nagasaki City is trying out what it tastes like.
NEW
A city train that connects the city's main routes as a means of transportation for Nagasaki citizens.
The fare is the same no matter where you go, making it a useful means of transportation during your travels.
The Noryo Beer Train is a summer tradition in Nagasaki that only runs from July to August every year.
In winter, an oden train runs, allowing you to warm up with Nagasaki oden.
Walking down the middle of a road that you would normally not be able to pass while enjoying a drink.
It takes about an hour and a half to walk around the circuit slowly.
The scenery you can see from the city train is the very essence of Nagasaki.
Summer Beer Train July-August / Oden Train February-March
(※By appointment only)
NEW
Peaches have been revered in China since ancient times as the fruit of eternal youth and longevity.
In Nagasaki, a return gift for celebrating the first annual festival on the Doll's Festival on March 3rd (so-called family celebration)
This is "Momo Castella".
Nowadays, girls eat it during the Doll's Festival to celebrate their own longevity and health.
It is also given on auspicious occasions such as marriage and childbirth.
The top is a sugar-crafted peach, and the bottom is a lightly sweetened castella dough that takes into account its sweetness.
A dish that fully embodies Nagasaki's charm, supporting the auspiciousness of the East with the deliciousness of the West.
It would be a great gift to have as a souvenir.
NEW
In Nagasaki, kites are called Hata.
But it's not just the name that makes it different from other regions.
You control the grouper freely, start a battle, and use your own grouper's line to cut the opponent's line.
The rule is that if a dropped grouper is picked up first, it will become the next owner.
In the past, children were rushing to catch the grouper whose line had been cut.
Grouper is said to have been introduced from Indonesia on a Dutch ship.
Decorative groupers are popular as souvenirs, with beautiful patterns drawn in three colors of red, blue and white, and available in a variety of sizes.
Grouper frying competitions are held from April to early May, and there are usually grouper frying classes that anyone can enjoy.
NEW
Many ports, such as Nagasaki Port, are known as ``good natural ports.''
Because the mountains are close to the sea, the sea is deep right next to the land.
Even large ships can enter the port without worrying about running aground.
However, as it prospers, more people gather at the port.
There was a lack of flat land to build towns and factories, and ports were gradually being filled in.
Before the port was opened in the late 16th century, it was approximately 3 km from the current Nagasaki Port terminal.
The sea used to extend to the area where Peace Park now stands.
When you visit Dejima, you'll probably think, "It doesn't face the sea, right?"
If you look at the night view from the observation decks of Mt. Kazeto, Mt. Inasa, and Mt. Nabekan, overlooking Nagasaki Port,
You'll notice that the area is filled with street lamps all the way to the sea.
This is proof that Nagasaki City has developed along with the port.
NEW
Even though it was shrimp, it was a bit flat and ungainly (rude).
In the past, even if flounder were caught in fishing nets, they were not put on the market because they were unfamiliar with them.
They were either eaten by locals or returned to the sea.
Moreover, we have no idea where they live and their ecology, and fishing is unstable.
Still, it has a plump texture and sweetness that rivals Ise lobster.
In recent years, full-scale fishing has started in order to give more people the chance to experience it.
Currently, fan shrimp are being landed in various places within Nagasaki Prefecture.
Fishing seasons are determined by region, and the amount of fish caught is controlled.
It's rare and valuable, so you'll be lucky if you can find it at a restaurant that sells it.
If you find it at a store, don't hesitate to order it.
NEW
According to a 2021 survey by the Bicycle Industry Promotion Association,
The number of bicycles owned per household in Nagasaki is 0.38.
Compared to the national average of 1.03 units, this continues to be by far the lowest.
Because there are so few flat places that it is called "Slope Town",
I rarely see bicycles in the city.
In fact, there are rumors that there are some citizens who cannot ride bicycles.
When you visit a private shop that calls itself a bicycle shop,
It's no wonder that most of what they sell are motorcycles.
However, this is the age of ecotourism, and e-bike rental shops have also appeared.
It's also fun to take a look at bicycle shops during your e-bike tour.
NEW
The customs surrounding graves in Nagasaki are unique.
First of all, the letters on the tombstone are gold.
Bamboo incense sticks, long bamboo incense sticks, are placed in front of graves.
Grave visits during Obon are held from dusk to night, and fireworks are set off in front of the graves.
It is also a rocket firework called "Yabiya".
They also drink alcoholic beverages in front of the grave in memory of the deceased.
These are all customs for the deceased that came from China.
Guide the spirits of your ancestors with light, ward off evil spirits with sound, and have a lively time together.
It seems that there is such a meaning.
It's a difficult place to stop by when sightseeing, but if you're passing by, please take a look.
You will notice that there is a small space in front of the grave where the family can spend time together.
In Nagasaki City, fireworks are sold all year round, not just in the summer.
On the contrary, firecrackers are sold openly,
There are also people who buy ``adult purchases'' of 30,000 yen or more.
In Nagasaki, which has been influenced by Chinese culture, visitors can visit graves and carry out spirits.
This is because there is a custom of setting off fireworks and exploding firecrackers.
What color and shape will this be?
Each child picks up a firework.
In Nagasaki, where there are fireworks shops, the joy of choosing fireworks begins.
Spirit Nagashi is a ceremony held to send away the spirits of ancestors welcomed during Obon.
Generally speaking, a small boat, which is a vehicle for spirits, is sent out on a river or sea.
It's a modest event.
However, during Nagasaki's Spirit Nagashi, firecrackers go off throughout the town.
In Chinese culture, there is a custom of setting off fireworks and firecrackers when visiting graves.
In Nagasaki, which was affected by the fire, people set off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits.
Along with a spirit boat decorated based on the hobbies of the deceased.
Families celebrating the first Bon festival parade through the city.
Don't forget to bring earplugs while watching.
August 15th every year
It had the color of red-hot iron in a forge.
Made from lean tuna
Tekkamaki is said to have been named after it.
In Nagasaki City, there is Shirotetsu Fire Roll, which contradicts its name.
The ingredients are white-fleshed yellowtail, yellowtail, and yellowtail.
Surrounded by the sea, Nagasaki is rich in fresh fish.
The meat is firm and has a chewy, crunchy texture.
Bringing freshness to sticky tuna
They say it's because I didn't feel it.
When you come to Nagasaki, try the somewhat mysterious Shirotetsu Fire Roll.
August 1945, 8, 9:11 a.m.
Three days after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima,
An atomic bomb exploded approximately 500m south of the Peace Statue.
Approximately 15 people were killed or injured.
The Peace Statue was created by Seibo Kitamura, a sculptor from Nagasaki.
The right hand pointing to the sky represents the threat of the atomic bomb, and the left hand stretched horizontally represents peace.
The lightly closed eyelids symbolize the desire to pray for the souls of the atomic bomb victims.
At the Atomic Bomb Museum, you can see not only the devastation of the atomic bombing, but also the circumstances surrounding the dropping of the bomb.
The history of nuclear weapons development and the desire for peace without nuclear weapons are on display.
When you enter the Atomic Bomb Museum, you will see the words ``Make Nagasaki the last place to be atomic bombed.''
With this wish in mind, citizens hold a moment of silence on that day and at that time.
We are still
We need time to face the tragedy of war caused by humans.
The platform at Nagasaki Station is designed to allow you to go all the way to the edge.
As you walk, you can feel the sea breeze.
What stretches out before your eyes is Nagasaki Port, which has shaped the history of Nagasaki City.
When I turned around, the Shinkansen was still stopped.
One of the few Shinkansen terminal stations,
The Shinkansen will stay at Nagasaki Station until the next departure time.
In other words, here you can take the West Kyushu Shinkansen "Kamome" slowly.
A photo spot where you can take pictures.
Your trip to Nagasaki begins the moment you step off the train.
Delicious onigiri restaurants have taken root in Nagasaki City.
It is served as a set meal for lunch, or as a take-out option.
What is unusual is the rice ball at the end.
I'm too full to eat rice balls after drinking.
Even if you think so, some stores have as many as 30 types.
When I was choosing onigiri, I ended up ordering about 3 of them.
At the same time, I ordered snacks, and ended up ordering alcohol, and it became a bar crawl.
That is also typical of Nagasaki.
The Nagasaki Peron Championship is held on the last Saturday and Sunday of July every year.
The boats, which are made new every 5-6 years, are made of cedar and are about 14 meters long.
Up to 26 rowers who had practiced for this day played drums and gongs,
Race rowing 1,150m round trip.
It was first held in Nagasaki Port by Chinese residents in 1655.
During the Edo period, the prototype for today's rowing competitions between towns was created.
The enthusiasm was so great that there were constant disputes and a ban was issued.
On Saturdays, the occupational division, junior high school student division, and women's division are held.
We won the regional tournaments held in various locations starting in June.
On Sunday, the selected teams from each region will decide on the No. 1 team.
It's all Peron from morning till evening.
It's nice to watch, but for those who want to ride,
There will be a trial session during the tournament.
Every year on the last Saturday and Sunday of July (district tournaments are held in various parts of the city from June)
If you head north on National Route 202 from the city center,
Eventually, it became known as Sotome.
You will arrive at a village where Christians were hiding during the prohibition era.
Sotome literally has a coastline that looks out onto the ocean.
If you think about it, Nagasaki is located in the westernmost part of Japan.
A series of spectacular spots where you can see the sunset over the sea.
This place was the setting for Shusaku Endo's novel "Silence".
Like Nagasaki City, it was the westernmost point of Europe before the era of prohibition of Christianity.
Missionaries from Portugal also
It must have been a superimposition of the sunset from my hometown.
Many stone monuments are erected in Nagasaki city.
Of course, the site of the mansion, etc.
There are many monuments that say "the birthplace of ○○."
In Nagasaki, where trade was flourishing, many things were brought in from overseas.
To be more precise, it is full of ``firsts in Japan,'' including things that are ``traditional sites.''
From foods such as potatoes, onions, watermelon, and coffee,
Billiards, canned food, photo machines, rock-paper-scissors,
Concrete houses, telephones, and even camels.
In Nagasaki, where various things landed,
Part of the fun of sightseeing is trying to find things for the first time.
The city tram is affectionately referred to as the chin-chin train by locals.
Get off the Oura branch line at the last stop and head north to the start of the slope.
Walk along Oranda Saka Street, which is dotted with Western-style buildings built during the Meiji period.
What appears next to it is a Confucius temple with vermilion pillars and a yellow roof.
It is the opposite of the pale color scheme of the West.
It is an oriental beauty with a strong statement.
This city was created by
It is the generosity of Nagasaki citizens who accept everything.
In Nagasaki Kunchi, the town in charge of performing the dedication dance that year is called Odori-machi.
It is performed once every seven years, only in the year in which it is the main role.
There will be a special performance (dashimono).
Performances that incorporate Chinese culture, often seen in photos of Nagasaki Kunchi,
There are even years when the dragon dance (Jaodori) is not performed.
From June, when practice begins, to September, when finishing touches are put in place for the actual performance.
And until the actual performance in October, Nagasaki can only be seen once every seven years.
October 10th-7th (actual) practice scene June-September every year
Nagasaki City, whose port is surrounded by mountains, has developed as a shipbuilding industry.
As the population increased, housing increased higher up the mountain.
The road also extended up the mountain.
However, on the slope where many houses are built,
Building new roads is difficult;
Even now, narrow, winding roads that barely allow cars to pass each other are commonplace.
Large route buses come and go on such roads as a matter of course.
People say that ``Nagasaki is good at driving buses.''
It's because I was trained on this path.
Including large lantern objects that are almost art-like,
Nagasaki is a great photo spot in winter, when around 15,000 lanterns decorate the city.
At the festival, which attracts more than 100 million people every year, there are not only lanterns but also
"Emperor Parade" in Chinese costumes, erhu performances, funny masks, Chinese theater, etc.
Even from the perspective of Chinese people, there remains a sense of good old China that is missing in modern China.
A handmade lantern experience that children can enjoy,
A tour of the four temples offering candles is also popular, as it is said that your wishes will come true.
Hot steamed braised buns, hatoshi, and mala khao are also part of the fun.
January 1st to January 1th of the lunar calendar every year
Just 10km east of the city center.
Toishi Town is home to one of Nagasaki City's leading fishing ports, and has a thriving aquaculture industry.
Tiger blowfish, oysters, sea bream, and striped mackerel are farmed.
It is shipped nationwide.
The Toishi Torafugu and Oyster Festival is held from the end of November every year.
A chance to enjoy chewy tiger blowfish and plump oysters.
The price is surprising. If you ate at a high-end restaurant in the city center, it would probably cost you 10,000 yen.
You can enjoy quality food at unbelievable prices.
Once you eat at Toishi, you'll never go back anywhere else.
End of November to mid-December every year
(Kakiyaki will be held every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday until the end of March)
The shape of the tail of cats living in Japan is
Since ancient times, it has generally been straight and long.
But about 80% of cats in Nagasaki have tips.
Curved, short, or bun-shaped.
In Nagasaki, the cat is called the "tail-curved cat".
It is especially common in Indonesia.
During the Edo period, the East India Company, which was responsible for trade with Europe,
The Asian branch was located in Indonesia.
Ships at that time were made of wood, and they ate their cargo.
To get rid of rats that gnaw on the hull
It is believed that a cat carried on a ship settled in Japan.
Nagasaki City is visited by people from all over the world, not only for its culture and people, but also for its cats.
If you meet a cat while traveling, pay attention to its tail.
He will be 2022 years old in 113.
A huge crane with a height of 62m and an arm length of 75m,
After its completion in 1909, it was destroyed by war.
Even in harsh environments where it is exposed to sea breezes every day, it is still in active use.
Large turbines and other equipment manufactured at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Nagasaki Shipyard
It operates about 10 days a month to load onto ships.
Its appearance is so historically valuable that it is admired by Scotland, where it was exported.
For safety reasons, it is not open to the public from onshore, but
From Glover Garden, Gunkanjima Cruise, and aboard a pleasure boat,
You can get a close look at the majestic structure that continues to support Nagasaki's modern industry.
In the 19th century, this creature was named Dinosaur.
The reason for the Japanese translation, which uses the dragon as an analogy, is
Matajiro Yokoyama was a paleontologist from Nagasaki.
More than 120 years have passed since then.
At the Nagasaki City Dinosaur Museum in Nomozaki,
The world's largest Tyrannosaurus fossil in the Netherlands
A faithful replica of the whole body skeleton
It is the only one on display in the world.
The night view of Nagasaki City has been certified as one of the world's new top three night views.
Because it is surrounded by mountains,
It can be viewed from various places.
If you want to watch the sunset over the islands beyond Megami Bridge, head to Mt. Nabekan.
If you want a panoramic view of Nagasaki City centered on the port, go to Mt. Inasa.
Kazegashira Park is a place where you can enjoy cherry blossoms at night in the spring as well as the city lights.
You can choose according to your preference, but
If you come all the way, it's a good idea to climb all of them and compare them.
Although it has Türkiye in its name,
Turkish rice is not Turkish food.
There are various theories about its origin, but
Chinese pilaf, Japanese pork cutlet, and Western spaghetti.
Because it is served on one plate, it seems like Turkey, where Eastern and Western cultures meet.
It is said that it got its name from Turkish rice.
What became Nagasaki's signature dish, which was created through the interaction of various cultures?
Maybe it's not a coincidence.
In Nagasaki City, which has many hills, it is difficult to attend schools located on top of hills.
Citizens use buses.
However, the return trip is downhill, so it's easy to walk home.
That's when the one-way bus commuter pass came about.
Take the bus for the difficult uphill climb. Walk on the way back down.
This is a way of life unique to Nagasaki citizens.
The end of the Edo period.
A woman named Shiwo Miura worked at the magistrate's mansion.
A loquat seed given to me by a Chinese person (or Chinese translator).
When I sowed it in my garden, I found out that Nagasaki is fortunate to have a warm climate surrounded by the sea.
The fruits that ripened were large and delicious.
Nagasaki is now known as the "Loquat Kingdom," accounting for over 30% of the nation's production.
In recent years, new sweeter and larger-fruited varieties have been added.
It is shipped all over Japan.
Castella is also a good souvenir from Nagasaki, but
Nagasaki-dori chooses loquat jelly.
By bus or car, take National Route 499 from the city to the southwest along the coastline.
When Gunkanjima began to look exactly like a warship,
A small island will appear.
Tanoko Island, floating off the coast of the Dinosaur Museum,
It is a small island that is connected to the land during low spring tide.
Because of its rarity, it is known as a matchmaking island where your dreams will come true when two people cross over.
Play with the small fish and sea urchins left behind in the tidal pools left behind by sea water.
While I was eating delicious seafood, I saw a beautiful sunset over the sea.
Spending relaxing time surrounded by the sea,
But it passes quickly.
Next to Megane Bridge, there is a bronze statue of the Chinese person who designed the bridge.
Meganebashi was not yet possible for Japanese people at the time.
This is Japan's first arch-style stone bridge built using cutting-edge technology.
It's not just the sight of him wearing glasses reflected in the river that makes him famous.
Since the 17th century, 17 to 18 stone bridges have been built over the Nakashima River.
If you walk upstream along the river from Meganebashi Bridge, you can still find many stone bridges.
No matter where you go, you'll find the same chain stores
In a world that has come to see
Nagasaki City still has many unique individual shops.
These include Champon and Sara-udon.
It's not just local cuisine.
A fish shop that sells fresh fish at the front, but when you go inside, you can eat set meals.
Conveyor belt sushi has a wide variety of items, is extremely fresh, and incredibly cheap.
A friendly izakaya where you can sit down and have a conversation with the staff or the customers next to you.
The essence of Nagasaki's food lies in the restaurants frequented by locals.
Nagasaki City is a large area, and the ``normality'' that Nagasaki residents enjoy on a daily basis is deep.
In addition to the typical sightseeing spots that come to mind when you think of Nagasaki, if you add in the ``ordinary'' city of Nagasaki, which has a variety of attractions, you won't be able to see everything in one day.
Let's go to Nagasaki that you don't know about with our travel map to discover the "ordinary" of Nagasaki.
Sotome/Kotomi area
Central City Area
Mogi/Toishi area
Iojima/Nomozaki area