In 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, devastating the city. The Atomic Bomb Peace Museum illustrates the events that led to that fateful day, and houses personal effects, artifacts and photographs of those who were lost -- and survived -- the blast, all with a focus on attaining and preserving peace so these events won't be repeated. English-speaking narration on headphones is available. Learn about the city's important role in international trade at the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture. The museum houses more than 48,000 documents, works of art and artifacts from a period known as "the isolation," when most of Japan was closed to the rest of the world. Exhibits explore early interactions with Asian and European countries, re-create historical buildings, and document international influences on the region's art.
Have your camera ready when you visit the Spectacles Bridge, or Megane-bashi. This stone bridge, designed by a Chinese priest, arches across the Nakajima River near the center of the city, where it's stood since 1634. Just two years later, the Japanese relegated the many Portuguese missionaries and Dutch traders in the area to Dejima Wharf, a man-made island near the port. The Europeans were limited to this area for almost two centuries. In the mid-1990s, a revitalization project restored much of the wharf to its original appearance. Many historic buildings remain, along with dining, shopping and art galleries.
Spend an afternoon exploring Glover Garden, where European traders were allowed to build their homes in the Meiji period, which stretched from 1868 to 1912. Set on a hill, you'll enjoy the views of the city and port below while strolling through the lush gardens and restored period mansions. For more panoramic views, take the cable-car ride to the Inasa-Yama lookout. Perched high above the western edge of the harbor, the view from the lookout is especially dramatic at night when Nagasaki lights up.
Nagasaki is packed with sites of religious significance. Don't miss the Sofukuji Temple. Built in 1629 by Chinese immigrants, the temple houses Daiohoden, or a sedentary Buddha, and a gate considered to be a national treasure. Japan's oldest wooden church, the Oura Catholic Church, dates to 1865, when a French missionary established it. The church was damaged in the bombing of 1945, but has since been restored, and stands as an example of gothic architecture.
