How to Spend 24 Hours in Nagasaki

Nagasaki is famous worldwide for the bloody nuclear bombing happened many years ago but still causing heavy consequences. The severe and anarchic history pinned this city as a specific destination. Nowadays, Nagasaki is charmed with vibrant and modern energy that leaving the distressing past towards the bright future. A day trip to Nagasaki is not a long time but can cover the highlights of this beautiful city. Asia Shore Excursions would like to recommend a 1-day itinerary for your perfect Nagasaki shore excursions.

Morning

There will be not an interesting trip if you don’t have enough energy for it. Fill your stomach with the savory soft and springy pork dumplings in a local restaurant at Shinbashi. This area is run by a family firstly opened in 1960 and then rapidly becomes one of the five most famous places in Nagasaki. The taste is familiar that is the mixture of Japanese and Chinese cuisine reminding about your childhood.

When you finish the breakfast, take a drive on a tram to Matsuyama-Machi Station. During the drive, you can get the free time to enjoy the scenery over the city before heading to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum which lands right next to the stop. This attraction  This famous museum maintains the clear proofs about the bomb happened on August 9th, 1945, its consequences, and also the changes of Nagasaki after the disaster. A stark and gripping exhibition of bomb’s devastation is totally exposed to the public.

The proofs exhibited are artifacts and relics dated back to the time bomb explosion including small pieces of twisted shrapnel, broken bricks and rocks, furniture and pottery surviving after the bomb found in the rubble, photographs about victims and ruins, and especially a clock stopped at 11:02 – exactly the time bomb busted out. Many videos are showed which tell the story of survivors and teach younger generations about the nuclear landscape nowadays.

Next to the museum is the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall built for remembering the victims who died or injured by the bomb. The hall is designed uniquely with a level above, a sculptured water basin in the middle, and the bottom is two underground levels. One of these has a dozen glass pillars serving as the bookshelves maintaining the names of victims. You can leave messages in the hall as a peaceful behavior toward them.

When you finish the visit to Nagasaki Museum, take a stroll towards Sakanaya to enjoy a savory set lunch with Karaage, Boniti, and Hamachi. Karaage is the traditional fried chicken of Japan which is delightsome and succulent. Besides, sample the specialty of Sakanaya, Kaisendon – bowls of rice with topping is scrumptious fresh miscellaneous sashimi.

Afternoon

The healthy life is always good for you. After lunch, have a scenic walk to freely your stomach digest the last meal. Then, in front of your eyes is the Peace Park with the splendor bronze Peace Statue with the weight of 10 tons built in 1955. The statue is about a man sits in half nude, his one index finger points to the sky, the other hand spreads widely along the shoulder.

As another sign of peace, right next to the statue is the colorful garlands made of paper cranes following the traditional origami of Japan. These cranes come from not only every region of Japan but also made by thousands of people worldwide who dedicate for the bombing’s victims and pray for peace. At the opposite side is the Fountain of Peace with a sculpture garden surrounding. The park is a beautiful place to enjoy, especially on sunny days.

Take a more 5-minute walk to visit the Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Park where locates a solo black-stone column marking the exact point of the bomb explosion. The atmosphere is extremely quiet and gloomy even though it stands outdoor and the sunshine is right above your head. It can be one of the most unforgettable experience you have ever undergone.

Wash your somber feeling by heading along the idyllic river to Fuchi-jinja. This Shinto shrine is located on nearly the top of Inasa-yama – an impressive mountain located with the height of 333 meters. A completely different feeling

Evening

When sunset, hop on a cable car to the top of the mountain Inasa-yama as the wonderful way to catch the panoramic view over the city of Nagasaki. Enjoy the amazing sight at night with the endless neon lights cut off by the sparkling waters of the harbor.

After a day long, what you surely need is time to relax. Head to the quiet Onsen Fukunoyu hiding privately on the mountain to enjoy your free time on your Nagasaki shore excursions soaking in the warm water and make your muscles relax. Besides, the Ganbanyoku hot stone spa is a good idea if you want to try a new interesting experience.