A day of peace in Nagasaki

On August 9, 1945, the second American atomic bomb destroyed the city of Nagasaki at the height of World War II, which then led to Japanese surrender and the end of the war. Today, the city stands as a stark reminder of the evils of war, still bearing a deep scar; it has emerged as a city of hope. For those, who are in awe of Japan’s technologically advanced city of Tokyo, a trip to Nagasaki would give you a different perspective.

Rattled by a grieving historical past, Nagasaki today can enchant unassuming travellers. If you happen to decide on a trip to Japan, visiting Hiroshima, and Nagasaki, should be in your to-do list. Here, we discuss 24 hours in the city of Nagasaki.
Nagasaki Peace Park

Start your day here at the Peace Park, which is located close to the Atomic Bomb Museum and the Peace Memorial Hall. It is only befitting for an uninitiated traveller to pay respects here at the memorial. It is also close to the hypocentre, the exact location where the atomic bomb exploded. You should visit this place early in the morning, as you will find the required peace. The closest metro station is Matsuyamamachi.
Dejima

If you want to get a flavour of old Nagasaki, visit Dejima. This was the only place where foreigners were allowed to stay in 1641, and was majorly known as a Dutch town. Few of Dejima’s buildings have been restored to their former glory, and you must take out time out to visit this incredible place. The Dejima museum will give you an in-depth idea of the place and its history. It is fascinating to say the least.

Suwa Jinja

Also known as the Suwa shrine, it is a Shinto shrine and is located in northern Nagasaki. Established way back around 1624, the shrine is perched on a hill top, and was initially built in order to stop all the conversion to Christianity that was taking place in those days. Quite a few festivals take place here, so if you happen to be around during such a time, do visit.

Hashima
This island here at Nagasaki is also known as Battleship Island, and is abandoned. You can see clusters of old, rising above the island from afar. You can visit the island with the help of guided tours that take place throughout the day. The abandoned island was once a hub for coal mining, and after the mine was closed, the people living there abandoned it. It has been sitting in solitude since early 1970s, and was recently seen in the James Bond film, Skyfall.

Mount Inasa

By early evening, head to Mount Inasa, which is located very close to the Nagasaki city centre. If you are the adventurous kind, you might want to take the ropeway to reach the highest point, and take in the breathtaking views of the city of Nagasaki. Sunsets are wonderful from here, so time your visit accordingly.

Of course, we didn’t forget that you need to eat, so do enjoy lunch at one of the city’s many wonderful Japanese restaurants. Do not forget to try Sake, and experience Nagasaki’s nightlife.