Hafen
Nagasaki

See how some of the most definitive products of Sasebo are made, starting with a behind-the-scenes tour of Umegae Sake Brewery. This traditional brewery has been producing high-quality sake since 1787, and you will observe the process firsthand. A tasting will showcase the attributes that make this brand of sake so desirable throughout Japan.

The town of Mikawachi is known for porcelain adorned with landscape paintings, which has been made there since the 16th century. While browsing the porcelain exhibits in a museum in town, be sure to notice the most distinguishing characteristics, which include fine-grained snow-white porcelain with a delicate underglaze of blue. Incense burners, plates and bowls are among the items that are produced using traditional techniques. Hasami-yaki produces a porcelain that is quite different but no less magnificent. In part, the porcelain tableware has remained extraordinarily popular through the centuries because the designs change with the times.

Delve into the culture and history of Nagasaki by visiting two museums and a park that reveal the effects of the 1945 atomic blast and the isolationist Edo period.For a different perspective of Nagasaki’s past, you will tour a historical museum on Dejima, an artificial island built hundreds of years ago to isolate Portuguese missionaries. Through enlightening documents, artwork and restored buildings, the museum shows what life was like during this cultural period. Next bring you to the Atomic Bomb Museum, a sobering reminder of the devastation from the atomic bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki in 1945. The end of World War II soon followed. As you browse the displays, you will learn about the city’s culture before the bomb struck and the aftermath of the atomic blast. You can expect to see photographs of the widespread destruction to buildings such as the Urakami Cathedral and neighborhoods that were reduced to ruins. The museum’s goal is to candidly show the devasation from the atomic bomb in hopes that nuclear weapons will eventually be abolished.It is only fitting that you will next visit the Peace Memorial Park, an urban greenspace built near Ground Zero of the atomic blast. The inspiring park and the statue at its center were constructed to represent Nagasaki’s wish for world peace and the hope that a conflict of the magnitude of World War II never repeats.

Delve into the fascinating history of Hirado, a now rather forgotten island that was once a thriving trade center thanks to its proximity to the Asian mainland. The Dutch East India Company set up a trading post there during the early 1600s, and you will see a replica of one of the warehouses from that time. Exhibits in the museum inside the warehouse present a collection of armor, paintings and historical documents that detail the Japanese-Dutch trade relations. Japan banned Christianity in the early Edo Period and the ban wasn’t lifted until the late 1800s.

You will visit two churches built shortly afterwards—St. Francis Xavier Memorial and the red-brick Romanesque-style Tabira Church. The latter is considered one of architect Tetsukawa Yosuke’s greatest masterpieces and the Japanese government has deemed it an official cultural asset. Time will also be allotted for you to enjoy the serenity of an urban park while pausing for photos.

Explore the Kujukushima Islands by land and sea, an enlightening experience that will highlight their extraordinary natural beauty. As you will see, the best view of Kujukushima’s islands is from the Tenkaiho Observatory Tower, which offers a 180-degree perspective of dozens of the more than 200 islands that make up the archipelago.

For a closer look at the islands, you will board a boat at the Kujukushsima Pearl Sea Resort and cruise through the archipelago, which is a national park. Only four of the islands are inhabited, which has kept the area pristine and environmentally sound. The islands are so undeveloped and photogenic that they were shown in the opening scenes of the movie “The Last Samurai,” which was set in 1876.

Back on land, you will stop to observe the sea from Saikai Bridge, which connects Sasebo to Nagasaki. It is a magnificent setting as more than 1,000 cherry trees surround the bridge.

Get a spectacular panoramic view of the city from Inasayama Hill; visit Nagasaki Peace Park, dedicated to world peace; and Dejima, a former island and trading post during the Edo period. Begin with a scenic drive to Inasayama Slope car station, then take a slopecar to the Inasayama look out point, located on Inasayama hill. Here, you’ll get a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Your scenic drive continues to the Nagasaki Peace Park, dedicated to world peace. The park is 35,000 square meters in size and contains a large fountain and different statues and sculptures donated in the name of peace from various countries and artists around the world. You’ll also stop at the Urakami Cathedral, which was the largest cathedral in the East until it was destroyed by the atomic bomb blast. Visit Dejima, once an artificial island in the port of Nagasaki. Today is not an island anymore, as the surrounding area has been reclaimed during the 20th century. Dejima played an important role in the development of culture, industry, and science in Japan by serving as a gateway to the West. A number of Dejima's historical structures have been restored to its 19th century state during the Edo period and are part of Dejima Historical Museum. Other exhibitions including the history of Dejima and Western learning and a miniature Dejima, provide visitors with a sense of everyday life on the island.

Enjoy hours of free time in Huis Ten Bosch, a meticulously manicured theme park that is a re-creation of a quaint Dutch town. Named for the royal palace in the Hague, Huis Ten Bosch is a sincere homage to the Dutch, who opened a Dutch East India Company trading office nearby in the 17th century.

While wandering about the canals, you may see a replica of the palace, clusters of windmills, fields of colorful tulips and every other imaginable Dutch icon. As you might expect, large areas of the park are devoted to shopping, entertainment and restaurants. More unusual aspects include the horror-themed Thriller City, where you might ramble through a digital haunted mansion.

There is truly something for everyone, including a carousel, porcelain museum, robot kingdom and virtual-reality fishing. Perhaps the best place to start your adventure is atop the Domtoren observation platform, which offers a sweeping view of this wonderfully bizarre theme park.

Explore the culture and traditions of Nagasaki during this half-day excursion to the town of Arita, the Porcelain Town.

Arita

Depart the pier for the approximate 80-minute drive to the mountain town of Arita, renowned for its production of ceramics since the 17th century. Upon arrival, your foray into Japanese porcelain begins with a guided visit to either the Genemonor or Shingama kilns; Genemon is renowned for creating contemporary ceramics that blend modern sensibility with traditional technique and Shingama has preserved their characteristic indigo and white underglazing. After observing the traditional artisans at work (which is not possible on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays).

Fukagawa Gallery and Walking Tour

Proceed to Fukagawa Gallery, home to a choice selection of locally-produced porcelain. Following your visit, take a brief guided walking tour of this quiet mountain town. The streets here are lined with white-walled houses dating from the 1930s, and the rear areas of these houses are decorated with tonbai fences made of used bricks and old-fashioned pottery.

Following your visit, commence your drive back to the pier.

Discover why Nagasaki was known as Japan's 'Gateway to the West' during a scenic sightseeing excursion through this renowned port city.

Peace Memorial Park

Depart the pier for the brief drive to Peace Memorial Park. On August 9, 1945, Nagasaki became the second city to suffer a nuclear attack. Peace Memorial Park is home to a beautiful memorial fountain, and statues donated from countries around the world leading to the 30-foot-high (9.7-metre-high) Statue of Peace. In the centre of the park is a flame which is to be kept burning until there are no more nuclear weapons on earth.

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Ground Zero

Next, proceed on foot to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. The museum chronicles the events leading up to the bombing, and several well-designed exhibits against nuclear proliferation. It also offers a look at what Nagasaki was like just before the explosion, photographs taken in the city immediately after the atomic blast and artefacts that survived the explosion. A visit is also made to the Atomic Bomb Hypocentre, or 'Ground Zero'. A monument marks the centre of the atomic blast that levelled the city.

Urakami Cathedral and Torii Gate

Your drive continues past the Urakami Cathedral, the magnificent church rebuilt after collapsing from the force of the atomic bomb, and through the Torii Gate, a leg of which was blown away by the atomic bomb.

Dejima

After having lunch, you will visit at Dejima Island; a Dutch outpost that served as Japan's only contact point with the Western world for over 200 years. Dejima Museum of History portrays the history of Dejima, the manner of daily life for the Dutch who lived there, and how the trading system worked between Japan and the Netherlands.

Oura Catholic Church and Glover Garden

Afterwards, drive to the Oura Catholic Church. Walk up the hill for a visit to the Oura Catholic Church. The oldest wooden Gothic church in Japan, it features lovely stained-glass windows. Your last stop is at the adjacent Glover Garden, situated on a picturesque hillside looking over Nagasaki Port, you will find a number of late 19th and early 20th century Western-style buildings gathered together.

Following your visit, commence the brief drive back to the pier.

Discover why Nagasaki was known as Japan's 'Gateway to the West' during a scenic half day sightseeing excursion through this renowned port city.

Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture

Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture is one of the few museums in Japan dedicated to the history of International Exchange. The Museum holds an extensive collection of historical documents, art and craftworks that tell the story of Nagasaki, the sole window which was open to foreign countries during Japan's period of seclusion. In addition, part of the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office (a local agency of the central government in the Edo period) has been faithfully reconstructed based on historical materials, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of feudal Japan. The exhibits are displayed to ensure an instructive and enjoyable experience.

Dejima Museum

Dejima was a Portuguese and subsequently a Dutch trading post at Nagasaki from 1634 to 1854.

It was also the location for trade with the Chinese at the time, and thus the only place designated for foreign trade and exchange during the historical Japanese Edo period. Dejima was a small fan shaped artificial island in the bay of Nagasaki covering an area of 120m x 75m (390ft x 250ft) and was built in 1634 to house Portuguese traders and separate them from Japanese society by digging a canal through a small peninsula. The Dutch were moved to Dejima in 1641 and during most of the Edo period the islands were the single place of direct trade between Japan and the outside world.

In 1922, the "Dejima Dutch Trading Post" was designated a Japanese National Historic site.

Peace Memorial Park

On August 9, 1945, at 11.02am an atomic bomb exploded. The fierce blast wind, heat rays reaching several thousand degrees and deadly radiation generated by the explosion crushed burned and killed everything in sight and reduced the entire area to a barrel field of rubble. About one-third of Nagasaki City was destroyed. Peace Memorial Park is home to a beautiful memorial fountain, and statues donated from countries around the world leading to the 30-foot-high (9.7-metre-high) Statue of Peace.

Following your visit, commence the brief drive back to the pier.

Discover how the port city and people of Nagasaki overcame and memorialised their World War II destruction during this unforgettable sightseeing excursion to Peace Memorial Park.

Peace Memorial Park

Depart the pier for the brief drive to Peace Memorial Park. On August 9, 1945, Nagasaki became the second city to suffer a nuclear attack. Peace Memorial Park is home to a beautiful memorial fountain, and statues donated from countries around the world leading to the 30-foot-high (9.7-metre-high) Statue of Peace. In the centre of the park is a flame which is to be kept burning until there are no more nuclear weapons on earth.

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Ground Zero

Next, proceed on foot to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. The museum chronicles the events leading up to the bombing, and several well-designed exhibits against nuclear proliferation. It also offers a look at what Nagasaki was like just before the explosion, photographs taken in the city immediately after the atomic blast and artefacts that survived the explosion. A visit is also made to the Atomic Bomb Hypocentre, or 'Ground Zero'. A monument marks the centre of the atomic blast that levelled the city.

Urakami Cathedral and Torii Gate

Following your visit, re-board the coach for the brief drive back to the pier. En route, pass by the Urakami Cathedral, the magnificent church rebuilt after collapsing from the force of the atomic bomb, and the Torii Gate, a leg of which was blown away by the atomic bomb.

Your tour begins with a scenic drive to Inasayama Natural Park, located on Inasayama Hill.

Inasayama Natural Park

This is a famous spot for beautiful sunsets and night views. If weather permits, enjoy a view of Unzen, Amakusa and Gotoh Islands. You will enjoy a ride on the popular monorail up the hillside. The car will take you to the upper level of Mount Inasa, from where you will walk up to the observatory that sits atop the mountain. From the peak, you will have an almost 360-degree aerial view of the city and be able to see the picturesque surroundings that change season to season.

Nagasaki Peace Park

Continue to the Nagasaki Peace Park, dedicated to World Peace. The park covers 8 acres and contains a large fountain and different statues and sculptures donated in the name of peace from various countries and artists around the world. The main statue is 30 feet tall and was commissioned by the city of Nagasaki. It depicts a man with one arm raised to the sky to indicate the threat of nuclear destruction and the other arm held horizontally in a gesture of peace. The man's eyelids are closed in anguished prayer for those who perished in the bombing.

Uragami Cathedral

Next, continue your drive and see Uragami Cathedral, which was the largest cathedral in the East until it was destroyed by the atomic bomb blast. View Dejima, once an artificial island in the port of Nagasaki, completed in 1636, to house Japan's Portuguese residents. After the Portuguese were exiled by the Edo Shogunate, the Dutch Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie was moved to this Island in 1641 in an attempt to to take the Dutch trade away from the Hirado Clan. Today, Dejima is no longer an island, as the surrounding area has been reclaimed during the 20th century. However, a number of Dejima's historical structures remain or are being reconstructed in the area.

Following your visit, commence the approximate 20-minute drive back to the pier

Marvel at the scenic beauty and storied history of western Japan during this scenic, full-day excursion to the Shimabara Peninsula, with a visit to the Fugen Volcano.

Shimabara Peninsula and Castle Museum

Depart the pier for the approximate two-hour drive east of Nagasaki and past picturesque Ariake Bay en route to the Shimabara Peninsula. Upon arrival, a visit is made to the early-17th century Shimabara Castle, the traditional centre of Shimabara City. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the renovated castle, which now serves as a museum of Christian history. View displays of old swords, armour and other items from the Edo period, along with a commemoration to the 1990 eruption of Mt. Unzen.

Shimabara Town and Samurai House

Following your tour of the castle, embark on a walking tour of Shimabara. A manmade waterway built in the middle of this old town once provided fresh water for the local residents. Today, this waterway is home to many beautiful Japanese carp. Samurai warriors once lived within and outside the castle grounds. During your stroll through Shimabara, a visit is made to a Samurai house.

Unzen Jigoku Hot Spring

After having lunch at local restaurant, your stop is Unzen Jigoku Hot Spring; a hot spring resort town near the peak of Mount Unzen. The resort is surrounded on several sides by hot spring fields. Also known as hells (jigoku), these barren rocky areas are littered with billowing steam vents and gushing hot springs from which milky, acidic and sulfurous water bubbles straight up out of the ground. The hells were once used to execute Christian rebels after the failed Shimabara Rebellion, but today its spring water has the more pleasant task of warming up holidaymakers in the ryokan baths around town.

Obama Hot Spring 105 (Foot Bath)

Your last stop is Obama Hot Spring 105 foot bath. Obama is set against a backdrop of the magnificent Mt.Unzen facing the deep-blue Tachibana Bay. From the open-air hot spring, you can view the amazing sunset in the west. At 105 meters in length, this is the longest foot bath in Japan. It is equipped with steaming pots for cooking local seafood and vegetables over the natural steam from the hot springs.

The coach then begins the nearly 1.5-hour drive back to the pier and your awaiting ship.

Explore Nagasaki at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Nagasaki at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Nagasaki at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Nagasaki at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Das Atombombenmuseum in Nagasaki ist so viel mehr als eine bloße Sammlung von Gegenständen. Auf eindringliche Weise werden mit Bild und Ton untermalt Erinnerungen an das furchtbare Ereignis, welches sich am 9. August 1945 in der Stadt ereignete, wachgehalten. Nach diesem bewegenden Besuch spazieren Sie zum Durchatmen durch den Friedenspark, der symbolisch für die Stärke und den Wiederaufbau Nagasakis steht.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Kurzer Transfer zum Friedenspark
• Spaziergang durch den Park, ca. 45 Minuten
• Aufenthalt im Atombombenmuseum, etwa 1,5 Stunden

Ihr Ausflug bringt Sie zu Nagasakis bekanntesten Sehenswürdigkeiten: Nach Dejima, einst der Handelsplatz Nagasakis mit dem Westen, heute Freilichtmuseum. Danach tief in die dunkle Vergangenheit des 2. Weltkriegs. Nicht zuletzt ins malerische Glover-Anwesen, dessen Besitzer, so heißt es, einst die Figur des Mr. Pinkerton inspiriert hat.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Besuch des Atombombenmuseums und des Friedensparks, insgesamt gut 2 Stunden
• Aufenthalt in Dejima, etwa 50 Minuten
• Besuch des Glover-Anwesens, ca. 1 Stunde
• Zu Fuß zurück zum Schiff

Ihr Ausflug bringt Sie zu Nagasakis bekanntesten Sehenswürdigkeiten: Nach Dejima, einst der Handelsplatz Nagasakis mit dem Westen, heute Freilichtmuseum. Danach tief in die dunkle Vergangenheit des 2. Weltkriegs. Nicht zuletzt ins malerische Glover-Anwesen, dessen Besitzer, so heißt es, einst die Figur des Mr. Pinkerton inspiriert hat. Ihre Freizeit können Sie zum Essen oder shoppen in der Hamamachi-Arkade nutzen.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Besuch des Atombombenmuseums und des Friedensparks, insgesamt gut 2 Stunden
• Aufenthalt in Dejima, etwa 50 Minuten
• Rund 1-stündige Freizeit in der überdachten Hamamachi-Arkade
• Besuch des Glover-Anwesens, ca. 1 Stunde

Verschaffen Sie sich einen Überblick über die Stadt und nutzen Sie die Freizeit um all die spannenden Angebote in Nagasakis Einkaufs-Karree zu erkunden.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Besuch des Atombombenmuseums und des Friedensparks, insgesamt etwa 2 Stunden
• Besuch des buddhistischen Soufuku-ji-Tempels, ca. 45 Minuten
• Rund 2 Stunden Freizeit in der überdachten Hamamachi-Arkade