Japan is one of the most exciting countries in the world. The capital city of Tokyo is vibrant and cutting edge, but you can still find its traditional side in the gorgeous shrines and historic buildings dotted around. Once outside of Tokyo, you can also get a glimpse of another side of Japan, particularly in the charming traditional cities of Osaka and Kyoto, known for their historical and cultural significance. For a particularly moving visit, you can also travel to Hiroshima and Nagasaki to see how the atomic bombs dropped on these two cities changed the course of history. Wherever you choose to go however, there is something for everyone is one of the most vibrant nations on earth.
For those who love big waves this pool has some seriously large pools which are Olympic size and perfect for anyone looking for a workout. In the winter this facility is turned into an ice skating rink so there is always something to do here even if the weather is cold
Travel Time: 9 minutes
Clothing: Make sure to wear swimming attire or long trousers for the ice skating.
Distance from the city center: 15 km
Known in English as Battleship Island, this ghost city off the coast of Nagasaki is not to be missed on a trip here. The island used to be a mining center and now it is abandoned but you can still the remains of the mining industry here. There is a guided walk that you can take around the island to hear more about its history. Another option is to take a boat ride around the island and take in the views from the water instead.
Travel Time: 2 hours
Clothing: Long sleeved clothing is recommended if you are going to walk around the island.
Distance from the city center: 5.3 km
If you are looking for panoramic views of Nagasaki then consider making the trip to Mount Inasa where you will be able to see many of the main attractions of this city. Mount Inasa is claimed to be one of the best places to enjoy night views in Japan and you can get to the summit via car, bus, or ropeway depending on your preferences.
Travel Time: 15 minutes
Clothing: Long sleeved clothing is recommended if you come at night in the cooler months.
Distance from city center: 1.3 km
The Atomic Bomb Dome is also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and was the only building intact after the atomic bomb was dropped on the city. The dome still features the original structure and looks much as it would have done at the time of the bomb. This is one of the most moving memorials that stands in Hiroshima to honor those who were killed by the atomic bomb here
Best mode of transport: On foot
Duration of travel: 16 minutes
Clothing: There is no specific clothing recommended for the park.
Distance from city center: 58.2 km
Huis Ten Bosch is an unexpected sight in Japan as this is an open air museum that features scale models of houses built here by the Dutch. Many people won’t realize that the Netherlands has a colony here during the Dutch Golden Age and the museum displays towers, a city hall, canal houses, and even old fashioned Dutch windmills.
Best mode of transport: Nagasaki Line
Duration of travel: 1 hour 49 minutes
Clothing: There is no specific clothing recommended for the museum.
Distance from city center: 3.6 km
Peace Park stands on the spot where the second atomic bomb to be dropped on Japan fell on Nagasaki. There is a museum here that has a gallery of photographs that tell the story of this troubling period of history. You will also find other memorials scattered around the park and this is a serene place to visit and go for a stroll in the afternoon.
Best mode of transport: Nagasaki Denki No 1 or Nagasaki Denki No 2
Duration of travel: 26 minutes
Clothing: There is no specific clothing recommended for the park.
You can also check out Kyukamura Okunoshima which is an island that has a beach as well as camping grounds. There are also hot springs here and the waters are said to have medicinal properties.
20 miles to the west of Nagasaki you will find Hirado Island which has Neskiko Beach. Here you can enjoy the sea breeze and the sands and there are a variety of other activities here like volleyball nets and beach huts.
The Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium has eight species of penguins that you can observe and there is also a beach that sits next to the aquarium. You can visit the penguins first and then head to the beach to enjoy the clean sand.
Nishi-Hamanomachi is a covered arcade of shops that sells a wide range of local and imported products. The area includes restaurants as well as cafes, clothing outlets, salons and other shops selling things like electronics.
SOGO, 6-27 Moto-machi, Naka-ku (Genbaku dome-mae tram stop), tel +81 082-225-2111. 10AM-8PM daily; food court to 10PM. Located close to Peace Park you will find a supermarket here in the basement as well as a food court if you are feeling hungry. There are a huge number of shops here including a department store and there are different sections such as children’s toys, book shops, and clothing stores.
Youme Saito is located in the downtown area of Nagasaki and is a large shopping plaza. Here you will find Western and Japanese food outlets as well as cafes and a supermarket. There are also clothing shops here selling the latest Japanese fashions and a book store.
Sushi:
Sushi is famous the world over for being the most delicious of all Japanese foods. Basically sushi is made from rice which is cooled and then topped with an array of ingredients. These can include raw fish, seafood, omelet, or vegetables. Sushi is usually served with soy sauce for dipping as well as wasabi paste, a spicy condiment made from horseradish.
Tempura:
Tempura is made of a basic batter into which vegetables and seafood are dipped. These ingredients are then deep fried so that the batter crisps up around them to make for a crunchy and delicious side dish.
Ramen:
Ramen are a kind of Japanese noodle and are often eaten as a quick snack. Ramen noodles are usually served in broth to which other ingredients are added such as vegetables.
Organic Restaurant Tia:
This is the place to come if you want to try some traditional Japanese home cooking. As the name suggests, this restaurant uses local Japanese ingredients so that you can try some local dishes that are also good for you.
Shippoku Hamakatsu:
Shippoku ryori is a kind of banquet style dinner that you have to experience at least once when you are in Nagasaki. Shippoku Hamakatsu is one of the best places to find this kind of traditional meal and you can order the course menu and you will receive a range of items on a large tray. You can either sit on the floor Japanese style or sit at a table.
Bar IWI:
Bar IWI is owned by a New Zealand national named Brynn and is more of a bar than a club. The drinks here are cheap which is why it is usually busy and it opens until late at night as the party keeps on going. This bar attracts a mixed crowd including foreigners and locals.
Barcos Club:
Barcos has a large mixed crowd of both locals and foreigners. It gets very busy at the weekend and you will find DJs playing anything from techno to Latin music. This is recommended as one of the top spots to come to in Hiroshima as you will find a lot of music and drink options under one roof.
Cordone Bar and Pub:
Cordone is a wine bar and pub located in Nagasaki that is also famous for its delicious meals. This is not exactly a club where you can dance the night away but you can get some toothsome drinks here in a relaxed and elegant setting.
List of nationalities who have permission for Visa free entries:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay
Other countries need to apply for a visa before they arrive.
List of nationalities who can have Visa on arrival: N/A
Any nationalities who are not eligible to travel to that country or can travel under certain conditions: N/A
Drug possession is a serious offence in Japan. Some medication is also considered illegal in Japan and can only be brought in with a valid doctor’s prescription.
Prostitution is illegal in Japan. The country is famous for its hostess bars although they do not legally provide prostitution services.
The legal drinking age in Japan is 20.
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and crime against foreigners is rare.
There is a very low threat of terrorism in Japan.
General vaccinations recommended for all travelers to Japan include diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus, yellow fever, hepatitis B and Japanese encephalitis.
The language of Japan is Japanese although many people here now also speak English. Known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’, Japan dates back to the 5th century and has always had a series of dynasties under a central emperor of Japan. This means that Japanese history can be compartmentalized into different period that are associated with each of these rulers. Nowadays Japan is a mixture of both traditional culture and modernity, and you will find religious monuments that reflect the strong Shinto and Buddhist religions here as well as some of the most modern buildings on earth.
