Nagasaki Travel Guide

There is much more to Nagasaki Prefecture than its capital city. A tour is a perfect remedy to assist travelers in deciding what to visit, as well as allowing them to see as much as possible in a short time frame.

Those with limited time and a penchant for oceanic vistas, may enjoy a jaunt to Iojima. Located ten kilometers from southern Nagasaki Bay, this island has a highly recommended hotel, the Renaissance Nagasaki Iojima, and other attractions, including fine beaches. Ferries from Nagasaki run to the island regularly.

Nagasaki Prefecture is actually home to a few hundred islands, though many of them are uninhabited. One of the more famous islands-or island clusters in this case-is Gotoh.Gotah which means five islands, is renowned for its waterside scenery. Whether you prefer a deserted beach, a rocky coastline or a quaint harbor town, there is definitely some sort of hidden paradise for everyone. Gotoh's expansive area provides numerous other points of interest for the visitor, such as historic churches and buildings, unforgettable lodgings and onsen (hot springs). In addition, there are also parks that, with their unspoilt natural beauty, seem to suspend time.

Northeast of Gotoh are two islands of special historic significance: Hirado and Ikitsuki. Not only are they historic, but they are particularly scenic as well. Hirado was once a Dutch trading post, and vestiges of that cross-cultural history still persist in the charming town found there. Cross a bridge to the west, and you are on Ikitsuki, a small, incredibly rural island (expect beast-drawn carts) that recorded the tragic period of Christian persecution in Japan.

Even farther north, to the northernmost part of the prefecture, in fact, lie the two islands of Tsushima and Iki. Both are popular resort islands famous for their seafood and decent lodgings. Many people in the area remark that summer is the time to go to these two islands, but they really provide an appropriate get-away any time.

Apart from island-hopping, a handful of highly enjoyable trips can be taken in the prefecture via car or train. One of these is to Nomozaki, an area located at the end of the peninsula southwest of Nagasaki City. There are numerous parks and gardens, including the locally popular Southern Park Nomazaki. Or, instead of traveling southwest, go due east, toward the Unzen area. Unzen is the name of the (dormant) volcanic peak at the center of the peninsula. Hikers and nature lovers will find ample opportunities to pass the time in the surrounding parks. As you would expect of an area near volcanic activity, onsen can be found in abundance. There are also dozens of towns around Unzen-Obama-cho, for example-that provide relaxing hot springs accommodation.

Other popular destinations in Nagasaki are the metropolitan areas of Sasebo, Shimabara, Isahaya and Ohmura. None of these are terribly big or crowded, making them pleasurable places to enjoy a little quiet urban exploration. Turn to the suburban and even rural surroundings of these cities and the opportunities for sightseeing and relaxation increases. Sasebo is a rather famous port city, not only in Southern Japan but all across the country. Admittedly, there is a high number of foreign military service personnel among the local population here, but their presence, along with that of many other international residents, gives this city its diversity of dining and entertainment selections. Shimabara, in eastern Nagasaki, is an attractive castle town with a handful of smaller historical and religious locations of interest. Isahaya is a small city that many pass through on the way via train to Nagasaki. Many travelers stop off to visit the plentiful parks, gardens and amusement areas in the beautiful city. Ohmura, on the other hand, is perhaps the most subdued of the prefecture's larger cities. The area is has numerous parks and gardens, and even a former castle area.

One other interesting tour option is a place that you may not consider a town: Huis Ten Bosch. Built recently, this artificial theme park, was designed to resemble a traditional Dutch town. Despite being artificial in an area known for its natural beauty, the theme park continues to draw tourists in numbers difficult to match elsewhere in the prefecture.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 199