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After Hiroshima there fell another atomic bomb, on Nagasaki. The city chose to promote peace after this horrific event, so many buildings are named after peace, like a park or a stadium. It also has a more relaxed vibe than other Japanese cities, which makes it a very interesting city to visit. It has some gorgeous views, parks, bridges and the impressive museum about the terrible bombing in 1945. This is an often overlooked city, which should definitely be on your itinerary.

Tourist occurrence: Low

How to get here: 7.5 hour from Tokyo by public transport. Other cities are closer, but it is further away than other sights. 

How much time needed: 2 days

1. Discover the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown and its cuisine

A Chinatown in Japan and its cuisine? It seems weird but after three weeks of Japan, tasting the Chinese food like Peking duck and dim sum was very nice. The area is pretty small, it is mostly two streets of Chinese culture, but worth visiting as you feel a bit like in China. This area is a must-do in Nagasaki!

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 2-3 hours, including a nice lunch

2. Get historical at Dejima 

Dejima Island is a very cool place in Nagasaki, especially as a Dutchie. For over 200 years The Netherlands was the only Western nation that could trade with Japan and it only happened on this island for the rest of the country. The Dutch were not allowed to get of this island. Now you can find out how they were living as the houses are completely renovated in two styles after the bombing. This is a must-visit for every tourist, but you can't miss it as a Dutchmen, as you can also find many games, paintings and other artifacts from my country. The view outside the island is also important. 

Price: ¥520

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 1-1.5 hours

3. Walk around the Megane Bridge

The Megane Bridge is a very cool bridge, which is also referred as the 'spectacled bridge' as it looks like glasses. The bridge is built in 1634 and it is very nice. A nice aspect of the area are the scenic paths on the side of the canal and the rocks crossing it. This was gorgeous as we were during sunset. 

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 20 minutes

4. Enjoy the views from Mount Inasa

The view from Mount Inasa is fantastic! Moreover, the night view of Mount Inasa is ranked in the top 3 of the world. You first have to go up by ropeway and then you have to walk a bit for better views. You can even see some good cranes. Walk up the building to have a 360 degrees view of the city. This is a must-do in the evening!

Price: ¥1,250 for a return trip by ropeway

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 1-1.5 hours

5. Feel overwhelmed at the Nagasaki Peace Park

The Nagasaki Peace Park is a very impressive park dedicated to the victims of the horrific atomic bomb landed in 1945. The most famous statue is the blue man. The position of every limb has an important meaning about peace. For the rest there are multiple statues and fountains. You cannot miss this park when in Nagasaki. 

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 30 minutes

6. Head a bit further to the Hypocenter Park

The Hypocenter Park is very close to the Peace Park. In the Hypocenter Park is an impressive statue of a woman, with gives a lot of hope, a cool canal, but the most interesting place is the Hypocenter itself. Exactly 500 metres above this location the last atomic bomb was used as a war weapon. I was emotional at this place as you can feel the impact of this dramatic event. 

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 20 minutes

7. Feel emotional at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is the most important sight in Nagasaki. On the 9th of August 1945 the second atomic bomb ever was thrown on the city of Nagasaki. It killed around 74,000 people before the end of 1945. This museum (very close to the Hypocenter Park) gives a lot of information on that devastating day and after. You will see horrific stories, the size of the bomb, leftovers of important landmarks, sad pictures, and more. Although it can be difficult walking through this museum, you cannot miss this when visiting Nagasaki, the city of Peace. 

Price: ¥200 

Tourist occurrence: Very High

How much time needed: 1.5-2 hours

8. Visit the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims

The Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims is very close to the previous museum. Although it is cool to remember the victims of the tragedy, it is not close as impressive as the Museum. I think you should visit it as it is just a bit more information and a very serene atmosphere. 

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Very low

How much time needed: 15 minutes

9. Find the Sanno Shrine Gate

The San Shrine Gate survived the horrific atomic bomb. It is the only part that was over of a big building of the temple. Now it stands alone and I thought it is pretty cool to see, but you do not really feel emotional. The gate is next to a stairs, which makes it even cooler. On the lower side of the stairs there is some information.

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Very low

How much time needed: 10 minutes

10. See some cool houses at the Dutch Slope