Exploring the Historical Charms of Nagasaki with Family

A Journey Through Remembrance

Today, as we embarked on our Nagasaki adventure, I felt a profound sense of anticipation mixed with solemn respect. This city, bearing the weight of history, promised a day of reflection and discovery. It was a day to remember, to learn, and to honor the resilience of the human spirit. I hoped to convey some of this to Lena and Erika, and perhaps even find a new perspective myself.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Starbucks Coffee in Amu Plaza Nagasaki. While it might seem odd to start our immersion into Japanese culture with an American coffee chain, it provided a familiar comfort and a much-needed caffeine boost for the day ahead. The Amu Plaza, conveniently located near Nagasaki Station, was bustling with locals and tourists alike, and it gave us a taste of the modern vibrancy of Nagasaki before we delved into its past.


Experience the inviting ambiance of Starbucks Coffee at Amu Plaza Nagasaki – where comfort meets culture in every cup.
After breakfast, we made our way to the Peace Park. Even though it's July, the Nagasaki weather was already quite warm and humid, typical for this time of year. The park itself is a sprawling expanse of green, meticulously maintained and dotted with monuments, statues, and memorials. It is a place where the air feels heavy with history, yet carries a sense of hope for the future. As we walked through the park, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sorrow for the events that transpired here.


Discover the tranquil Peace Park in Nagasaki, a profound memorial dedicated to the pursuit of peace and remembrance of the past.
The Peace Statue, created by local artist Seibo Kitamura, was particularly striking. Its raised right hand pointing towards the sky, symbolizing the threat of nuclear weapons, while the left arm extended horizontally, representing peace. The statue's serene face and closed eyes conveyed a sense of both mourning and hope. It was a powerful reminder of the devastation caused by the atomic bomb and the enduring need for peace.

Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, of law, of order—in short, of government.

Next, we approached the Nagasaki Peace Bell. The sound of the bell was deep and resonant, carrying a message of peace and remembrance. Lena, Erika and I each took a turn to ring the bell, sending our own silent prayers for a world free of nuclear weapons. I couldn't help but think about the project I had read about, where a new bell was being created to replace one damaged in the bombing of Urakami Cathedral. It seemed that even after eighty years, the desire for peace and healing remained strong. The bell is a poignant symbol for the city, and I was honored to be able to participate in this small act of remembrance.


Explore the Nagasaki Peace Bell, a historic landmark symbolizing hope, peace, and remembrance amidst the beautiful surroundings of Nagasaki.
Following the Peace Park, we visited the Oka Masaharu Memorial Nagasaki Peace Museum. This small, privately-run museum offered a starkly different perspective from the larger, government-funded Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. While the latter focuses primarily on the suffering of the Japanese people, the Oka Masaharu Museum delves into the Japanese war crimes committed before and during World War II. It was a sobering experience, highlighting the hardships faced by prisoners of war and the Korean victims of the atomic bombing. The museum's exhibits on Hashima Island, where Koreans and Chinese POWs were forced into labor in the coal mines, were particularly impactful.


Discover the Oka Masaharu Memorial Nagasaki Peace Museum, a profound tribute to peace and history in Nagasaki, Japan.
It's important to confront the full scope of history, even the uncomfortable parts. Oka Masaharu, a minister and human rights activist, dedicated his life to raising awareness about the Korean victims of the Nagasaki bombing. His museum serves as a reminder that history is complex and multifaceted, and that acknowledging past wrongs is essential for building a better future. The museum itself was a bit difficult to find, tucked away on a quiet side street, but it was well worth the effort. It offered a counterbalance to the more mainstream narratives, and I appreciated its unflinching look at Japan's wartime history.

For lunch, we decided to try Nagasaki Shippoku Hamakatsu. This restaurant is known for its Shippoku cuisine, a unique fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch culinary traditions that reflects Nagasaki's history as a major trading port. The restaurant itself had a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We ordered a lunch set that included a variety of small dishes, each bursting with flavor and reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped Nagasaki's culinary identity. Erika especially enjoyed the Shippoku, while Lena was very fond of the fresh sashimi.


Discover the flavors of Nagasaki at Shippoku Hamakatsu – where traditional Japanese cuisine meets regional specialties.
Shippoku cuisine dates back centuries, to a time when international traders flocked to Nagasaki, making it a melting pot of cultures and flavors. The meal was served in a series of small dishes, each offering a unique taste and texture. From fowl and fish to vegetables and rice, every ingredient was carefully selected and expertly prepared. It was a culinary journey through Nagasaki's history, and we savored every bite.

After lunch, we took some time to explore Amu Plaza Nagasaki. I was hoping to find a special souvenir for Erika, but I also wanted to buy a new lens for my camera. Connected directly to Nagasaki Station, this modern shopping mall offered a wide variety of shops, from fashion boutiques to specialty stores. While Erika and Lena explored the clothing stores, I took the opportunity to visit the bookstore and Tower Records, indulging in my love for literature and music. We also sampled some local snacks at the food court, providing a sweet ending to our afternoon of shopping.


Discover the vibrant shopping and dining experience at Amu Plaza Nagasaki, where tradition meets modernity in Japan's charming city.
As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Yossou for dinner. This restaurant is renowned for its chawanmushi, a savory steamed egg custard that has been a Nagasaki specialty for over 150 years. Founded in 1866, Yossou is one of the oldest and most respected restaurants in the city. The restaurant has a traditional Japanese ambiance, with tatami mat seating and a serene atmosphere. The chawanmushi was truly exceptional – silky smooth and packed with flavorful ingredients like fish, chicken, mushroom, and eel. It was unlike any chawanmushi I'd ever tasted, and it was clear why Yossou has been a beloved institution for so long.


Discover the essence of Japanese cuisine at Yossou in Nagasaki—where tradition meets innovation in every exquisite dish.
The chawanmushi was served in a large bowl, filled to the brim with a delicate custard and an assortment of savory ingredients. Each spoonful was a burst of flavor, and the texture was incredibly smooth and velvety. It was the perfect way to end our day of exploration and reflection. We also tried the tri-color sushi, a local dish consisting of shredded dried shrimp floss, egg shreds, and minced pork or vegetables served on a bed of steamed rice. It was an interesting and flavorful dish, showcasing the unique culinary traditions of Nagasaki.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Glover Garden, Dejima, and Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, continuing our exploration of Nagasaki's rich history and culture. I am particularly looking forward to seeing Glover Garden, with its stunning views of the city and its collection of historic Western-style buildings. We also plan to visit an Irish pub, IRISH PUB NAGASAKI, after dinner tomorrow, for a bit of international fun.

Today was more than just a sightseeing trip; it was a journey through time, filled with moments of reflection, remembrance, and hope. From the solemn grounds of the Peace Park to the comforting flavors of chawanmushi, Nagasaki offered a profound and unforgettable experience. As we return to our hotel, Richmond Hotel Nagasaki Shianbashi, I feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to learn about this remarkable city and its resilient people. I can only hope that this experience will deepen Erika's and Lena's understanding of Japanese history and culture, and that it will inspire us all to work towards a more peaceful world.


Experience comfort and convenience at Richmond Hotel Nagasaki Shianbashi, your ideal base for exploring Nagasaki's rich culture and history.
As I reflect on the day, I am reminded of a quote by Helen Keller:

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it.

Nagasaki is a testament to this truth, a city that has risen from the ashes of devastation to become a beacon of hope and peace.