Nagasaki: A City of Resilience and Culture

• Helloこんにちは
  [Konnichiwa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [Sayōnara]
• Yesはい
  [Hai]
• Noいいえ
  [Īe]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [Dōzo]
• Thank youありがとうございます
  [Arigatōgozaimasu]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [Sumimasen]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [Ogenki desu ka?]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [Genki desu. Anata wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [Eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [Wakarimasen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せていただきたいです
  [Menyū o miseteitadakitai desu]
• I don't eat meat肉を食べません
  [Niku o tabemasen]
• Cheers!乾杯！
  [Kanpai!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [Okaikei o onegaishimasu]

• Help!助けて！
  [Tasukete!]
• Go away!行ってください！
  [Itte kudasai!]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んで！
  [Keisatsu o yonde!]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！
  [Isha o yonde!]
• I'm lost道に迷いました
  [Michi ni mayoimashita]
• I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [Guai ga warui desu]

• I'd like to buy...買いたいです...
  [Kaitai desu...]
• I'm just lookingただ見ています
  [Tada miteimasu]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [Ikura desu ka?]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [Sore wa takasugimasu]
• Can you lower the price?値段を下げてもらえますか？
  [Nedan o sagetemoraemasu ka?]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [Ima nanji desu ka?]
• It's one o'clock一時です
  [Ichiji desu]
• Half past (10)10時半です
  [Jūji han desu]
• Morning朝
  [Asa]
• Afternoon午後
  [Gogo]
• Evening夕方
  [Yūgata]
• Yesterday昨日
  [Kinō]
• Today今日
  [Kyō]
• Tomorrow明日
  [Ashita]
• 1一
  [Ichi]
• 2二
  [Ni]
• 3三
  [San]
• 4四
  [Yon]
• 5五
  [Go]
• 6六
  [Roku]
• 7七
  [Nana]
• 8八
  [Hachi]
• 9九
  [Kyū]
• 10十
  [Jū]

• Where's a/the...?...はどこですか？
  [...wa doko desu ka?]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [Jūsho wa nan desu ka?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてもらえますか？
  [Chizu de misetemoraemasu ka?]
• When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？
  [Tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
• A ticket (to ....)（...への）チケットをください
  [(...e no) Chiketto o kudasai]

In 1543, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Japan, with Nagasaki serving as a key point of contact. This marked the beginning of the Nanban trade period, during which the Portuguese brought with them firearms, tobacco, and other Western goods. They also introduced Christianity, which had a significant impact on the cultural and religious landscape of Nagasaki.

In 1636, the Tokugawa shogunate established Dejima, an artificial island in Nagasaki's harbor, as an isolated trading post for the Dutch. As the only place in Japan open to Western trade during the Edo period, Dejima became a crucial gateway for the exchange of goods, knowledge, and culture between Japan and the rest of the world.

Following the banning of Christianity in the early 17th century, many Japanese Christians in Nagasaki went underground, practicing their faith in secret. Known as Kakure Kirishitan, or Hidden Christians, these individuals developed a unique blend of Christian and Japanese traditions to maintain their beliefs while avoiding persecution. Their legacy is still evident today in various sites and cultural practices around Nagasaki.

On August 9, 1945, Nagasaki was the target of the second atomic bombing by the United States during World War II. The bomb, known as 'Fat Man,' caused immense destruction and loss of life. The event led to Japan's surrender and the end of the war. Today, the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum serve as somber reminders of the tragedy and as symbols of the city's commitment to peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.

After the devastation of World War II, Nagasaki underwent a remarkable process of reconstruction and recovery. The city rebuilt its infrastructure, industries, and communities, becoming a symbol of resilience and renewal. Modern Nagasaki is a thriving city that honors its past while looking towards the future, with numerous memorials and museums dedicated to preserving the memory of its history.

Glover Garden is a historical park in Nagasaki that features Western-style residences from the Meiji period. Named after Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant who played a significant role in Japan's industrialization, the garden is a testament to the international influences that shaped modern Nagasaki. Glover's contributions to the introduction of Western technology and industry were instrumental in Japan's transition into a modern industrial nation.

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is a vibrant annual event that celebrates the Chinese New Year. Originating from the Chinese community in Nagasaki, the festival features thousands of colorful lanterns, traditional performances, and cultural displays. It highlights the city's historical connections with China and its rich multicultural heritage.

Nagasaki can be accessed by air, sea, and rail. The nearest airport is Nagasaki Airport (NGS), which offers both domestic and limited international flights. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to the city center. Alternatively, you can reach Nagasaki via the JR Kamome Limited Express train from Hakata Station in Fukuoka, which takes about 2 hours. There are also ferry services that connect Nagasaki to various ports in Kyushu and other regions.

Nagasaki has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains, trams, and buses. The Nagasaki Electric Tramway is a convenient way to travel within the city, with four main lines covering most tourist attractions. Buses are also available for reaching areas not covered by the tram. For more flexibility, taxis are widely available but can be more expensive. Renting a car is an option for exploring the surrounding areas, but be aware of Japan's left-hand driving and narrow roads.

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted in Nagasaki, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, as smaller establishments and rural areas may not accept cards. ATMs are available throughout the city, with many offering international withdrawal services. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart often have ATMs that accept foreign cards.

Nagasaki is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should still be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. Areas around Nagasaki Station and the shopping districts are usually safe but stay alert for pickpocketing. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always exercise caution.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for fire and ambulance services, and 110 for police assistance. English-speaking operators may not always be available, so it is helpful to have someone who speaks Japanese assist you. Nagasaki University Hospital and Nagasaki Medical Center are the main medical facilities in the city. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies (薬局, yakkyoku) are widely available.

Fashion: Do dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting temples and shrines, be sure to follow proper etiquette, such as bowing and washing your hands at the purification fountain. Public Transport: Do be respectful and quiet on public transport. Avoid talking loudly or making phone calls. Give up your seat to elderly passengers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow or a nod. Handshakes are not as common but are becoming more accepted. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to new experiences. Don’t eat or drink while walking in public places, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Nagasaki like a local, visit the local markets such as Hamano-machi Arcade for shopping and dining. Try the Nagasaki Champon and Sara Udon, local noodle dishes that are a must-try. Take a walk in Glover Garden for a glimpse of Nagasaki's history and beautiful views. Engage with locals in small talk; they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city. Don’t miss the Nagasaki Lantern Festival if you're visiting in February, which offers a spectacular display of lights and cultural performances.