DejimaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Japan's Window to the West

Dejima, an artificial island in Nagasaki Bay, was constructed by the Tokugawa shogunate between 1634 and 1636. Its fan shape is said to have originated from Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu's gesture with a fan. The initial purpose of Dejima was to intern Portuguese traders and prevent the spread of Christianity, which the shogunate considered a threat. Following a rebellion by Christian peasants, the Portuguese were expelled from Japan in 1639, leaving Dejima unoccupied.

In 1641, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) trading post, previously in Hirado, moved to Dejima. For the next 218 years, until 1859, Dejima served as Japan's only point of contact with the Western world during the country's self-imposed isolationist Edo period (1600–1869). Dutch traders were confined to the island, under control, and not allowed to leave without permission. Despite these restrictions, Dejima played a role in introducing Western knowledge, particularly through the Rangaku ("Dutch learning") movement, where Japanese scholars studied European science, technology, and medicine.

The Island's Disappearance and Restoration

Trade at Dejima declined in the 18th century, with only two ships per year allowed to dock, and was further impacted when the Dutch East India Company went bankrupt in 1795. After the 1854 Treaty of Kanagawa opened Japan more fully to foreign trade, Dejima's status as an exclusive trading post ended in 1858. The island was gradually absorbed into Nagasaki city through land reclamation projects, and by the early 20th century, its original location was obscured. In 1922, the "Dejima Dutch Trading Post" was designated a Japanese national historic site. Since 1948, and with efforts in the 21st century, Nagasaki has been undertaking a restoration project to recreate Dejima as an island and rebuild its Edo-period structures.

• —Dejima Bridge (出島橋) — This bridge originally connected the artificial island of Dejima to the mainland. The bridge has been restored and shows the former separation between the foreign trading post and the rest of Japan.
• —Former Dutch Buildings of Dejima — These restored residences, warehouses, and offices once housed Dutch traders. The buildings show daily life and the architectural blend of Japanese and Western styles during the Edo period.
• —Meganebashi Bridge (眼鏡橋) — This bridge is known as "Spectacles Bridge" because its double arches and their reflection in the Nakashima River resemble eyeglasses. Built in 1634 by a Chinese monk, it is one of Japan's oldest stone arched bridges.
• —Former Chinese Quarter (唐人屋敷跡) — This area once housed Chinese traders, who, with the Dutch, were the only foreigners allowed to trade with Japan during its isolationist period. The main street shows the community that existed here.
• —Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture (長崎歴史文化博物館) — This museum focuses on Nagasaki's history of international exchange. It houses a collection of historical documents, art, and artifacts, and includes a reconstruction of part of the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office from the Edo period.
• —Dutch Slope (オランダ坂) — These stone-paved slopes have Western-style buildings that were residences for foreign residents after Japan reopened its borders in 1859. The name comes from Nagasaki locals referring to all non-Asians as "Hollanders" (Oranda-jin) due to the Dutch presence in Dejima.

The best times to visit Dejima and Nagasaki are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather during these seasons is mild and comfortable, suitable for exploring outdoor historical sites and walking the city's streets. Spring has blooming flowers and cherry blossoms, while autumn brings foliage. Avoid the summer months (June to August) when temperatures are higher, humidity is strong, and there is a possibility of heavy rain and typhoons. While Nagasaki is a destination year-round, avoiding peak vacation periods like summer holidays and New Year will help avoid crowds.

To reach Dejima, take a tram or bus from Nagasaki city center; both stop near the site. If arriving by shinkansen from Fukuoka, transfer at Hakata to the limited express Kamome service to Nagasaki Station, then take a tram. The city's layout makes it easy to explore Dejima and other nearby attractions on foot. Dejima is open daily from 8:00 to 21:00, with last entry at 20:40. Admission for adults is ¥520. Parking is available in city lots, but walking or public transport is recommended. Shops and cafes around the Nakashima River, near Meganebashi Bridge, sell castella, a Portuguese-inspired pound cake.