NagasakiOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

A Port City and Christian Center

Nagasaki's history as an international port began in 1571 when Portuguese ships entered its harbor. This marked the start of the city's development as a trading hub. During the late 16th century, Catholic missionaries arrived, converting some of the local population and establishing churches. This period of openness was short-lived. In 1587, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the chief imperial minister, ordered the expulsion of all Christians, viewing foreign influence and Christianity as a threat to the Japanese state. On February 5, 1597, 26 Catholics—six European Franciscan missionaries, three Japanese Jesuits, and seventeen Japanese laypeople, including young boys—were crucified on Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki. This event marked the beginning of centuries of severe persecution against Christians in Japan.

Isolation and the Dutch Presence

In 1614, Catholicism was officially outlawed by Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, leading to intense persecution. The Edo period (1603-1868) saw Japan adopt a strict isolationist policy known as "sakoku," which lasted for 214 years, from 1639 to 1853. During this time, Nagasaki remained the only port open to foreign trade, making it Japan's sole point of contact with the West. The artificial island of Dejima, constructed in 1634 to isolate Portuguese traders, became the exclusive trading post for the Dutch East India Company from 1641 to 1854 after the Portuguese were expelled. Dejima played a role in transmitting Western knowledge, particularly in science, technology, and medicine, to Japan through the "Rangaku" (Dutch learning) movement. Chinese trade was also restricted to Nagasaki from 1635, with a number of Chinese ships arriving annually. The city's position fostered a degree of intercultural blending, influencing art, literature, and science. With the Meiji era in 1868, Japan reopened to the world, and the ban on Catholicism was lifted in 1872. Nagasaki continued to function as an international city, but its history took another turn on August 9, 1945, when it became the target of an atomic bomb during World War II.

• —Monument of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan — This monument on Nishizaka Hill commemorates the 26 Catholics, including foreign missionaries and Japanese converts, who were crucified here on February 5, 1597. It marks the beginning of Christian persecution in Japan.
• —Ōura Cathedral — Constructed in 1864 by French priests, this Gothic-style church is dedicated to the 26 Martyrs of Japan. It is the oldest surviving Christian church in Japan. In 1865, the "Discovery of Hidden Christians" occurred here, when a group of Japanese Christians who had secretly practiced their faith for centuries revealed themselves to the missionaries.
• —Dejima — This fan-shaped artificial island, built in 1634, served as Japan's only direct point of contact with the Western world for over 200 years during the Edo period. Visitors can explore reconstructed buildings, including Dutch trading posts and residences, and learn about the cultural and scientific exchange that took place here.
• —Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge) — Built in 1634, this stone arch bridge spans the Nakashima River. Its reflection in the water creates the illusion of spectacles, giving it its name. It is one of Japan's oldest stone arch bridges.
• —Confucius Shrine (Koshibyo) — Established in 1893 by Chinese residents, this shrine is dedicated to Confucius. It features a unique architectural style with colors and houses a museum displaying artifacts from China.
• —Shiroyama Elementary School Park & Memorial — This site serves as a reminder of the atomic bombing on August 9, 1945. The elementary school was close to the hypocenter, and the park now includes memorials and remnants of the school building.
• —Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Park — This park marks the exact spot where the atomic bomb exploded over Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. It features a black pillar marking the hypocenter and serves as a place for reflection.
• —Urakami Cathedral — Once the largest church in East Asia, this Catholic cathedral was severely damaged by the atomic bomb in 1945 due to its proximity to the hypocenter. Rebuilt after the war, it stands as a symbol of resilience and faith.

The best times to visit Nagasaki are during spring (late March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, the weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 19°C to 23°C in May, and cherry blossoms bloom in late March to early April. Autumn offers comfortable temperatures and autumn foliage, particularly in November. The period from mid-September to late October is suitable for warm-weather activities. Avoid visiting during June to August. June is the wettest month, with rainfall, and July and August are hot and humid, with average daily high temperatures above 26°C, sometimes reaching 37°C. Typhoons can also occur from July to September.

Nagasaki Airport (NGS) is approximately 18km from the city. The most common way to reach the city center from the airport is by bus, with a one-way journey costing around ¥900. Once in Nagasaki, the city's electric tramway is a convenient and affordable way to get around. It operates five color-coded routes, connecting most major tourist attractions. A single ride costs a flat fare of ¥150 for adults. A one-day pass for unlimited rides is available for ¥600, which is cost-effective if you plan more than four tram rides. Trams run approximately every 5-8 minutes from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. You enter through the rear door and pay the driver when exiting at the front. IC cards like Suica and ICOCA are accepted. Many attractions are within walking distance of tram stops.