We always hear of Nagasaki in terms of the second atomic bomb that was dropped in 1945. However long before, the Dutch had visited, setup trading posts, and established a European community. Much of this heritage was spared the bomb blast and is celebrated in a newly built Amsterdam style theme park. If you want a mini European getaway without the airfares then a trip to Nagasaki can indulge you while also giving a taste of Japan.Much of the historical heritage i...

I was now really tired from a full day touring Nagasaki and wanted to just sit down, rest, and have a good meal. I knew there was nothing by my hotel so was figuring out where to go. I knew the tram would go by Chinatown so I figured I could go there to get a nice chinese meal. When I got there, still quite tired, I felt it might be expensive being too touristy. I decided to walk a few minutes out and see if there were cheaper places just outside Chinatown. The f...

After a long day exploring Nagasaki my route had now taken me behind Oura Church to Glover Park. I wasnt sure exactly what this was. My book referred to this as a park with one or two former europeans houses. I thought this meant it was a big landscaped park with some buildings you could walk around from outside. I was quite surprised that this is in fact a collection of colonial homes that you can tour from the inside. When I arrived the entrance ticket was 600...

My next stop brought me to Oura Church, another landmark built to support the European community. Entrance was 300Y ($4). There was a long staircase leading up. The interior was gothic style with stained glass. There was also an exhibit taking place in one of the adjacent buildings It was very impressive and makes you wonder what the church that was destroyed by the bomb blast at the epicentre would have looked like

Close to the European settlement homes on Hollander Slope the next stop walking distance was to the Chinese Confucian Academy. I've seen many of these before in Korea and China and was quite surprised at the entrance price of 600Y ($7.25). I was hoping it would be worth it and I was turned out quite amazing so well worth the entry price. The first outer gate is typical chinese style and reminiscent of the brightly coloured and decorated temples they had in Taiwa...