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 is located close to the harbour in the south and was spared the bomb blast due to cloud. Nagasaki was a thriving trading post and not only did the Dutch come but also the British and Chinese.

There is a small Chinatown which is typical of so many but interesting a short walk away is the old Chinese quarter. There is a walking path you can follow inside the old city walls seeing the tightly packed houses and the four compass point Temples. There is also a large Confucian Academy nearby which houses a museum of Chinese heritage.

The European heritage can be visited starting at the large Dutch settlement of Dejima. This was a portion of land where the settlers were restricted to. They built European style timber homes and lived a distinct European lifestyle in their enclave. All of the homes are restored with period furniture.

Dejima served a dual use as both a residence and a trading port. A short walk down is the former British Consulate and HSBC Bank. This houses antique furniture and private meeting rooms for bankers.

Overlooking the harbour the Europeans built more larger homes along Hollander Slope. These sloping terraces house picturesque frame houses which are now used as art galleries. The Europeans also brought Christianity and built the elaborate Oura Church on a vantage point.

The wealthy European elite chose to settle on the heights of Glover Park. Today this is a collection of stately homes and provides in insight of the social lives of expats stranded on the other side of the world.

Nagasaki has celebrated its unique European heritage by building a multi millian dollar European style theme park. Huis Ten Bosch is about an hours train ride outside the city and is a slice of Netherlands kitsch.

Not only can you buy clogs, cheese, and fresh bread, the entire architecture of the town replicates a Dutch town and is complete with tulip gardens, windmills, and canals. The $40 admission is a bit steep but well worth for a nostalgia trip to The Netherlands.

Aside from wandering the cobbled streets the Town Hall also houses a Glass Museum. In addition there is a Teddy Bear Museum, Porcelain Musuem, and Ship Museum. The central landmark of the town is the Dom Tower which is replica of the historic tower of Utrecht. A short elevator ride up will give you stunning views overlooking the whole town.

Another highlight is also the Royal Palace built with permission from the Dutch Monarchy. While there is nothing to see inside, there are temporary exhibits in one room and you can pass thru to the gardens at the rear.

Nagasaki can easily be explored from Fukuoka with a northern Kyushu rail pass for about $115. Japan has the best train system in the world and the pass will also allow you to visit the historic castle in Kumamoto.

Kyushu Island has a distinct charm of its own unique from the rest of Japan. Coupled with its historic and modern European heritage this can be an ideal mini vacation break.

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