Japan's most rewarding and exotic destination



PROFILE

Blessed with a temperate climate, a superb setting, and a history unlike that of any other prefecture in Japan, Nagasaki easily ranks as one of Japan's most rewarding and exotic destinations.
Much of the prefecture's considerable charm can be traced to the unique role which the region played in Japanese history. From 1639 to 1859, while the rest of the country was secluded from foreign contact by governmental decree, the port of Nagasaki alone was allowed to conduct trade with Europe and the Asian mainland. This free-port status and the prolonged exposure to foreign cultures which it brought resulted in the creation of a sophisticated and liberal climate which no other part of Japan could hope to emulate.
Nagasaki's attractions are as varied as they are plentiful: feudal castles, samurai houses, Meiji-era Western villas, smoking volcanoes, mineral-rich hot-spring baths, architecturally pleasing resorts, rugged islands, beautiful beaches, and a hospitable and friendly people are just a few of the rewards awaiting the visitor to this diverse and dynamic prefecture.

ACCESS to NAGASAKI

From

By

Time

Cost on Average

km

Tokyo

Shinkansen

7h

23,432yen

1328.8km

Osaka

4hr 21min

17,340yen

776.2km

Kyoto

4hr 37min

18,170yen

815.2km


LOCATION and TOPOGRAPHY

Nagasaki Prefecture occupies the northwestern coast of Kyushu and faces the East China Sea. Almost half of the prefecture's total land area of 4,088 square kilometers is made up of 596 islands.
Nagasaki's irregular coastline is composed of peninsulas, promontories, bays, and inlets, and ranks second to Hokkaido's in length. Not surprisingly, marine products form the prefecture's main industry. The prefecture is rich in natural scenery, boasting two national parks (Unzen and Saikai, two quasi-national parks, and six prefectural natural parks.
The prefecture is quite close to the Asian mainland: it is 800 kilometers to Shanghai, while the South Korean port of Pusan is a mere 49.5kilometers from Tsushima Island.
Nagasaki is well connected to Japan's major cities both by rail and by air. From Nagasaki Airport to JR Nagasaki Station, it takes one hour by express bus.

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