Nagasaki (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Pref.)

Glover Garden

The view from Glover Garden overlooks the whole city, and there are 9 historic buildings from the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate and the Meiji Period located here (3 of these structures have been designated important national cultural properties). The many different flowers in the garden are in bloom through all of the four seasons. In front of the former Glover residence there is a heart-shaped stone, and it is said that love will come to anyone who touches the stone and makes a wish.

Oura Church

Constructed in 1865, this church is an example of gothic European construction. The western-style structure is the oldest church in Japan, and it has been designated as a national treasure. The light from the stained glass in the main hall creates a solemn atmosphere for prayers.

Champon And Sara Udon

Champon is a Japanese noodle dish that resulted from the long period of cultural exchange with China. This dish is still very popular in Nagasaki (see the picture on the left) and is representative of the area along with sara udon (literally "plate noodles"). These noodles, made in the Chinese style with toaku (sodium and calcium carbonate), can only be found in Nagasaki.

Castella And Vidro Glass

When talking about the various famous products of Nagasaki, you must first mention Castella, the sponge cake brought to Japan by the Portuguese, and the glass called Nagasaki Vidro, which produces a beautiful light. Among the many types of Vidro glass, the tube and gourd-shaped type known in Japan as "Hoppen" is especially popular, as it will make a simple cracking sound when air is blown down the tube.

left: Castella,
right: Vidro Glass