After a five-year hiatus, we found ourselves back in Japan to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We decided to avoid the bustling cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka (in Honshu) and embarked on an 8-day, 7-night self-drive, free and easy adventure across the tranquil landscapes of Kyushu which took us through Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Yanagawa, Itoshima, and f*ckuoka.
We enjoyed the casual vibes of Kyushu while taking-in the splendour of nature. We will share our travel tips and highlights of each city in different blog posts starting with this post on Nagasaki.
Day 1: Exploring Nagasaki
We took a red-eye flight from Singapore to f*ckuoka on Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival at f*ckuoka International Airport, we collected our luggage and asked for directions at the Airport Information Counter to locate the Nissan Rent-A-Car Counter, where we had pre-booked our car.
Car Rental: After some initial struggles with English instructions via a self-dial number at the counter, we found our pick-up point where a company van driven by a petite young Japanese lady took us to collect our car from their office, a 20-minute drive away from the f*ckuoka International Airport.
Our Rental Car: We booked a Nissan KICKS, a hybrid 4-seater SUV which was spacious enough to accommodate two mid-sized suitcases and a small carry-on with room to spare. The car was clean, easy to drive, and came equipped with modern features like adaptive cruise control and heated seats!
The Drive: Despite the abundance of signs, electrical wires, and multiple lanes, Japan is quite manageable to navigate with our trusty Google Maps. We didn’t rely on the onboard GPS, which was all programmed in Japanese. Instead, we depended on the trusty Google Maps on our mobile phones throughout the trip.
Driving Tip: The hubby brought his personal phone holder and a rubberized friction mat from Singapore. It worked perfectly—nothing beats using familiar navigation aids from home! These tools ensured that our phones stayed secure and easily accessible for navigation throughout the trip.
First Stop: Nagasaki (2 hours’ drive). My husband is someone who loves to visit places that have historical significance,. Since young, he’s already fascinated with commentaries and books that document events that altered the course of human history. Nagasaki, being the 2nd city (and hopefully the last) to experience the devastating force of the atomic bomb, was a ‘must-visit’ for him.
Despite the fatigue from our red-eye flight, he drove us from f*ckuoka to our first destination—Nagasaki. Thanks to the polite and safety-centric driving culture in Kyushu, we arrived in Nagasaki safe and sound after a 2-hour drive. Hungry for authentic Japanese food, we headed straight into the city to dine where the locals do. We were rewarded with an exceptional first authentic Japanese meal!
Lunch: We enjoyed the superb Tomato Ramen in Nagasaki town (Ramen Hiiragi). We parked at a nearby multi-storey car park (our 1st in Japan!), and the hourly parking rates were quite affordable. The restaurant came highly recommended by our hotel staff, and it lived up to its reputation. Oishi!
Name of Restaurant: Ramen Hiiragi
Website: https://www.ramen-hiiragi.com/
Address: 〒850-0841, Nagasaki City, Dozamachi 6-9 Tokuyama Doza Building 1F. TEL: 095-821-9210
Weather: The weather in mid-June was sunny and hot, but thankfully not humid. We recommend using plenty of sunblock, wearing sunglasses and hats, and staying well-hydrated.
Meganabashi (Spectacles Bridge): A short 8-minute drive away from the ramen place brought us to the renowned ‘Spectacles Bridge’. Upon arrival, we were greeted by rows of beautiful, wild hydrangeas lining the canal. The area was not crowded, allowing us to enjoy a pleasant and leisurely stroll. Many locals were also there enjoying the view.
Tip: Don’t forget to try the local ‘rose’ gelato from the gelato vendor along the riverbank. It’s a delightful cool treat perfect for a warm summer day!
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum: We made visiting this museum a priority, especially since the hubby is a history buff. The museum houses poignant exhibits including photos, personal accounts, and artefacts from the devastating impact of the second atomic bomb ever dropped. Nagasaki was actually the alternative target due to cloud cover obscuring the original primary target. Pilots were ready to abort the mission, but the clouds cleared over Nagasaki, altering history. While somber, the experience was not as chilling as visiting Auschwitz Camp in Poland or the World Trade Center in New York.
Nagasaki Peace Park: We took a short 8-minute drive to nearby Nagasaki Peace Park which features poignant monuments dedicated to remembering the victims and promoting peace. We took our time to walk around and appreciate the beautiful sculptures donated by various countries to Japan, each offering a unique perspective on peace and reconciliation.
Urakami Cathedral: Located at the heart of the tragic bombing in Nagasaki, the Urakami Cathedral, retains some haunting ruins on-site. Despite arriving after its closure, we took a walk around the compound, admiring its historical significance and the resilience of the community it once served.
Our Choice of Hotel: FAV Lux Nagasaki, a newly established boutique hotel that exuded a modern ambience. The hotel’s open-air carpark is a short 2-min stroll from the reception desk and the carpark lot will be reserved with your name. The hotel provides a very simple breakfast featuring a selection of delicious bagels, sandwiches, and a choice of hot beverage. Guests are required to pre-order their breakfast the night before at the reception counter. One standout feature of this boutique hotel was the in-room washer-dryer and its large onsen-style bathroom, which we love.
Recommendation: Highly recommended! 4 stars from us.
Name of Hotel: FAV Lux Nagasaki
Website: https://www.fav-lux.com/hotel/nagasaki/
Address: 3-10 Matsugae-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 850-0921. TEL: 092-292-2431
Day 2: Exploring Nagasaki
Battleship Island, also known as Gunkanjima, was our next destination after a short 10-minute drive from the hotel to the port. We exchanged our pre-booked ferry tickets for the 8:40 am cruise to beat the midday sun. The entire cruise and island tour took approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early, as parking at the port is limited and queues for ticket exchanges can be long. Despite some confusion with the Japanese ticketing instructions, we successfully boarded our guided cruise and embarked on this intriguing journey.
Exploring Gunkanjima, proved to be a captivating experience for us. The island’s hauntingly beautiful yet dilapidated structures stand as poignant reminders of Japan’s industrial history and its reliance on coal, particularly during World War II. This historical significance makes it a must-visit destination. Moreover, Gunkanjima has gained fame as a filming location for movies like James Bond’s “Skyfall”. If you appreciate exploring places that intertwine history with cinematic appeal, Gunkanjima offers a profound, visually striking exploration.
Tip: For a comfortable visit to Battleship Island, book a morning cruise to avoid the intense summer sun. It’s advisable to bring along sunblock, a hat for shade, and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the tour. Keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities available during the hour-plus walk on the island, so plan accordingly.
Depending on the weather conditions, the water during the cruise can be choppy, so being prepared with motion sickness remedies might be wise. Despite these considerations, exploring Battleship Island is a must-do experience, especially for history enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.
Website: https://www.gunkan-jima.net/en/
Regular Rates per person:
[Adults］ Boarding Fee￥4,500 Gunkanjima Entrance Fee￥310
[Junior High and High School Students］ ￥4,500 ￥310
[Elementary School Students］ ￥2,250 ￥150
Address of Port: Nagasakiminato Terminal, 17-3 Motofunamachi, Nagasaki, 850-0035
Lunch: After the exhilarating Battleship Island Cruise, we indulged in a superb meal of Ramen at BaBake Homemade Noodles (https://www.babake.jp/). The rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles surpassed our expectations and turned out to be one of the best ramen dishes we’ve had during our entire trip to Kyushu. The cozy ambiance of the restaurant and the warm hospitality of the staff added to the delightful dining experience, making it a memorable highlight of our Kyushu trip.
Name of Restaurant: BaBake Handmade Noodles
Website: https://www.babake.jp/
Address: 〒850-0058 Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki City Onoe-cho 1-67 Nagasaki Kaido Kamome Market 1145
Glover Garden: Situated along the hill slope, Glover Garden is a sprawling site that showcases several well-preserved colonial-style summer houses surrounded by manicured gardens. The elevated location provides visitors with a panoramic view of Nagasaki cityscape.
Recommendation: Unless you have ample free time in Nagasaki and a keen interest in historical Western influence on Japan, Glover Garden is not an attraction that we would recommend. Admission fee is required, and while it holds cultural significance locally, its appeal to tourists may be limited. The gardens, particularly in summer, are pleasant but not extraordinary. It also requires lots of walking. Instead, consider saving time and money for enjoying local treats like delicious soft serve and crepes at Crepe de Sapin, which offer a more authentic taste of Nagasaki.
Website: Crepe de Sapin (https://www.instagram.com/crepe.de.sapin)
Operating Hours: 10am to 6pm
Address: 4-15 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki, 850-0931, Japan
Catholic Oura Church: It holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest church, dedicated to honoring the memory of the 26 Christian martyrs. This beautiful church is a testament to significant historical events in a country predominantly influenced by Buddhist and Shinto traditions. Visiting the Catholic Oura Church provides insights into the persecution and hardships endured by early Christians. It’s a poignant reminder of religious resilience and cultural diversity within Japan’s rich historical tapestry in Nagasaki.
Recommendation: Ideal for history and Christianity enthusiasts, and a great spot for some lovely photos.
Website: https://oura-church.jp/
Opening Hours: 8:30 to 18:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Admission Fee: Adults 1,000 yen
Junior and senior high school students 400 yen | Elementary school students 300 yen
Address: 〒850-0931 5-3 Minamiyamate-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Mount Inasayama Observatory: Mount Inasa Observatory offers visitors 3 convenient options to reach its summit to enjoy the renowned “Million Dollar Night View” of Nagasaki city. You can opt for a scenic cable car ride, experience the newly launched ‘Slope Car’, or self-drive up to the peak of Mount Inasa. Each mode of transport provides a unique perspective of the cityscape, making it a favorite among tourists seeking breathtaking panoramas of Nagasaki. We opted for the ‘Slope Car’ and love the ride! The stylish, all-glass vehicle ‘Slope Cars’, were designed by the same world-renowned industrial designer who also created the Ferrari Ropeway in Italy, offers dynamic views of Nagasaki by day and night.
Tip: At the top of Mount Inasa, you’ll be treated to stunning 360-degree views of Nagasaki, especially breathtaking during sunset. Try to visit during the sunset hours for a spectacular view. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential crowds. Near the entrance, a friendly Japanese photographer offers family portraits for 1000 yen. He has the necessary setup to capture the night views and delivers soft copies via email, perfect for creating lasting memories of our trip.
Recommendation: Absolutely! Mount Inasa is a must when you’re in Nagasaki. The night view is simply spectacular, and the ‘Slope Car’ ride during sunset offers such a panoramic view. Such an unforgettable experience!
Mount Inasayama Slope Car
Website: https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/en/sightseeing/65004
Operating Hours:
Daytime: 9:00-18:00 (one lane, operated every 20 minutes)
Nighttime: 18:00-22:00 (2 lanes, operated every 15 minutes)
Fee:
Adult: 500 yen (round trip) 300 yen (one way)
Junior and senior high school students: 370 yen (round trip) 220 yen (one way)
Child: 250 yen (round trip) 150 yen (one way)
Nagasaki captivates with its blend of profound history and scenic beauty. From the haunting reminders of its atomic past at the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum to the cultural richness of Urakami Cathedral and the Oura Church, every corner tells a story. We enjoyed the local delicacies, took in breathtaking views from Mount Inasa, and explored the unique grounds of Gunkanjima. Join us on our next adventure as we uncover the wonders of Kumamoto, where ancient castles and natural splendor await. Stay tuned for our next blog post!
