About Nagasaki Prefecture
Nagasaki Prefecture has always been one of those places that felt like a mystery to me. I’d heard about its rich history, its unique blend of cultures, and, of course, its mouthwatering food. But nothing could have
prepared me for how much this place would steal my heart. Let me take you through my journey—complete with a few mishaps, way too many snacks, and some unforgettable moments.
1. Delicious Restaurants
Okay, let’s talk about the food first because, honestly, it’s what I was most excited about. My first stop was a tiny, unassuming restaurant tucked away in a narrow alley. I was there for one thing: champon. If you haven’t heard of it, champon is a hearty noodle dish loaded with seafood, veggies, and pork in a rich, savory broth. The first bite? Absolute bliss. I may or may not have slurped my noodles a little too loudly, but hey, when in Nagasaki, right? Then there was sara udon, which is like champon’s crispy cousin. The noodles are fried until crunchy and topped with a saucy mix of seafood and vegetables. I accidentally ordered two portions because I got overexcited (classic me), but no regrets. I ate every last bite, even though I was stuffed. Oh, and let’s not forget the castella cake! I stumbled upon a small bakery and ended up buying way more than I needed. The fluffy, slightly sweet sponge cake was so good that I may have eaten three slices in one sitting. My sweet tooth has no shame.
2. Tourist Spots
Now, onto the sights. My first stop was the Nagasaki Peace Park. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the moment I walked in, I felt this overwhelming sense of reflection and respect. The Peace Statue is incredibly moving, and the park itself is so serene. I spent a lot longer there than I planned, just sitting and taking it all in. It’s a place that stays with you. Next up was Glover Garden, and wow, what a contrast! This open-air museum is perched on a hill with stunning views of the city. The Western-style houses and gardens are so charming, and I couldn’t stop taking pictures. I even got a little lost trying to find the famous Glover Residence (thanks, Google Maps), but the detour led me to a cute little tea shop where I indulged in some matcha and wagashi. Worth it. Then came Mount Inasa. I’d heard the night view was one of the best in Japan, so I made sure to get there early. Too early, actually. I arrived a full hour before sunset and ended up awkwardly pacing around the observation deck while trying to look busy. But when the sun finally set and the city lights came on? Breathtaking. It was like the entire city was sparkling just for me. I may have teared up a little—don’t judge. And of course, I couldn’t miss Huis Ten Bosch, the Dutch-themed amusement park. It’s as quirky as it sounds, but in the best way. I rode a canal boat, ate stroopwafels, and even got a little too competitive in the tulip garden photo contest. (I lost, but my tulip selfie game is strong.)
Final Thoughts
Nagasaki was everything I hoped for and more. It’s a place where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in the most unexpected ways. I laughed, I ate way too much, and I even got a little lost—but that’s what made the trip so special. It felt real, you know? If you’ve been to Nagasaki, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Did you fall in love with the food like I did? Or maybe you discovered a hidden gem I missed? Share your stories in the comments—I’m always looking for excuses to go back!
