"Nagasaki - Rebuild City" Nagasaki-ken by MikeAtSea

When visiting Nagasaki it is difficult to imagine that 60 years ago this city was flattened by the second atomic bomb in the world.
Nagasaki is situated on the Kyushu Island; it is separated from the mainland b the Kanmon Straits which are about a kilometer wide. The island offers mild climate and an undulating green countryside, ancient volcanic cones, lava spills and hot spring resort combined with lush subtropical vegetation.
It is a miraculous resurgence since today it is one of the most cosmopolitan and eclectic cities in Japan being home to some 450.000 inhabitants. Foreign influence came to this part of the world early, however Portuguese settlers were expelled from here in 1638 and the Dutch who were confined to the tiny island of Dejima were the only foreign power permitted to stay through the self imposed isolation of Japan.
When Japan re-opened its doors in 1854 Nagasaki again became a thriving centre for Western trade and culture.
The city is encroached by modern industry; however Nagasaki offers a magnificent harbor, meandering streets and beautiful terraces. The sights are scattered around the city signs in English and well organized routes make it easy for a foreigner to get around here.
I used the streetcar to get around in Nagasaki and found it easy and inexpensive. Four main lines operate in the city and all start from the city centre.
The main shopping areas, restaurants and night life are in the Hamanomachi arcade district southeast of the Nagasaki Station, whereas the Peace Park the important monument for Nagasaki’s devastating events at 11:02 on August 9th, 1945.
Another attraction is China Town, which once was an artificial island and today connected to the mainland is located in Shinchi. Shrines, temples and churches can be found in between.
To get a better overview over the city I recommend the rope-way to the lookout tower on Mount Isa or a boat tour from the Ohato Pier.
The airport of Nagasaki is about 40 km away from the city and it is well connected to the Japanese Rail Network.
Some of the local festivities held in the city are the Lantern Festival, celebrated during the last two weeks of January and the Kunchi Matsuri which is a dragon dance of Chinese Origin.
The city in my eyes combines dramatically the new and the old and still show cases the many foreign influences, which are not often found in Japan.