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Being a major port for foreign trade, the only place open to an outside country (the Netherlands) during Japan’s period of seclusion from 1633 to 1853, and the site of a major American naval base in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県, Nagasaki-ken) is an amalgamation of Japanese and foreign culture. Its famous dishes are non-Japanese - Portuguese castella cakes, Chinese chanpon noodles, and the American Sasebo burger.

Outside influences can also be seen in Nagasaki’s tourist sites. The Glover Garden and Ohura Church (the oldest church in Japan) are two prime examples of Western architecture in Japan, while the popular Huis Ten Bosch theme park is modeled after the Netherlands.

However, one look at the Kujuku Islands, Sofuku-ji, or Tenkaiho is enough to remind you of Japan’s beauty. The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park serve as powerful memorials of the tragedy that befell Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. 

Around Nagasaki

• Things to Do in Nagasaki