Nagasaki, Japan

Seofukudji Temple

In 1677, the Buddhist temple complex of Sofukuji was founded in Nagasaki, becoming the oldest structure in the city. It belongs to Zen Buddhism and is part of the four Buddhist “temples of happiness.” The founder of the temple complex was the Chinese monk Teeusin Dohan- the grandson of the famous poet and monk Ingen. The architecture of the entire complex is in the style of the Tang dynasty. In 1715, the main building of the monastery was reconstructed. This small structure with a double roof is also designed in the style of China. The temple is home to the largest bell in the city. It is used only during the Buddhist New Year, has become famous throughout Japan, and is included among the architectural landmarks.

Kofuku-ji Temple

In 1624, the Buddhist temple complex of Kofuku-ji was founded. It became the oldest Buddhist monastery built by the Chinese diaspora in Nagasaki. Kofuku-ji belongs to Zen Buddhism, is part of the Obaku school, and is included among the city’s four Buddhist “temples of happiness.” The temple complex was established because, in 1620, Chinese merchants asked the mayor of Nagasaki to build a small temple on his territory for prayers. They wanted to seek the protection of the gods in their sea voyages. These events took place during a time when the Japanese government opposed Christianity and supported Buddhism and Shinto. The Kofuku-ji monastery was built in the traditional Chinese style of the Ming dynasty.

Oura Church

In December 1864, the construction of Oura Church was completed in the city of Nagasaki. This is a Roman Catholic temple, also known as the Church of the 26 Japanese Martyrs. The building combines Baroque and Neo-Gothic styles and is included among Japan’s National Treasures. The snow-white structure has a triangular roof, topped by a tower with a cross. In front of the temple lies Mount Nishizaka. In 1597, 26 Japanese people who held to the Christian faith were crucified there. In memory of the Christians from Japan, a white marble statue of the Virgin Mary was placed at the entrance. In the church courtyard, a bronze relief was installed. Its history is connected with a group of peasants from Urakami, who secretly preserved their faith despite all the persecutions from the authorities.

Fukusai-ji Temple Complex

Fukusajiji is a Buddhist temple complex; it belongs to the Obaku school, a Zen current, and is one of the 4 Buddhist “monasteries of happiness” in Nagasaki. Fukusajiji was founded in 1628 by monks from China. On August 9, 1945, the temple complex was destroyed by the atomic bombing, but in 1979 the monastery was restored. A new temple was built in memory of the victims of the city’s atomic bombing. Every morning, at 11:02-the exact time of the bomb’s explosion-the temple bell rings. The mausoleum is shaped like a giant turtle, with a large white statue of the Bodhisattva on its back. Inside, the Bodhisattva Kannon houses the Foucault pendulum, which is 25 meters high; it moves above the remains of 16 500 victims who died during the Second World War.

World Park

Peace Park was laid out on the site of the epicenter of an atomic blast, in which 73 884 people died, 74 904 were injured, and 71 585 miraculously remained unharmed. The hills surrounding the city helped prevent the spread of radioactive fallout. In the park, a monumental sculpture of Seibo Kitamura has been installed. The right arm of a massive male figure points to the sky-towards where the atomic charge was detonated-warning of an enduring threat of the use of nuclear weapons, while the left arm is turned aside in a gesture symbolizing universal peace. As in Hiroshima, one of the most moving monuments is the ruins-in order to serve as a reminder, the remains of the walls of the Urakami Catholic Church have been preserved, which at the time was the largest in Asia.

Atomic Bomb Museum

It is impossible to imagine a visit to Nagasaki without stopping by the Atomic Bomb Museum, not as imposing as the museum in Hiroshima, but no less moving. The exhibits tell of the preparations for the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, the terrible effects of the blast itself, and its consequences. Simple items such as a melted bottle, charred remnants of kimono, as well as photographs of the victims, clearly demonstrate the destructive power of the atomic bomb. As in the Hiroshima museum, the main purpose of the exhibition is not to evoke sympathy for the victims, but to urge humanity toward nuclear disarmament for the sake of our planet’s very existence - “this must not happen again!”.

Glower’s Garden

Glover’s Garden was founded by the Scottish entrepreneur Thomas Blake Glover and is an open-air museum. On the grounds, you can find the oldest European building in Japan-the Glover House-and the European mansions of those who lived in Nagasaki in the 19th century. The garden is spread across the slope of Glover Hill (Minamiyamate Hill), from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the city and the harbor. In the architecture of the Glover House, elements of both Japanese and European styles are combined. The European elements include lattice arches, French windows, and a stone floor on the veranda, while the tiled roof and statues of demons in the corners that ward off evil spirits reflect Japanese style. The garden is included among Japan’s architectural landmarks.

Nagasaki Excursion

The excursion will begin with a visit to the historic part of the city, where the ancient Buddhist temples Sofuku and Kofuku are located. The temples were built in a typically Chinese style and are part of the so-called “monasteries of happiness”. Not far from them, you can also see the Catholic church Oura, dating back to the second half of the 19th century. The church is one of two European buildings that have been recognized as National Treasures of Japan. You will take a stroll through the European district of the city-Yamate. It is situated on the so-called Dutch Hill, Ooranda-zaka. Here, several original 19th-century houses have been preserved. If you wish, you can visit the Peace Park, laid out on the site of a nuclear explosion, and the Memorial Museum of the Nuclear Bombing.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view it after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.