Currently with many countries stocking up on Nuclear Arms, it has increased the Nuclear Threats in the region. Both Hiroshima and Nagasaki are painful reminders of the devastating effect it can cause to mankind! When contestants are asked what are their wishes are for the world, during the Miss Universe Pageant. A standard answer will always include "World Peace". Cliche as it sounds but as the saying goes "MAKE LOVE AND NOT WAR".
Nagasaki Peace Park (Heiwa Koen) -
At the South, you can find the "Fountain of Peace", the jets are set in a shape of a pair of Angel's wings and it is a dedication to World Peace. This was constructed in August, 1969, as a prayer for the repose of the souls of the many atomic bomb victims who died searching for water (Text extracted from Wikipedia)
Nations from around the world, have sent many peace structures to be placed in the Peace Symbol Zone in the park
At the North end of park you will find the 10m high Peace Statue
The statue's right hand points to the threat of nuclear weapons while the extended left hand symbolizes eternal peace. The mild face symbolizes divine grace and the gently closed eyes offer a prayer for the repose of the bomb victims' souls. The folded right leg and extended left leg signify both meditation and the initiative to stand up and rescue the people of the world. Installed in front of the statue is a black marble vault containing the names of the atomic bomb victims and survivors who died in subsequent years (Text extracted from Wikipedia)
Walk along Dutch slope and enjoy the western architecture lining that street, visit Oura Catholic Church dedicated to the 26 Christians crucified in 1597 when the Japanese Authorities were clamping down on Christianity.
Glover Garden
The elegant garden is like a cultural theme park, consisting of a cluster of European style houses. Some of which have been reassembled from other parts of the city. The garden is on a hilly gradient, therefore visitors can enjoy a bird's eye view of Nagasaki. Due to the pull of gravity, the best way to explore the garden is to take the escalator right to the top and walk down hill! Exit the garden through Nagasaki Traditional Performing Arts Museum, which houses a display of the floats used in the Kunchi Matsuri.
Megane Bashi aka Spectacle Bridge
Around Nagasaki city, there are a couple of stone hearts and two of them can be found in Glover Garden. It is an old wives tale that you will find true love when you touch one of the stones, or that something positive will happen, if you find both! As tomorrow is Valentine's Day, so if you are single and happen to be there. Try touching the stone and who knows your knight in shining may appear! And Gentlemen, why not find both stones with your sweetheart and propose to her there. May your love for each other always be embedded in stone and not weathered easily
<3 Another stone heart can be found along the river banks.
Other sightseeing spots in Nagasaki include:
1)One Pillar Torii - It is at Sanno Jinja, the blast blew off one leg of the Torii gate to the shrine (Free)
2)Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
3)Nagasaki Museum of History & Folklore (Free and it has activities for the kids)
4) Fukusai-ji Kannon - It a majestic structure of a turtle carrying an 18m high figure of the Goddess Kannon on its back
5) Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture
6) Suwa Jinja - The venue of Kunchi Matsuri (7-9 Oct)
7) Atomic Bomb Hypo Centre
While walking around the city, I caught sight of some lovely drawing -
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Hiroshima
Getting there -
I took a day trip from Hakata and caught the Bullet train from JR Hakata Station to JR Nagasaki Station
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