Culture of Nagasaki. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Today, you can see many symbolic historical sights dating back to different periods in Nagasaki, including many significant religious sites. Heiwa-kōen recalls the tragic events of 194 when the city has experienced a nuclear attack. This is the name of a memorial park complex with many monuments. The height of the largest one is 10 meters. Solemn processions and ceremonies are held on the territory of the complex every year. In 1978, the park underwent the first major renovation, in which friendly countries and twin cities took part. Many new monuments and sculptures were installed here with their support.

As for Buddhist attractions, the most significant one is the Kofukuji Temple Complex. It was built in 1624 on the initiative of local merchants. At the beginning of the 17th century, they turned to the ruler of Nagasaki with a request to build a small temple where they could pray for safe travels across the sea. Over time, besides the temple, they built a Buddhist monastery, the building of which is now of great religious and architectural value. The structure made in red shades is an example of Chinese architecture dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

Nagasaki also has Catholic religious monuments, including Urakami Cathedral. This temple was built in 1925 but was completely destroyed during the bombing of the city in 1945. It was decided to restore the church only by 1980. Thanks to preserved old drawings, it was possible to rebuild it in full accordance with the original. The main material for the temple's construction was brown brick. An interesting architectural feature of the building is a triangular roof. Near the new temple, one can see the ruins of the old one - they were not dismantled to preserve the memory of the tragic event. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Fans of walks in historical places would probably be interested in visiting the Shofukuji Temple Complex. Built in 1677, it is the oldest Buddhist temple in Nagasaki. During the 1945 atomic bombing, almost all Buddhist temples and monasteries in the city were destroyed, only four have managed to survive to this day. The only major reconstruction in the history of the temple was carried out in 1715. Since then, it has remained virtually unchanged. The building is located on a small hill, so its surrounding area offers a wonderful view of the harbor. The temple has another curious feature: the city's largest bell, which is rung only during major Buddhist holidays.

Nagasaki's largest Shinto shrine is Suva-Jinja located in the north of the city. To climb to the doors of this temple, one will need to overcome as many as 277 steps. The opening of this temple took place in the first half of the 17th century. During that period, Portuguese immigrants were actively engaged in the dissemination of Christian culture among the local population. To preserve their true religious traditions, the townspeople decided to build a new beautiful temple. It is also one of the few that have managed to survive the atomic bombing. In 1984, the temple went through a major reconstruction. It was possible to preserve some original elements of architecture and decoration, and the main innovation was installing the air conditioning system in the temple.

Nagasaki has many interesting museums. The Nagasaki Rekisi Bunka Khakubutsukan opened here in 2005. The bulk of the exhibits collected in it dates back to the 17th-19th centuries when Japan experienced a period of strict isolation from other countries. The museum occupies an old reconstructed estate dating back to the Middle Ages. To date, the museum houses more than 48,000 exhibits, including important historical documents, objects of applied art, valuable historical artifacts, and a rich collection of artworks.

If you like walking, be sure to explore the colorful Chinatown founded in the late 17th century. It has preserved many beautiful historic buildings, which are often occupied by restaurants, stores, and souvenir shops. Located in the heart of Nagasaki, Chinatown will be a great place for shoppers and gourmets.