Nagasaki Prefecture Specialties, Souvenirs, Shrines, Temples, and Travel | 47 Prefecture Guide

Nagasaki is the prefecture with the largest number of islands in Japan, and its coastline is second in length only to Hokkaido. During the period of national isolation, it was Japan’s only trade window.

Specialties

Castella is, is based on a sweet introduced by the Portuguese. The name is said to come from the Castile region of Spain.

Champon and sara udon were created in Meiji-era Nagasaki as inexpensive, nutritious meals for students from China. according to tradition. Many of this prefecture’s specialties are things that came from outside and were remade here. It was less imitation than something close to translation.

Goto hand-stretched udon, Tsushima conger eel, loquats, Nagasaki Wagyu, and cultured pearls from Omura Bay.

Souvenirs

Castella, champon, vidro glass, Sasebo burgers. And Hasami ware tableware.

Hasami ware (Hasami Town) is said to rank among Japan’s leading producers of everyday tableware. One of the white dishes in your home may well come from this town.

Shrines and Temples

To speak about Nagasaki’s faith, you have to place shrines, temples, and churches side by side. This is a special circumstance even among Japan’s 47 prefectures.

Oura Cathedral (Nagasaki City) is a National Treasure, and Japan’s oldest surviving Christian church building. In 1865, the event in which hidden Christians revealed their faith to a priest here is known as the “Discovery of the Faithful.” It means the faith had been passed down for 250 years without priests. In 2018, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site together with the Amakusa region.

Sanno Shrine (Nagasaki City)’s second torii gate was half blown away by the atomic bomb, while the remaining half still stands as it was. Called the “one-legged torii,” it has been preserved without being removed.

Sofukuji Temple (Nagasaki City) is A Chinese-style temple built by Chinese residents, and one of Nagasaki’s three great Chinese temples. The Daiyu Hoden main hall and Daiippo-mon gate are National Treasures.

Sightseeing

Dejima, Glover Garden, and the night view from Mount Inasa. Hashima Island (Gunkanjima) is a component part of the World Heritage Site “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution”. At one time, it was among the most densely populated islands in the world.

Unzen and Shimabara, the church groups of the Goto Islands, Huis Ten Bosch, and Tsushima.

Traditional Crafts

Nationally designated items are Hasami ware, Mikawachi ware, and Nagasaki tortoiseshell work, making three items in all.

Though both are porcelain, Mikawachi ware was a high-grade product made by the domain for presentation as gifts, while Hasami ware was everyday ware for ordinary people. Both existed in this region, and both have received national designation. Embracing both the upper and lower ends was the strength of this production area.

For details, see [VILLAGE Report vol.4] Presentation Ware and Everyday Ware

Articles About This Prefecture

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References: Nagasaki Prefecture, Nagasaki City, Sasebo City, Hasami Town, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries — Value Village Editorial Team