Battleship Island: Nagasaki City

Battleship Island Nagasaki has been on my radar now for  just over a year ever since i did a boat tour around the island about the sometime last year.  It was a real joy to see the structures from a distance but it made me more and more determined to get up close and personal and to touch the terra firma with my own 2 hands.  In order to get to Battleship Island Nagasaki which is officially known as Hashima Island you have to join a Japanese tour group with departures from various port terminals located downtown in Nagasaki.  The tour is quite reasonably priced at around 3800 yen or $35 US as its for about 3 hours and includes a nice boat tour around the magnificent Nagasaki Harbor and of course the chance to get onto Hashima Island and walk around and explore the area.

As with any type of area that the structures are unstable and could collapse at anytime, huge areas of land are now roped off as they are deemed to dangerous and a safety risk to the general public.  However with my camera and eagle eye i was able to see so many interesting areas that showed the true beauty of the area albeit worn and crumbling as a result of the buildings years and years of neglect and taking the brunt of the storms and typhoon that frequent the area on a regular basis.  It is this combination of strong winds, huge waves, build up of salt water rusting and lack of maintenance that has caused Battleship Island Nagasaki to look the way it does today.

The Japanese narration of the tour was quite informative and well documented but in truth words are not needed to explain and portray the way thousands of people lived on the island in its hey day.  I was able to summons all my imaginative powers to step back in time and truly believe that i was back in a thriving community on an island miles away from the nearest mainland.  It was a incredible experience, one that you will have too!

Absolutely a wonderful tour that i will recommend to anyone.

Please check out Battleship Island in Nagasaki here on a map:

 

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This is where the swimming pool was!

Lots of areas are off limits now!

How much longer will be buildings stand?

Very popular tourist destination

Years of decline are showing

Not much left standing

Completely in ruins now



Here is a video of Battleship Island Nagasaki that i am sure you will enjoy:

Giant Cedar Tree: Nagasaki Prefecture

The Giant Cedar Tree located in a remote area of the Isahaya countryside is not such a well known attraction of the locals.  In fact if I asked 100 people in and around the area if they know where the largest Cedar Tree is in Nagasaki Prefecture I am absolutely sure they will have no idea that there is in fact a massive Cedar Tree here and if there was, where the exact location would be?

A small but interesting drive from the main road is the Giant Cedar Tree.  At first from a distance it doesn`t look anything impressive but gradually little by little as you inch closer and closer to the target the realm of the Cedar Trees real size becomes more evident.  The branches and limbs are just enormous and the trunk of the tree is bigger than can ever be expected!

The tree is so large that steel braces have had to be installed around the tree in order to create stability and reinforce strength where it is needed most.  The massive pillar needs all the power it can get to support the incredible weight that is above it in the form of branches and leaves.  I had a great walk around the area, looked at the tree from every angle and I can tell you that each and every location was impressive and reinforced just how big and massive Nagasaki`s Giant Cedar Tree really is.

I know the photos below don`t actually do the location justice but you can see that the area is pleasant to walk around and enjoy all things nature.

Click here to see Giant Cedar Tree on a map:

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Too big to describe!

Interesting contours

Massive trunk

Extra support needed now!

Here is a video of the Nagasaki Giant Cedar Tree:

Nagasaki Harbor Sunsets: Nagasaki City

The Nagasaki Harbor has to be one of the best Harbor views in the world except Sydney Harbor of course but I could be biased because that is my hometown and favorite place in the world.

However in all seriousness the Harbor, its views and of course the sunset all create a magical viewing environment that can be enjoyed by all from a plethora of places in and around Nagasaki City.

Pictures always can be more descriptive than words so i will let you see what i am talking about.

Click on the link to see Nagasaki City Harbor Sunsets on a map:

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Mitsubishi Docklands a glow in the background

Spectacular at sunset time

Boats aplenty at dusk

No words to describe the true beauty

Breathtaking

Magic every sunset

Superb from all angles

Doctor Nagai`s Nyokodo: Nagasaki City

Doctor Nagai`s Nyokodo is an amazing place that details and presents the life of a man who dedicated himself to science and in a matter of fact humanity.   In June 1945 (approx 2 months before the atomic explosion) Dr Nagai was diagnosed to be suffering from Leukemia as a result of being exposed to radiation through his research and only given a short time to live.

Doctor Nagai, in spite of having been exposed to the bomb continued working to help other bomb survivors until his death at the age of 43.  After the bombing of Nagasaki (which destroyed his house killing his wife inside) friends built a tiny 1 room shack for him and he lived in this tiny house with his two children.  Dr. Nagai was a devoted Catholic and he named the house "Nyokodo" (literally, Love others as you love yourself) in honor of the teaching of Christ.  Even as he lay in his sickbed in the house, he wrote a number of inspiring works such as "The Bells of Nagasaki" and "Leaving These Children Behind".

In the hope that some light might be shed on the shattered lives of children in the wake of the bombing, Dr. Nagai built a small reading room.  This was expanded into the Nagai Library after his death, and was later renamed the Takashi Nagai Memorial Museum to commemorate his unbreakable spirit and his inspiring achievements.  On display are some of Dr. Nagai's possessions, drawings, writings, related photographs and his personal story of his life and ultimately his death in 1951, some 6 years after his diagnosis when in fact he only had months to live shows his remarkable struggle to continue his ground breaking research, build up his literally achievements, spread the word of God and most of all care for his children who had already lost their Mother in the atomic explosion.

Apart from the Nagasaki Peace Park, this is the only other place where I have been reduced to tears of sorrow.  The life of Doctor Nagai must be celebrated and rejoiced as it is a story of love and compassion for ones fellow man.   The Museum is a real tear jerker but well worth it as it makes you realize what is really important in life.

This site is such a specific location that it is usually missed on everyones radar.  Every now and then I will get a request to see this amazing place and others with specific relevance to Christianity.  It is only possible to find these places by Private Nagasaki Tours and or by Taxi but the lack of English spoken by Taxi Drivers in Nagasaki can be a problem.

Click here to see Doctor Nagai`s Nyokodo on the map below:

 

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A heartbreaking human story

Lots of info

Dr Nagai's tiny house he decided to live in after the bomb

The basic 1 room house of Dr Nagai

Dr Nagai's Nyokodo still receives lots and lots of visitors today

Museum

Dr Nagai was an amazing Human Being

Click here to see more of Doctor Nagai Nyokodo in Nagasaki on a video:

Tatsuishi Seashore Geopark: Nagasaki Prefecture

Tatsuishi Seashore Geopark Nagasaki on the Shimabara Peninsular was a volcanic island in a shallow sea.  The shallow sea was covered with sand and mud near the present Tatsuishi coast.  The stratum from that period is called the Kuchinotsu formation and the uneven surface is known as a surface of uncomformity.

The activity of the Unzen volcano began near Obama on the western part of present Shimabara Peninsula.  The first eruption was so intense that the whole magma degassed and the explosions sent volcanic material to the Tatsuishi Seashore Geopark Nagasaki.  The volcanic activity continued but Obama was a considerable distance so not so much volcanic material reached the Tatsuishi Seashore.  
As the mountain grew, the stratum then eroded in the Tatsuishi coast and another ‘surface of uncomformity’ on top of the first one began.  Then a part of the Unzen volcano which continued to grow reached the Tatsuishi coast and again can be seen in the stratum.  It was about 700 000 years ago that the stratum was initially completed.  It was 500,000 years ago that the Unzen volcano started activity. Then, about 300 000 years ago the stratum of the Unzen volcano which built up reached the Tatsuishi shore again.  The beginnings of the Unzen volcano from over 400 000 years ago is recorded on the stratum as well.

All this information doesn't mean much to you and me but to a geologist it is like 1's and 2's, basic data that shows the way the Earth was formed all those years ago and the best thing is that it is really accessible, just metres off the main highway, available 365 days a year and free for anyone who would like to take a look.  So, even if you are not a great geological fan but would like to see nature in its purest form then this is the place for you.

Please check out Tatsuishi Seashore Geopark Nagasaki here on a map:

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Here is to another million years

Geology Heaven

Nice place to step back in time

That's a lot of time and years

Lots of layers

Where it all began for the Shimabara Peninsular


Please click on the videos below to see the Tatsuishi Seashore Geopark Nagasaki in more detail:

Hokobaru Martyrdom Site: Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture

Hokobaru Martyrdom Site is an interesting place to visit in Omura City.  You will be able to step back in time and learn and understand more about the Christian History of the area and some of the surreal and horrible acts that were committed at the time in order to protect and preserve Japanese Nationalistic ideals of the time.  After Christianity was banned in 1587, it seemed that the Christian religion had vanished forever within the realm of Nagasaki and Japan in general.  However, many Christians continued to practice in secret and are referred as the Hidden Christians.

When the Tokugawa Shogunate took control in 1614 and then closed Japan’s borders to the outside world in 1633, they started a hunt to eliminate all practicing Christians in order to restore only Japanese traditions through the implementation of rebuilding Shrines and Temples and force feeding the public to revert back to the original Buddhist and Shinto Religions.

In 1657, known as the Kori Kuzure (Collapse of Kori) the government found and arrested 603 Christians hiding in the area known as Kori Village within the Omura domain.  Out of this large number, 197 people were either found innocent or imprisoned.  The other 406 people were executed. Due to the number of executions, 275 people were sent to other areas to meet their fate, such as Shimabara, Nagasaki and Saga.  At Hokobaru Martyrdom Site, 131 of those captured were beheaded.

The landmark that stands today at the Hokobaru Martyrdom Site is a sign of respect and a tribute to all those that lost their life during this troubled period in Japan.  The Japanese Christian community within Nagasaki and Japan have done a marvelous job to keep their history alive and to continue to tell the story of what happened all those many years ago for future generations.

Well worth a visit.

Please check out the Hokobaru Martyrdom Site in Nagasaki here on a map:

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Good information in English too!

Impressive from all angles

Shot down by Angels from above

Powerful images

Interesting to say the least!

Sacifice

Click on the video below to see the Hokobaru Martyrdom Site:

Awashima Shrine: Nagasaki Pefecture

Awashima Shrine in Nagasaki is probably one of the most interesting and unique Shrines that you will ever come upon in Nagasaki let alone all of Japan.  Many women visit this shrine to make prayers related to female matters such as childbirth and fertility as it is believed to have special powers an a lucky charm to those who want children or those that are having problems getting pregnant.

Awashima Shrine was built in 1812 so in a sense compared to other Shrines in Nagasaki it is a rather young and hasn't got a long and rich history but it is what the Shrine stands for and that people believe in its powers which makes it such a popular and well visited place.  The Shrine has a series of small Torii's which are the gate entrances to the shrines.  Most shrine gate entrances are measured in metres and I mean 5 to 10 meters in height, however the Awashima Shrines Torii's are measured in centimeters and not meters.

If one passes through these gate entrances it is said that it will assure a smooth and safe delivery for mother and child once she becomes pregnant and will allow women who are having problem to become pregnant in the future as well if all 3 gate entrances can be passed through.

The smallest Torii is only 27 centimeters high but I can tell you that it looks so much smaller than this. In fact, I could hardly get my head through the gate entrance let along my large frame and shoulders as well as other parts of my body.  Whilst I was there I didn't actually see anyone pass through these Torii's but I have been told by many people that it is possible and done on a regular basis.  Now that is something that I need to see for myself in order to believe something that I honestly think is impossible!

Please check out Awashima Shrine here below:

 

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Looks like a rather usual shrine but it has an edge over the others!

Passing through the Torii's will promote fertility

It has some of the smallest Torii's you will ever see!

The average western woman has no chance to pass through!

Tiny gap

The 3 Torii's are actually different sizes

Peck a boo

Please check out the Awashima Shrine Nagasaki in the video below:

Giant Tree Street: Nagasaki City

The Giant Tree Street in Nagasaki is one of those places where you know that the street planners and government officials have made the correct decision and allowed nature and development to work in conjunction with each other, create cohesion and the right balance between the continual struggle of how to keep nature and expansion in check and to retain the regions natural beauty!

To drive up and down the street is to step back in time and feel the real connection with nature.  At first, the feeling that this is impossible creates a wave of anxiety as the gap between the tree located in the middle of the road and the guard rail looks way too narrow to fit a large sized car through let alone a small car or a couple of motorcycles.  But slowly by slowly, ones confidence and ability to navigate the twist and turn road up and up to the top of the Giant Tree Street turns a slow and careful drive into a fun and joyful experience that you would like to do again and again!

It is without doubt one of the best drives in Nagasaki and I will look forward to driving this street again in Spring and Autumn when the tree colours and foliage are at their best.  Comes well recommended and an absolute delight for all nature lovers.

Please check out The Giant Tree Street in Nagasaki here on a map:

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Not much room through here!

A very busy section of road

Another taxi

Lots of activity

Nature wins out over destruction

Here is a video of the Giant Tree Street Nagasaki for your viewing enjoyment: