Nagasaki

Sadly, Nagasaki is mainly known for one thing, and that is as the target for the second atomic bomb dropped in World War 2.  This is a shame, as Nagasaki was one of those destinations that was a bit of a surprise, with a lot more going for it than at first sight.

When we arrived, there was a large welcoming committee on the pier, providing general tourist information, and details about how to use the tram system (which is the quickest and easiest method to get around).

We went first to visit the Atomic Bomb museum and Peace Park, which as you would expect are rather poignant.  The Peace Park contains many statues that have been donated by a number of different cities around the world, whilst the museum tells the stories of the city of Nagasaki and specific individuals on the 9th day of August, 1945.

As it was the end of March, the cherry blossom was in full bloom.

After this rather moving morning, we wandered around the town centre for a while.  Kate then went back to the ship, while Dave investigated further the Spectacles Bridge, the monument to the 26 Christian Martyrs and the Glover Gardens.

As we left, a brass band and traditional drummers provided by some local school children played us away.  It was a town in which we could have spent longer.

Once again, this time in Japanese ...