Which city would you recommend for a first vacation in Japan?
I've visited all 47 prefectures in Japan, and if I had to recommend one place, it would be Nagasaki City. While many people know Nagasaki for its tragic history, similar to Hiroshima, there's so much more to the city that often goes unnoticed. It tends to have fewer visitors compared to popular destinations like Kyoto, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka, but that’s part of its charm.
Nagasaki is beautifully set between mountains and the sea, both so close to each other. The hills in the city offer stunning views, and scattered among them are several historic churches. If you take the time to climb one of these hills, you’ll be rewarded with a truly picturesque view.
During Japan's period of national isolation, which lasted nearly 200 years, Nagasaki was one of the few cities open to foreign trade. As a result, it has a rich mix of Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch influences. There's a vibrant Chinatown where you can enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine. You can also visit Dejima, located downtown, which features fascinating Edo-era architecture dating back to 1636.
Nagasaki recently became more accessible with the opening of a new bullet train line, which takes only about three hours from Tokyo. If you're planning a trip to Japan, I highly recommend visiting Nagasaki. It's a city full of history, beauty, and unique cultural influences.