NAGASAKI – Hit the Road
If you wish to really see Japan, get behind the wheel. Notable places and interesting people are waiting just off the beaten path. This time we’re going to the western edge of Kyushu, Nagasaki Prefecture. [Music] Starting from Nagasaki airport, we’ll make our way to Fuku Island, the largest of the Gooto Islands. [Music] Thanks to its close proximity to mainland Asia, Nagasaki has long been a gateway for people and cultures from abroad. It’s also home to more islands than any other prefecture in Japan, 1,479 in total. No wonder the scenery here is so inviting. Join us on a scenic journey through history and stunning landscapes. Let’s hit the road. [Music] Welcome. I’m your navigation system. I’m here to guide you to some of Nagasaki’s most memorable sites. We begin at Nagasaki Airport. Opened in 1975, it was the world’s first full-scale offshore airport. [Music] First, we’re headed to the heart of Nagasaki City, about 40 minutes away. As we drive, you might spot something beloved by locals. The city’s famous street cars. [Music] But amid the buzzle, Nagasaki carries quiet memories. [Music] It was the second city after Hiroshima to suffer an atomic bombing. On August 9th, 1945, many lives were lost. [Music] From remembrance of this painful chapter, we move to scenes that reflect Nagasaki’s past as a thriving international city. Here is Megan Bashi, Japan’s oldest stone arch bridge built in 1634. Its twin arches said to be designed by a Chinese monk, are instantly recognizable. [Music] Suddenly, the road changes to a stone-paved street. This marks what was once the Dutch settlement. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Nagasaki holds the highest number of Catholic churches in Japan. Christianity was first introduced here in the 16th century. But in the 17th century, Japan entered a period of isolation, cutting off trade with Europe and banning Christianity. During that time, Japan’s only open window to the west resided here at Dejima. Today, parts of this man-made island have been faithfully reconstructed, bringing its story back to life. [Music] [Music] And just up ahead is a special stop, the only Michinoi or roadside station within Nagasaki City. [Music] Let’s make a stop by and learn about the memories of people who kept their faith alive through difficult times. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Fore! [Music] Foreign! Foreign! [Music] Stay. [Music] King. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] Now, let’s head for our destination, Fuku Island. We’ll now take a ferry to Fukuay port. The trip takes about 3 hours. [Music] I’ll be riding along, too. See you there. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] Merry Christmas. [Music] [Music] We’ve arrived on Fukuay Island. Time to get back behind the wheel and resume our drive. Take in the sea and sky as we explore the island. There’s a Michinoi here that captures both the history and present charm of Gooto. Let’s head there first. [Music] [Music] You’ll spot churches on the island, too. Chapels built by believers who fled persecution and found refuge here. [Music] The Michinoi is just ahead. Enjoy your visit. [Music] [Music] Hallelujah. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Look at you. speech. Speech. Speech. [Music] [Music] [Music] Welcome back. Now for our final destination, Mount Onidake. Home to one of the island’s most stunning views. Mount Onidake is a dormant volcano 315 m high, an iconic landmark of the Gooto Islands. There it is just ahead. Mount Onidake. This concludes my guidance. You’ve been on the road for 4 hours and 30 minutes. Enjoy the view. [Music] [Music] [Music]
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Go to Nagasaki, where Catholic churches and unique culinary traditions reflect a cosmopolitan culture shaped by faith and foreign trade.
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