Kaze-no-Atama Park Observation Platform (風頭公園展望台)

Flow of the course

About this spot

An observation park at the summit of Kaze-no-Atama Hill, further up from Kameyama Shachu Memorial Hall. The plaza features the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma (坂本龍馬之像), arms crossed, gazing down upon Nagasaki Harbor. Following Ryoma's gaze toward the future world in the late Edo period, the harbor and hillside town spread out in layers below. Positioned across from Inasa Mountain, the park offers the appeal of leisurely viewing passing ships and the densely packed houses on the hillside from a bench. The grounds also feature the grave of Hikoma Ueno (上野彦馬), a photographer connected to Nagasaki, and a literary monument by Ryotaro Shiba (司馬遼太郎), making it a fitting conclusion to a history walk. It is also cherished as a renowned site for cherry blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in early summer.

Tips

Stone steps and slopes continue to the hilltop plaza, so rehydrate before the final ascent. The return journey is easier if you take a bus down to the city from the Kaze-no-Atama bus stop. The observation plaza has little shade, so bring a hat in summer.

Best time to visit

Approximately 1 hour. Afternoon's favorable light makes the harbor and townscape stand out clearly.

Access & map

850-0802 Nagasaki-shi Irayabayashi 3-chome 4-510, Nagasaki Prefecture