Stroll Through the Fan-Shaped Artificial Island with Echoes of the Sakoku Period
About this spot
Dejima (出島), Japan's only window to foreign trade during the sakoku (national isolation) period. This fan-shaped artificial island created by landfill features reconstructed buildings including the Captain's quarters where the Dutch merchant director lived, and storehouses holding traded goods. You can actually walk through the streets where East and West mingled in that era. Inside the buildings, exhibits vividly convey imported goods and the daily lives of merchant staff—the sight of tatami-matted rooms alongside Western-style dining tables is uniquely found here. Cross the front gate bridge to enter the island, and the atmosphere of an era longing for the world beyond the sea lives on. Begin your day-long boat journey from this place, which can be called the origin of the harbor town of Nagasaki.
Tips
Easy access from the Dejima streetcar stop. The island features stone-paved streets, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Since building exhibits can be time-consuming, the efficient approach for this course is to focus on the street atmosphere and the Captain's quarters. About one hour needed.
Best time to visit
About one hour required. Early morning, soon after opening, has fewer visitors, allowing you to stroll through the quiet streets at a leisurely pace.
Access & map
〒850-0862 Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki Prefecture, Dejima Town
Model course featuring this spot
Nagasaki: Battleship Island Cruise and Dejima - A Boat Journey Through Harbor Town History
Nagasaki
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Explore features & model courses
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