DMO Nagasaki

The Nomozaki Narcissus Festival is held annually in Suisen-no-Sato Park, in the Nomozaki district at the tip of the Nagasaki Peninsula. The slightly elevated park offers a great view of the beautiful ocean surrounding Nomozaki and the island of Hashima (also known as Gunkanjima, or 'Battleship Island'), amid the splendor of around 10 million daffodils in full bloom. The scent of the daffodils, which is carried on the salty sea breeze, has been chosen as one of the "100 Scents of Japan" by the Ministry of the Environment. The festival is a feast for the eyes and the nose!

Built in 1904, this three story important cultural asset is the largest western-style building in Nagasaki. The first floor, where banking duties took place, is now rented out for exhibitions, concerts, and much more. The second and third floors introduce the history of Nagasaki.

Because this festival was started by Chinese residents of Nagasaki to celebrate the Chinese New Year, it originally took place in Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown as a “Chinese New Year Celebration.” However, in 1994 it grew to become the “Nagasaki Lantern Festival” and became a major seasonal tradition illuminating Nagasaki’s winter. The Nagasaki Lantern Festival takes place every year from January 1st of the Lunar Calendar (Chinese New Year) to January 15th, spanning 15 days of activities. During this time, similar to the Lantern Festival in China, over 15,000 Chinese lanterns richly paint Nagasaki’s Shinchi Chinatown, Hama-ichi, and Kankodori Arcade as well as other parts of the city. You will be fascinated by the wide expanse of events dripping in the color of China.

Mentioned in the famous Nagasaki folk song Nagasaki Burabura Bushi, this garden is one of the few remaining Edo Era gardens of its kind and is a municipally designated historic site. There is also an exhibit of the manga artist Shimizu Kon inside.

Siebold arrived in Japan in 1823 as a doctor for the Dutch East Indies Company. After researching Japan he introduced his findings to Europe. He also opened up the Narutaki School where he taught Western medicine that helped to modernize medicine in Japan. Siebold and his Wife and Daughter Siebold was charged as a spy and deported from Japan. After returning to Holland, Siebold worked with the help of the royal family to open Japan to the outside world, channeling his desire to see his wife and daughter. He was able to return to Japan though he would die just four years later.

On the evening of August 15th, beautifully adorned boats carrying the spirits of those that have passed away that year are carried to the harbor. They pass through the streets in a glorious sendoff amid the clamor of gongs and firecrackers.

Built in 1898 as a customs office in Nagasaki, this museum houses many precious Bekko crafts and tools and is recognized as an important cultural asset.