Dec 26, 2013 - 1 min read

Ohato; The Port of Nagasaki

Historical, beautiful port still prospers

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Magnificent view of Nagasaki Port Terminal Building

The vaulted ceiling inside the Terminal Building

'A・So・Bo(let's play) Map' of Nagasaki for tourists

There is a model 'Gunkanjima' displayed inside the Terminal Building

Ferry landing for Goto & Kami-Goto islands

The view of the port of Nagasaki from Former Glover Residence

Beautiful sunrise on New Year's Day in Omura Bay

Looking at 'Nagasaki Dejima Wharf' from the terminal

Foreign cargo ship under building. Nagasaki is a hometown of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and despite everything its shipyard is still as active as before

High-speed boat 'Big Earth' bound for Kami-Goto Island. Ryoma Sakamoto had a deep connection with Nagasaki, the boat has his portrait on it, as one of the ships of his company, 'Kameyama Shachu' sank off the coast of Kami Goto Island

'Megami Ohashi(Venus Wing)' and sailboats inside the port of Nagasaki

Sailboat coming into the port of Nagasaki

Aegis ship of Japan Defense Force docked at the port of Nagasaki

Foreign sail ships in 'Nagasaki Tall Ships Festival' in April

Under Japan's isolationist policy during the Edo period (1603-1867), the port of Nagasaki was the only port in Japan open to western countries and China. Today it's a small yet beautiful port that still has a unique, exotic atmosphere derived from its long, international history. Here, you can see luxury liners, cruise boats and sailing ships from all over the world. In April every year sailing ships from all over the world get together for the "Nagasaki Tall Ships Festival". Their presence is a sight to behold. The port of Nagasaki still prospers as the entrance to Nagasaki, as well as a ferry port to remote islands. Ships being built or repaired at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Self-Defense Force ships can be seen here as well. Sometimes, the view of the port from the top of Inasa mountain just takes your breath away.