Howdy all,
I’m heading to Kyushu in November on what is a fairly tight itinerary and I have the choice between a day trip to Nagasaki **or** Kumamoto *from* Fukuoka.
I’d love to get some thoughts on what to choose as I’m a bit torn at the moment.
Kumamoto is really convenient and has some great things to see, plus Kumamon!
Nagasaki has really interesting history and is quite picturesque (from what I’ve seen).
Thoughts? Feelings?
3 comments
I’ve been to both and I’d say Nagasaki especially if you are into WWII stuff. The atomic bomb museum is harrowing and a very somber experience. There’s lots to see and do in Chinatown, there are some cool temples there to visit as well. Oh and when you are there I 100% recommend that you try Champon which is kind of like a seafood ramen topped with cabbage that’s only available in the area.
Kumamoto had a nice castle you can visit, some great restaurants and bomb-ass ramen. But overall I think Nagasaki will give you a more unique experience and you will see things you can’t in other places around Japan.
Nagasaki is my favourite city to visit in Japan. Looks like San Francisco! History, culture, food, fun and friendlier folks!
Nagasaki, by far.
The bomb was dropped quite far from the center and the harbor, a lot of fascinating historical stuff is still standing (Oura cathedral, early Meiji residences, Meiji industrial relics, etc.), rich history and well made restorations/reconstructions (Dejima trade post or the Kaneyama Shachu, etc ). Gunkanjima is also an easy visit.
The cityscape is fantastic, with superb views on top of mt Inasa, and you’ve got decent bar nightlife in Shianbashi.
Many visitors have only the bomb in mind, but that’s far from what make the city interesting.
Kumamoto is a nice average countryside city with a fine reconstructed castle, but that’s pretty much it.