Inheritance of technology(7)
Port Towns that Flourished as a Gateway to the West
In 1550, ships from Portugal arrived in Hirado (Hirado City). The ports of Yokoseura (Saikai City), Kuchinotsu (Minamishimabara City) and Nagasaki City then flourished as Nanban trade ports of call, and Japan encountered European culture. Places in Nagasaki that became gateways for interaction between Japan and the West were the settings for the birth of Omura Sumitada, the first Christian daimyo in Japan; the flowering of Christian culture and the religion’s subsequent prohibition; the construction of Dejima trading post; the period of national isolation; and relations with the Netherlands. After the end of national isolation, they played the role of pioneers in Japan’s modernization.
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Historical landmarks for learning about interaction between Portugal and Nagasaki
Statue of Luís Fróis
Yokose-ura is the port where the missionary Luís Fróis landed. There is a statue of Fróis extending his right hand in Yokose-ura Park. He wrote “Historia de Japam.”
Location: Yokosego, Saikai-cho, Saikai-shi, Nagasaki
Website: Nagasaki Prefecture Cultural Promotion Division (Japanese only)
http://tabinaga.jp/history/view.php?category=3&hid=24&offset=1
Closed: Jan 1, 2
Transportation: 75 min from Nagasaki by car
60 min from Sasebo by car
Approx. 10 min from Nishisonogi Road Komukae Interchange
Hirado Dutch Trading Post (restoration)
The plan for this reconstructed attraction, the Hirado Dutch Trading Post, was inspired by the 400th anniversary of Japanese-Dutch commerce, and it opened in 2011. It exhibits illustrations, sailing implements, weapons and more.
Location: 2477 Okubocho, Hirado-shi, Nagasaki
PH: 0950-26-0636 (Hirado Dutch Trading Post)
Website: Hirado Dutch Trading Post
http://hirado-shoukan.jp/english/
Closed: The third Tue, Wed, and Thu in June every year
Admission: 300 yen (adults), 200 yen (children)
Transportation: Approx. 10 min from Hirado Bridge by car
90 min from JR Sasebo Station by train
Approx. 35 min from Nishi-Kyushu Expressway Matsuura Interchange
Dejima (restoration)
Dejima is a nationally designated historical landmark (Dejima Japanese-Dutch Trade Complex Remains). Dejima, an artificial island, was the only trade gateway open to the West during the period of national isolation. The reconstruction of this complex, on a fan-shaped island that contains housing, guard houses and other buildings, is ongoing.
Location: 6-1 Dejimamachi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki
PH: 095-821-7200 (Dejima General Information Desk)
Website: Dejima Restoration Office, Nagasaki City Culture Tourism Division
Dejima: Re-Connected Dejima
https://nagasakidejima.jp/en/
Closed: Open year-round
Admission: 510 yen (general), 200 yen (high school), 100 yen (elementary/junior high)
Transportation: Right next to “Dejima” tram stop
Approx. 6 min from JR Nagasaki Station by car
5 min walk from “Nagasaki Shinchi Terminal” bus stop
Approx. 5 min from Kyushu Odan Expressway Nagasaki-Oita Line Nagasaki Interchange
Parking: Unavailable
Omura Sumitada Historic Site Park
Arima Christian Heritage Museum has historical displays on the introduction of Christianity into Japan, its flourishing and subsequent suppression, and the period when Japanese Christians went into hiding.
Location: 1116 Arasemachi, Omura-shi, Nagasaki
PH: 0957-53-4111 (Omura City Hall)
Website: Omura City
https://www.city.omura.nagasaki.jp/kouhou/shise/shokai/shisetsu/koen/08.html
Closed: Open year-round
Transportation: Approx. 15 min from JR Omura Station by bus/approx. 5 min walk from “Sakaguchi” bus stop
Approx. 5 min from Kyushu Odan Expressway Nagasaki-Oita Line Omura Interchange
Location of the Arrival of the Nanban Ships
Arima Christian Heritage Museum has historical displays on the introduction of Christianity into Japan, its flourishing and subsequent suppression, and the period when Japanese Christians went into hiding.
Location: Hei, Kuchinotsu-cho, Minamishimabara-shi, Nagasaki
PH: 050-3381-5032 (Minamishimabara City Commerce and Tourism Division)
Website: Discover Nagasaki - Nagasaki Official Visitor Guide (Nagasaki Prefecture Convention and Tourism Association)
https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/spots/detail/620
Transportation: Approx. 90 min from Kyushu Odan Expressway Nagasaki-Oita Line Isahaya Interchange
Parking: Available