CETTE VILLE JAPONAISE MÉRITE BIEN PLUS D’ATTENTION ,BIENVENUE À NAGASAKI ! 🇯🇵 (JAPON) #67

Today marks the 67th day of the adventure in Nagasaki, and the speaker expresses great delight at finally being in a city they have long wished to explore. Despite a forecast for overcast weather, the day is surprisingly clear with a beautiful blue sky, much to their satisfaction. The journey to Nagasaki began two days prior, as the speaker had work to finish yesterday and thus did not film. Departing from Kumamoto, they took a ferry for an hour, followed by two trains. This route, which hugged the coastline of an island, offered incredible, magnificent landscapes and was notably the cheapest option. In contrast, Google Maps' "best itinerary" suggested taking a Shinkansen, traveling north towards Kyushu and then descending, which would have been faster but significantly more expensive (over 10,000 yen compared to the 4,000 yen paid for the ferry and two trains). This highlights a useful travel tip: always check different routes, especially if time allows for a more scenic and cost-effective journey. Nagasaki is globally renowned for two primary reasons. Firstly, it is tragically known for the atomic bomb dropped on August 9, 1945, just three days after Hiroshima. Secondly, and particularly within Japan, Nagasaki served as the sole gateway to the rest of the world for nearly two centuries during the Edo period. All foreign contact during this isolationist era occurred in Nagasaki, specifically in the Dejima district. The speaker is staying in the historic Dejima district at the Hotel Bellview, which offers excellent value for money at 30 euros per night. It's a business-type hotel, common in Japan, but stands out for being slightly more spacious and well-equipped, featuring a large desk, mirror, television, mini-fridge, emergency flashlight, hairdryer, kettle, and a comfortable, wide single bed. The room also boasts a window with a lovely view of Nagasaki, overlooking the port and the Dejima district below. The bathroom, while classic, also offers a bit more space than usual. Despite yesterday's forecast of 90% rain, the current weather is beautiful and sunny. The Dejima district, located directly opposite the hotel, is a small, reconstructed area that follows a canal. It spans approximately 15,000 square meters and was largely abandoned before being well-restored. Visitors can explore it like a museum, with an entrance fee of 520 yen (less than 3 euros). Dejima's history is significant not just for Nagasaki but for Japan as a whole, marking the epicenter of early commercial exchanges. The island was constructed in 1636, initially to intern the Portuguese, who were the first Europeans to establish themselves in Japan, albeit initially in Hirado. The Shoguns viewed the Portuguese with suspicion due to their missionary activities and efforts to spread Christianity, which was strongly opposed. Consequently, the Portuguese were relocated to Dejima in 1636 and then expelled in 1639. Immediately after, the Dutch, representing the Dutch East India Company (VOC), settled permanently in Dejima. They assured the Japanese authorities that their sole interest was trade, not religious conversion. The VOC, already active in places like Indonesia and Southern India, developed Dejima, which in turn contributed to Nagasaki's growth. The island housed warehouses for storing goods, facilitating trade between Japanese products and imports from Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and Indonesia. Dejima nearly disappeared after the Meiji Restoration, when Japan opened up to the world, due to port redevelopment projects. However, in 1922, the government decided to protect and renovate the district. A small garden by the canal, dating back to 1965, adds to the charm of the area. After visiting Dejima, the speaker moves on to Nagasaki's Chinatown. Alongside the Dutch, the Chinese were the only other foreigners permitted to trade in Nagasaki. While not the largest or oldest Chinatown in Japan (that honor belongs to Yokohama), Nagasaki's Chinatown is vibrant, with many businesses and Chinese restaurants. The speaker notes its pleasant atmosphere, especially in the evening when lights and garlands are lit. A brief interlude involves trying a new canned coffee, a Vietnamese coffee from the "Boss" brand, which the speaker finds surprisingly good despite being served hot instead of cold. For lunch, the speaker enjoys Champon, an iconic Nagasaki dish. This noodle dish, with a pork and chicken bone broth, seafood (often shrimp), pork, and vegetables, was created by a Chinese immigrant restaurateur to provide an affordable meal for Chinese students in Nagasaki. The speaker praises its flavorful broth, noting the price was 950 yen (just over 5 euros). Next, the journey leads to the Sofuku-ji temple, a beautiful Chinese Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1629 by Chinese immigrants, mostly from Fujian province. The entrance gate, guarded by two lions, is particularly admired for its magnificent style and vibrant colors. The temple is situated on a hillside, requiring visitors to ascend several stairs. A delightful stop is made at an Imagawa-yaki shop, where these round cakes, typically filled with red bean paste (anko), are being freshly prepared. The speaker, however, prefers them with pastry cream and purchases one for 180 yen (just 1 euro). They enjoy the warm, creamy treat, recalling similar delicious cakes eaten in Taiwan. The adventure continues with a tram and bus ride to the Fuchi Shrine, next to which a cable car awaits. This cable car ascends Mount Inasa (Inasayama), promising a stunning view. The speaker plans to stay until nightfall, as the nocturnal panorama from Mount Inasa is considered one of Japan's three most beautiful night views. The cable car ride itself offers an impressive perspective, revealing the city's extensive development along the river valley. Nagasaki currently has over 400,000 inhabitants. At the summit, there's a belvedere and an observatory with a café. The speaker enjoys a matcha tea outdoors, relishing the panoramic views. For dinner, the speaker tries Omurice, a dish not frequently consumed. This portmanteau of "omelette" and "rice" consists of an omelette wrapped around sautéed rice, with many variations. Tonight's choice is beef curry Omurice, which the speaker finds quite good, with the omelette perfectly enveloping the rice and flavorful curry sauce. The meal costs 1400 yen (between 7.50 and 8 euros). After dinner, the speaker contemplates playing a crane game for a large prize but decides against it due to lack of change. Instead, they visit a nearby mall, conveniently located just minutes from the hotel, which also has a Lawson and a Daily Yamazaki convenience store nearby. The mall offers many dining options. Back at the hotel, the speaker highlights the convenience of business hotels, which typically include vending machines, microwaves, and laundry facilities on various floors. They show their evening purchases: a Boss coffee, an energy drink (Hypovitamin), and a lemon-flavored Chuhai (alcoholic beverage) for 358 yen (just under 2 euros). The total cost of these items is 820 yen (approximately 4.50 euros). The speaker notes that Japan currently offers excellent value. In conclusion, the speaker highly recommends Nagasaki. The historical Dejima district, the vibrant Chinatown, and the serene Sofuku-ji temple (where a stamp for their collection was found) are all praised. The highlight, however, is the breathtaking view from Mount Inasa, especially at night. The food, particularly the Champon and Omurice, was also very satisfying. The speaker thanks supporters Julie, David, and Tristan Cathy Aper, and encourages viewers to subscribe, comment, and like the video. The day ends with preparations for editing the video, ready for another day in Japan tomorrow.