Imagine walking through a place that feels like stepping into a history book. That’s what it’s like to visit Dejima Island in Nagasaki. This tiny island was once the only place in Japan where people from other countries could visit and trade during a time when Japan kept its doors closed to the rest of the world.
When you arrive, you’ll see wooden buildings that look just like they did hundreds of years ago. Dutch traders used these buildings, and they were the only foreigners allowed to live and work in Japan back then. Inside, you can explore old warehouses filled with interesting items like maps, tools, and goods that were traded, such as silk and spices. You can even visit the house where the head trader lived and see what his life was like.
There are fun exhibits that teach you how people on Dejima Island helped bring new ideas to Japan. For example, they introduced medicines, astronomy, and even art styles from Europe. Some exhibits let you try things out for yourself, making history fun and easy to understand.
If you visit during special events, you’ll see people dressed up as Dutch merchants or Japanese officials. They act out scenes from the past, like trading goods or writing letters. It’s like watching history come alive in front of you!
The Dejima Island is small and easy to explore. But it takes time to finish because there are lots of things to see. You can cross little bridges and imagine what it was like for people who lived there hundreds of years ago.
Once you’re done exploring, you can head to Dejima Wharf, which is just next door. You can enjoy tasty seafood, grab a snack, or buy a souvenir for your family member. Kids’ polar bear caps are amazing.
Dejima Island is perfect for kids, families, and anyone who likes to learn in a fun way. It’s a place where you can walk in the footsteps of people from the past and see how they lived and worked.
If you ever visit Nagasaki, don’t miss this chance to step back in time at Dejima!
You can see Inasa Observatory from here. During the evening it looks very lovely.