Nagasaki

The Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park is built on a low hill to the north of the hypocentre of the atomic bomb explosion of 9 August 1945. The Park was created to represent the wish for world peace and a vow that such a tragic war would never be repeated. The 30-foot-high Peace Statue was constructed in 1955 thanks to donations from all over the world, symbolising the wish for peace. The raised right hand points to the heavens to signify the threat of atomic weapons, while the left arm is raised horizontally to symbolise eternal peace. The closed eyes represent a prayer for the repose of the souls of all atomic bomb victims.

Located near the Park, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum displays photographs and relics of the blast: the Museum illustrates the horror of nuclear weapons and the preciousness of peace. The Atomic Bomb Hypocentre marks the centre of the atomic blast which levelled the city.

Pass by the Urakami Cathedral, the magnificently rebuilt church and learn about the one-legged Torii Gate.

From the Mount Inasa Lookout enjoy a panoramic view of Nagasaki, its deep-water bay and the surrounding hills. Downtown, pass the Atomic Bomb Museum, Urakami Catholic Church and the one-legged Torii Gate.

Stop for a short time at the Peace Memorial Park, located near Ground Zero, the centre of the blast, and home to a beautiful memorial fountain and the Peace Statue. Sculptor, Seibou Kitamura, a citizen of Nagasaki prefecture, created the statue as a symbol of the divine love and mercy of Buddha. Every year on 9th August a peace memorial ceremony is conducted in front of the statue and a peace declaration is made to the people of the world.

Approximately one-third of Nagasaki city was destroyed and 150,000 people killed or injured. It was said at the time that this area would be devoid of vegetation for 75 years. Now, the hypocentre remains as an international peace park and a symbol of the aspiration for world harmony.

Embark on a journey of discovery, as you drive through the city of Nagasaki to the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum.

On the 9th August 1945, Nagasaki became the 2nd city to suffer a nuclear attack. The Peace Memorial Park is located near Ground Zero, the centre of the blast, and is home to a beautiful memorial fountain and the 30 foot Statue of Peace. With your guide you’ll visit the Atomic Bomb Museum, which displays photos taken from around the city immediately after the atomic blast, as well as artefacts that survived the explosion.

Back onboard your coach, you’ll pass by the famed one-legged Torii Gate en route to the Mount Inasa Cable Car. At 1,093 feet above sea level, Inasa is the best viewpoint in Nagasaki. Hop aboard the cable car to experience fabulous panoramic views over the beautiful harbour and City.

Arita is known throughout the world as the birthplace of fine Japanese ceramics. Explore the town, with its white houses dating from the 1930’s, where the potters once lived. Have your camera at the ready, as at the rear of the houses are decorated Tonbai fences made of used bricks and old fashioned pottery.

Venture into the world of Japanese ceramics during a tour of either the Genemon or Shingama kilns, where you will see traditional artisans at work. Genemon is famed for contemporary ceramics that combine modern designs with traditional techniques, while Shingama specialises in traditional tableware.

Enjoy some free time to shop for ceramics at the Fukagawa Gallery.

DAY 1 – NAGASAKI
Your Japanese overland adventure will begin in Nagasaki. Visit the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park, created to represent the wish for world peace following the nuclear attack in 1945. Here, you will find the war memorial fountain and the 30-foot high Statue of Peace. Located near the Park, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum displays photographs and relics of the blast illustrating the horror of nuclear weapons and the preciousness of peace. You will visit by the hypocentre, which marks the centre of the atomic blast, which levelled the city. Take a drive to Hakata where you’ll check into the Grand Hayatt Hotel before having time to freshen up before dinner.

DAY 2 – KYOTO
Enjoy breakfast in the Hotel before transferring to Hakata station. Here you will board the Bullet Train, which will transport you at 170 miles an hour to Kyoto in just 3 hours (distance of over 400 miles). On arrival in Kyoto, you’ll enjoy a Western style Lunch before beginning your tour. The ancient city of Kyoto is graced with an abundance of temples, shrines and serene gardens. One of the highlights of the region is the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Gold Pavilion. Each of its three storeys represents a different architectural style and the gold leaf reflects beautifully in the pond below (exterior visit). After the temple visit, you’ll have unforgettable Japanese culture experience. The Japanese Culture Experience allows you to participate in demonstrations of a traditional tea ceremony and kimono wearing. You’ll have the unique opportunity to sample the traditional values of wabi (elegant stillness) and sabi (antiquated elegance with calm), which is essential to traditional Japanese art. You’ll drive to the Westin Miyako Hotel in Kyoto where you will check in and have dinner.

DAY 3 – KYOTO & OSAKA
Following breakfast, take a tour of the Kiyomizu Temple. Perched high on a cliff with 139, 39 foot tall, zelkova pillars supporting its balcony, Kiyomizu offers wonderful views over the city of Kyoto. Enjoy the sights and atmosphere of this special location. Your next stop will be Nijyo Castle, built in 1603 for the first Tokugawa Shogun. Nijyo Castle typifies the Momoyama period of architecture and, unlike many other castles, built for defense; Nijyo is more decorative and is famed for its beautiful sliding doors and unusual squeaking floors. Take a break for a Japanese style lunch before driving to Osaka. Visit Osaka Castle built in the late 16th century, the imposing castle tower stands atop a hill in the center of Castle Park. Arriving at the park, you’ll walk up to the castle and ascent to the observatory at the top. Here you will have wonderful panoramic views of the city. Your visit also includes the castle museum, which presents the history of the castle through multimedia displays. After your visit to the caslte, you’ll return to Arcadia in Osaka Port.

DAY 1 – NAGASAKI
Your Japanese overland adventure will begin in Nagasaki. Visit the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park, created to represent the wish for world peace following the nuclear attack in 1945. Here, you will find the war memorial fountain and the 30-foot high Statue of Peace. Located near the Park, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum displays photographs and relics of the blast illustrating the horror of nuclear weapons and the preciousness of peace. You will visit by the hypocentre, which marks the centre of the atomic blast, which levelled the city. Take a drive to Hakata where you’ll check into the Grand Hayatt Hotel before having time to freshen up before dinner.

DAY 2 – KYOTO
Enjoy breakfast in the Hotel before transferring to Hakata station. Here you will board the Bullet Train, which will transport you at 170 miles an hour to Kyoto in just 3 hours (distance of over 400 miles). On arrival in Kyoto, you’ll enjoy a Western style Lunch before beginning your tour. The ancient city of Kyoto is graced with an abundance of temples, shrines and serene gardens. One of the highlights of the region is the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Gold Pavilion. Each of its three storeys represents a different architectural style and the gold leaf reflects beautifully in the pond below (exterior visit). After the temple visit, you’ll have unforgettable Japanese culture experience. The Japanese Culture Experience allows you to participate in demonstrations of a traditional tea ceremony and kimono wearing. You’ll have the unique opportunity to sample the traditional values of wabi (elegant stillness) and sabi (antiquated elegance with calm), which is essential to traditional Japanese art. You’ll drive to the Westin Miyako Hotel in Kyoto where you will check in and have dinner.

DAY 3 – KYOTO & OSAKA
Following breakfast, take a tour of the Kiyomizu Temple. Perched high on a cliff with 139, 39 foot tall, zelkova pillars supporting its balcony, Kiyomizu offers wonderful views over the city of Kyoto. Enjoy the sights and atmosphere of this special location. Your next stop will be Nijyo Castle, built in 1603 for the first Tokugawa Shogun. Nijyo Castle typifies the Momoyama period of architecture and, unlike many other castles, built for defense; Nijyo is more decorative and is famed for its beautiful sliding doors and unusual squeaking floors. Take a break for a Japanese style lunch before driving to Osaka. Visit Osaka Castle built in the late 16th century, the imposing castle tower stands atop a hill in the center of Castle Park. Arriving at the park, you’ll walk up to the castle and ascent to the observatory at the top. Here you will have wonderful panoramic views of the city. Your visit also includes the castle museum, which presents the history of the castle through multimedia displays. After your visit to the caslte, you’ll return to Arcadia in Osaka Port.