Although I could have chosen many more, in this piece, I profile five gardens from all across Kyushu for a diverse yet uniquely southwestern Japanese botanical experience.

Dejima is located to the south of Nagasaki City and is easily accessed by tram. I got off the tram and was instantly surprised, as I was expecting to see Dejima on the seaside as it once was. However, I soon realized Dejima is no longer an island.

People often come to Japan of get their fill of cute. Cute clothes, cute characters, cute food, and yes of course cute cafes. This cafe hidden by the sea in the outskirts of Nagasaki is sure to give anyone their fill of cute in the form of adorable Corgi puppies. Yes the rumors are true, there is a Corgi cafe in Japan.

Nagasaki is a fascinating prefecture with a long and colourful history. It was the first part of Japan where foreign explorers were allowed to trade with and has thus been a testing ground for the future of the country.

Thanks to the registration of UNESCO World Heritage sites along with other historic sites in Kyusyu, the uninhabited island is drawing more attention and becoming one of the most popular destinations for tourists. Let me share the amazing experience with you.

Before sugar was first imported, Japanese sweets relied on fruits and vegetables with a natural sweetness. Sweet potatoes and sweet bean paste were the best Japan had to offer — then suddenly, Japan was introduced to cake.

During Obon In Nagasaki, the spirits of the deceased are transported on a symbolic spirit boat. Each family makes and personalizes the boats according to the hobbies, lifestyle and favourite things of the loved ones that have departed.

One way to cope with this season is to find the light—literally. Why not go on Christmas Day to see the largest illumination show in Japan?

The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, and the Peace Park were born out of the collective yearning to communicate what it’s like to live through a nuclear explosion so that hopefully, these horrific experience will never be repeated. Sakue Shimohira, who survived the bombing of Nagasaki, said, “I think the basic idea of peace is to have some understanding of others’ pain.” It is in this spirit that we started our journey at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.

These two European theme parks have something to offer to both Japanese residents and visitors alike.

It wasn’t the primary target for the use of an atomic bomb, but by 1945 it was a significant shipbuilding city and military port spread across the hills and valleys surrounding a deep natural harbour—a large population centre in the industrial southwest.

Kyushu Island, Japan’s third largest island which is located at most southeast, has always been on the destinations' list of many travelers; locals and foreigners. One of the most loved cities and top recommended place to visit, Nagasaki was placed as a first option for being truly Japan’s most international city, distinguished with unique history and perfect for a one-day trip.