About Nagasaki
Overview
Nagasaki Prefecture is located in the southwest of Japan. Embraced by mountains on one side, and bordered by the sea on the other, the prefecture is surrounded on all sides by natural beauty. The prefecture is also full of historical, traditional, and cultural riches. Historically, Nagasaki played an important role in Japan’s international relations. A vast amount of culture and knowledge from Asia and Europe flowed to and from Japan via Nagasaki and contributed greatly to the modernization of Japan.
The Port of Nagasaki gained particular prominence during Japan’s period of national isolation, Sakoku. During this time it was the only place in all of Japan which was open for communication with visitors from Europe and the wider world. Even today, many international cruise ships call at this port every year. This colorful history, in which traditional Japanese culture has coexisted and harmonized with overseas cultures, is evident in the region’s architecture, food, and annual events.
The prefecture has survived many tragic events, such as the persecution of the Christians and later the atomic bombing of Nagasaki City in World War 2. Nagasaki’s mission today is to send a message of peace and harmony to the world. Nagasaki Prefecture is also home to distinguished resorts where you can make the most of the rich natural scenery and subtropical beaches. Besides enjoying the full spectrum of the Japanese seasons, you can also partake in the gourmet food and exciting sports opportunities offered by this prefecture of sea and mountains.
- How beautiful is the changing scenery of the Japanese seasons?
- How did Samurai culture develop into modern Japanese culture?
- How did Japan recover from tragedies?
- You will find answers to all of these questions and more in Nagasaki!
(cited from Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association official website)
Topography
Nagasaki Prefecture has abundant mountainous land and a long complex coastline comprised of numerous peninsulas, capes, bays and inlets. Out of all the 47 Prefectures of Japan, Nagasaki Prefecture has the second longest coastline and the most islands. These islands make up over 45% of the prefecture’s total land area. Blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty, the prefecture has two national parks, two quasi-national parks and six prefectural national parks.
(cited from Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association official website)
Climate
The weather is generally mild and humid, thanks to the Pacific Ocean climate system to the east and the warm Tsushima Current coming from the west. The average annual temperature is 17.5°C, and it does not vary much from this number. With beautiful flowers in the spring (March – May), the sparkling sea in the summer (June – August), golden autumn leaves in the fall (September – November), and delicate snow in the winter (December – February), the beauty of all four of Japan’s unique seasons can be enjoyed in Nagasaki Prefecture.
(cited from Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association official website)
The average temperature during the IBO2020 will be 24-30 °C. There is a high possibility that we will be in rainy season during the event.
Please be careful of sunburn!