Perhaps because the train was a little slower, Locutus showed an interest in looking out the window for a substantial part of the journey. And what a view! One side is ocean, the other mountain. Lots and lots of hills, covered in bamboo forests and orange groves.
Cue travel montage
Terraces
Upon arrival in Nagasaki we were greeted by a midweek market. It appeared to be a sponsored event of some sort. If we were back home, I'd say one of the local radio stations was hosting an 'on-location' type of event day. In addition to the market, there was a stage area set up. Several children groups took turns performing for the shoppers. It was adorable.
Dance Dance Revolution
Like Kumamoto, Nagasaki features a tram. But the tram looks like it was laid down shortly after the initial destruction of the city and it hasn't changed a whit. Hopping on a 1950's streetcar certainly set the mood for our trip to the Peace Park. We've gotten to use the trams a lot.
Tram central
The Peace Park was mostly paved. It featured the rather enormous Statue of Peace. The statue was surrounded by the Pool of Peace. There were billions of Origami Cranes of Wishing (for Peace). And it was a gorgeous, sunny day. We let Locutus cruise the park, working on the Steps of Peace and School Girls for Peace, alternately and concurrently.
Steps to Peace Park in full bloom
The Statue of Peace
The Pool of Peace
Paper Cranes of Wishing (for peace)
Foo dogs of Peace, yo
H-Bomb Hypocenter debris
Autumn in Nagasaki, part 1
Autumn in Nagasaki, part 2
A tour guide popped over while we were walking Locutus along the Benches of Peaceful Group Photo Opportunities. We chatted for a while about Nagasaki. He recommended visiting the Glover Park. The flowers were currently in full bloom. Because Kyushu does November correctly.
We left the park after a few hours. We took the tram back to the station, but hopped off a few streets early so Jenn and I could shop for souvenirs while Locutus napped in the carrier. Sadly, while we found a lot of great photo opportunities and thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine and summery day, we were unsuccessful in our shopping endeavors.
Stone Stairs of Peace
Drainage ditch of Peace
The Balcony of Peace
We arrived back at the station, grabbed some Osaka-style okonomiyaki from the takoyaki stand (Hiroshima style is vastly superior), and then debated visiting Arita.
Sorry Osaka, Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (of Peace) is superior!
Imari/Arita is a town in Saga prefecture (between Nagasaki and Fukuoka) famous for its pottery. No fast trains go there, however, and the trip from Nagasaki to Arita is by local train only - a trip a little over 2 hours. Facing the prospect of another 2 hour trip from Arita to Hakata afterwards, and not really wanting to do anything in Arita aside from browse the stores, we decided to throw in the towel and return back to Hakata directly.
Cue return montage
Sunset journey
So far, aside from our success in Kyoto at the beginning of our trip, we haven't found many great opportunities for souvenirs. It's been a little frustrating.
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