by Bryce Marley

Today Japlanning are heading down south to Kyushu, Japan's third largest island, and the southern most of the four main islands. On Kyushu lies the city of Nagasaki, with a rich history and important place in Asia’s shipping industry. Today, Nagasaki is more than just a shipping port, with rich culture, a sad history in war, and many amazing sights, it's a must visit when making it down to the island of Kyushu. 

Nagasaki was founded by the Portuguese in the later half of the 16th century, when it was just a small fishing village. The influences of the Portuguese and other European countries can still be seen in Nagasaki, particularly in European influenced churches, and other christian spiritual sites around the city.