Dejima, which preserves the memory of Japan’s only point of foreign trade during the country’s period of isolation, is a man-made island steeped in history. As you stroll around, you can visit faithfully reconstructed Dutch trading houses and warehouses and see how residents lived at the time. There are even staff members walking around in traditional period clothing, instantly transporting you back in time and making the experience feel very immersive.
After the historical tour, I made a special trip to a tucked-away shop nearby called “雪氷らんかん,” run by an elderly Japanese man. Because of Nagasaki’s hilly terrain, the shop looked close on the map, but it took me a while and some effort to find it. The shop serves shaved ice made with real fruit, and I was lucky enough to try the rich Mont Blanc shaved ice that day. Watching the owner slowly and carefully prepare the dessert, with Japanese news playing in the background, I felt the warmth of the local community in the cozy little space. If you visit Dejima, I recommend adding a food stop to your itinerary as well.
