Japanese Port City of Nagasaki

Above, a night view of Nagasaki.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Los Angeles Times Travel section has an interesting article on the city of Nagasaki.

Back in 2007, I visited Nagasaki and looking at the city now, one would never guess that it was the site of the second atomic bomb attack in August 1945 that ended World War II.

The article notes:

Although the A-bomb is rightfully front and center for overseas visitors, the Japanese concept of the city is very different. As Japan's westernmost major port, it was the nation's first landing spot for Catholic missionaries and martyrs; red-bearded, waistcoated, fancy-hatted traders; and exotic foods borne by trade winds. For two centuries it was the sole point of encounter between Japan and the outside world. 

That all makes Nagasaki one of Japan's most compelling destinations. By my reckoning, were it not for its remote location Nagasaki would be one of the nation's most-visited cities.

To read the full article, go here.