Hello, everyone. I’m Yoshiko Hattori. Please call me Yoshi.
I was born and raised in Nagasaki and am a Nagasaki lover!!!
I became an English tour guide in 2016, and since then I have guided many foreign tourists.
I was born and raised in Nagasaki and am a Nagasaki lover!!!
I became an English tour guide in 2016, and since then I have guided many foreign tourists.
Nagasaki Prefecture is located on the western coast of Kyushu, southwest region of Japan. The prefecture consists of the mainland, and also hundreds of islands that dot its coastline. Being on the west coast and surrounded by ocean and mountains, Nagasaki is well-known for its stunning sunset view over the turquoise ocean; its slow-paste island paradise; and its pride for having the most variety of fresh seafood in all of Japan.
Historically, Nagasaki Prefecture played a very important role in Japan’s international relations. During the Edo period, Japan closed its borders and started its 214 years of national isolation between 1639 – 1853. During this time, Nagasaki was the only port that permitted foreign trade. As such, a vast amount of culture, knowledge and food from Asia and Europe flowed to and from Japan via Nagasaki, which contributed greatly to the modernization of Japan. Today, many of the influences from that period such as food, architecture, festivals, and culture can still be seen throughout the prefecture today.
Nagasaki Prefecture has survived many tragic events such as the persecution of Christians during the Edo period; the eruption of Mt. Unzen, which was the deadliest volcanic eruption recorded in Japanese history; and the atomic bombing of Nagasaki City in World War II. Having to overcome and rebubild from these heartbreaking events, Nagasaki now thrives as an international city with the mission to send and promote would peace. In addition, during World Night View Summit in 2012, Nagasaki City was recognized as one of the “World’s Top 3 Night View” alongside Hong Kong and Monaco.
The culinary culture in Nagasaki Prefecture has always been one of a kind in Japan. Many local cuisines in the prefecture were developed in the Edo Period when Nagasaki was an international trading port. As such, the mixture of cultural influences were also reflected on the local dishes, and these tasty dishes were then passed down for generations to what it is famously known for today (champon, shippoku, castella and many more).
Nagasaki is a Treasure-Chest of Seafood. The coastline of Nagasaki is long and intricate with remote islands, coves and bays. This coastline, along with the sea current, creates one of the best locations for fishing in Japan. Nagasaki hauls in the second largest fish catch in Japan, but it is ranked No.1 for having the most variety of fish, with over 250 species! Some of the most common types of seafood that you can enjoy year-round include Japanese Horse Mackerel (Aji), Chub Mackerel (Saba), Red Sea Bream (Tai), Grunt (Isaki), Pufferfish (Fugu), Yellowtail Amberjack (Buri), Pike Conger Eels (Anago), and Marble Rockfish (Arakabu). Other seasonal specialities include Japanese Spiny Lobster (Ise-ebi), Flounder (Hirame), Flying Fish (Ago), Cutlassfish (Tachiuo) and many more!
Throughout the prefecture, you can easily enjoy fresh and delicious seafood in various ways including sashimi, sushi, seafood rice bowl, hotpot, and even steaming it over a natural hot spring! There are also numerous gourmet events throughout the year for seafood lovers!
Last but not least,I always enjoy guiding every tourist and providing them with my best hospitality.
I’ll be looking forward to seeing you and sharing a wonderful time with you.
See you soon!
Best wishes,
Yoshi
