Belying its size, the former island of Dejima played an important role in the history of Japan.
The banning of Christianity by the Shogunate saw the island used as a place of internment for the local Christian Portuguese traders. After the Portuguese were expelled from the country, the Dutch then set up an international trading port on the island - the first and only such trading port during Japan's official period of isolation from the outside world.
Courtesy of land reclamation projects, Dejima is now part of Nagasaki proper. Ironically, though, plans are in place to have Dejima separated again and restored back to its original island state.
The single main street of Dejima makes it an easy place to visit. Once you enter, you find yourself surrounded by many original and reconstructed buildings, giving a most interesting glimpse at the life and conditions of the Dutch who lived and worked here.
Getting there
From JR Nagasaki station, take Tram Line 1 to Dejima Station (no.30). It's only a few minutes to the station and even less to the entrance to Dejima.
The hybrid style in the living quarters makes for an interesting atmosphere.