Dejima
出島 · Nagasaki, Nagasaki
For two centuries of national seclusion, Japan's only window on the West: a small fan-shaped artificial island.
Know before you go
- Don't touch the exhibits in the restored buildings
- keep quiet when visiting
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Two hundred years as 'hostages'
In 1641 the Dutch trading post was moved to Dejima. For more than two centuries afterwards the Dutch could barely set foot off the little island, and Japanese could not meet them without supervision. One Dutch employee complained in his records that they were guarded like prisoners, traitors and spies, or at the very least hostages of the shogun. Even so, Dejima was Japan's only window onto Western science and the world during the age of national seclusion.
Source: Wikipedia: Dejima
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Dejima was an artificial island built in Nagasaki harbour in 1636, originally for the Portuguese to live and trade. After the Portuguese were expelled in 1639, the Dutch were moved to Dejima in 1641 and traded with Japan under close watch until 1858. For more than two centuries the Dutch could barely leave the island, and Japanese could not meet them without supervision. Today Dejima is joined to the mainland, and the buildings of the Dutch trading post are being restored one by one.
Local customs
- The restored trading-post buildings show how the Dutch lived and traded
- admission is charged
Religion & beliefs
No religious affiliation.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Don't touch the exhibits in the restored buildings
- keep quiet when visiting
Locals appreciate DO
Nagasaki people appreciate visitors who see Dejima, Glover Garden and Ōura Church together, to understand Nagasaki's history of contact with the outside world.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
|---|
Travel tips
- Get off the tram at Dejima station
- allow 1–1.5 hours
Sources & verification notes
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