Getting there: The closest airport to Nagasaki with a wide array of international access is in Fukuoka, which is about two hours away by train. If you fly from Tokyo to Nagasaki's airport in Omura, it's about an hour by bus to Nagasaki's downtown station.

Getting around: Historical sites are near the downtown area, on flat land within walking distance of the harbor. Trolleys crisscross the city.

Lodging: There are plenty of Western-style, "business" and even capsule hotels downtown. If you're willing to pay a little more, there are also traditional Japanese ryokan, or inns.

Language: While many of the workers at the tourist sites can speak some English, you may need to ask directions of the locals.

Information: Nagasaki's tourist Web site, has an English-language section, with tips on what to see.

HISTORIC SITES

Oranda Zaka, or Holland Hill, is a stone-paved slope with European homes sitting on the top.

Megane-bashi, or Spectacles Bridge, is a double-arched bridge built in 1634. The arches, when reflected in the water below, form the shape of a perfectly round pair of eyeglasses.

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