Text by Yoriko Soma (Representative, conceptasia / Advisory Board Member, Global Wellness Summit)
Every year on August 9, Nagasaki sends a message of peace to the world. Devastated by an atomic bomb as the second Japanese city after Hiroshima, Nagasaki nonetheless built its identity on centuries of openness — welcoming the cultures of Japan, Europe, and China into one beautifully woven tapestry of a city. For Yoriko Soma, an Advisory Board Member of the Global Wellness Summit and a dedicated wellness traveler, that history of peace and hospitality makes Nagasaki something of a sacred ground for anyone who loves wellness travel. Basing herself at Hotel Indigo Nagasaki on Glover Street, she set herself a goal of walking 7,000 steps a day, and spent three days exploring the city’s slopes, gardens, seasonal flavors, and scents.
A City Woven by Prayer and Many Cultures
For three days, I — Yoriko Soma, a wellness traveler — strolled around Nagasaki City. This is how I spent my days here, and I’d like to introduce a new way to enjoy wellness travel.
Every year on August 9th, Nagasaki declares a message of peace to the world, as the second city to be devastated by an atomic bomb. Its message of peace extends not only within Japan but to the whole world, born of a history and legacy of openness. Nagasaki was home to many Christian citizens, and through its trading ports, welcomed people from many foreign countries. It is a beautiful city woven together from centuries of trade — threads of people from Japan, Europe, and China forming the tapestry of Nagasaki.
The city’s spirit of praying for peace, and its history of welcoming people from many countries, make it a sacred place for travelers who love wellness.
Hotel Indigo Nagasaki
For accommodation, I chose Hotel Indigo on Glover Street. Staying near the station may have been more convenient, but this time my goal was to walk 7,000 steps a day, so I opted for Hotel Indigo near Glover Garden, surrounded by greenery and blessed with inviting walking routes.
Recommended 7,000-Step Walking Course
Centered around Hotel Indigo, I’ve put together a 7,000-step course for anyone who wants to keep a wellness-focused lifestyle in mind while traveling.
Advanced Course
Let’s climb up to the observation deck in search of the cats unique to this area, whose tails are bent into a hook shape. Nagasaki’s night view is famous the world over. On this advanced course, starting from Hotel Indigo and climbing the ‘Dondon Slope,’ you may encounter these hook-tailed cats on street corners and stone-paved passageways along the way. The goal is Nabekanmuriyama Park Observatory, and the journey there winds through charming alleys and lush green paths.
Beginner to Intermediate Level — Strolling Around Glover Garden
Glover Garden is a lovely spot to rest your mind and take in Nagasaki’s cultural history. To preserve the city’s old Western-style houses, several buildings from around Nagasaki have been relocated to the grounds of the former Glover residence. From the garden there, you can look out over the sea, giving you a momentary feeling of having traveled back in time. Take your time wandering the grounds, and enjoy a morning coffee at the garden café to clear your mind of everyday stress — a gentle, restorative walk. Travel is an important time to step away from daily stress, and simply being here can make you feel as though you’ve crossed into another era.
Eating Local, Seasonal Foods
Above all, the vegetables, seafood, and even the water produced in Nagasaki are said to be exceptionally delicious. The seasonal dishes here are wonderful, likely thanks to the quality of the ingredients. One dish I especially enjoyed at Hotel Indigo for dinner was sea bream chazuke made with Nagasaki tea — a comforting treat. The flavors of Nagasaki’s ingredients are packed tightly into every dish.
Enjoying Three Different Scents a Day
Research suggests that the simple act of smelling scents plays a big role in keeping the brain active. Why not visit favorit, a fragrance and lifestyle-goods shop in Nagasaki? Souvenirs blended with scents unique to the city will bring back memories of your trip, and quietly watch over your health wherever you go. If you can, try creating three different scents of your own.
A Wellness City Best Explored on Foot
Nagasaki, where you can get around almost entirely on foot without needing a car, is blessed with wonderful local ingredients and culture — making it an incredibly wellness-friendly city. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, Nagasaki comes highly recommended as the destination for your next wellness journey.
About the Author
Yoriko Soma (相馬 順子）
Yoriko Soma is the Representative of Concept Asia. After working at the Hong Kong office of Boston Consulting Group, she built more than two decades of experience across the wellness, hospitality, and healthcare industries. She is the first Advisory Board Member from Asia to join the Global Wellness Summit, one of the world’s largest wellness industry conferences.
