Orandazaka Slope

Oranda-zaka (Dutch Slope) is named after the history of foreign residents who, from the isolation era into the opening of Japan, moved into hillside foreign settlements and used this road as part of their daily life. The slope is paved with stone and is scenic, and because foreigners were affectionately called “Oranda-san” (Dutch people) at the time, it came to be known as “Oranda-zaka.” In the past, there were Dutch slopes throughout the city, but today the name generally refers to a group of three slopes: “Seko-in Mae no Saka,” “Kassui-zaka,” and “Kassui Gakuin Shita no Saka.” Surprisingly, walking Oranda-zaka is especially recommended on rainy days, when the damp stone pavement matches the atmosphere and enhances the town’s charm. Access to Oranda-zaka by car is about 8 minutes from the “Dejima” interchange via National Route 324 after exiting at “Nagasaki Mangatsuka IC” on the Kyushu Cross-Island Expressway. By public transportation, take Tram Line 1 bound for Shofukuji from JR Nagasaki Station, ride about 8 minutes to “Shinchi Chinatown,” transfer to the tram bound for Ishibashi, get off at “Medical Center,” then walk about 4 minutes. The “Nagasaki Sightseeing Route Bus” operated by Nagasaki Bus is also very convenient for tourism, as it circulates major city attractions such as Glover Garden, Oura Cathedral, Oranda-zaka, Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Dejima, Peace Park, and the Atomic Bomb Museum.