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Thursday, March 19, 2026

Nikki Austin: Enjoying Toruko Rice at Kamome Ichiba Near Nagasaki Station

Nikki Austin (ニッキー・アースティン)

Eating Toruko Rice at Nikki Austin in Kamome Ichiba

During our stay in Nagasaki, my husband and I checked in at Hilton Nagasaki, which is located very close to Nagasaki Station. Because the hotel is just steps away, we walked over to Kamome Ichiba (かもめ市場), a lively food hall right next to the station. With so many restaurants lined up, it’s an easy and convenient place to explore local flavors.

For this meal, we decided to try Nikki Austin (ニッキー・アースティン), a well‑known restaurant inside Kamome Ichiba that specializes in Nagasaki’s beloved dish, Toruko Rice.

What is Toruko Rice?

Toruko Rice is a classic Nagasaki comfort dish that brings several Western‑style foods together on one plate. A typical Toruko Rice includes rice, pasta, and a fried main dish, all finished with a rich sauce such as demi‑glace or curry. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and uniquely Nagasaki—almost like a “best of yoshoku (洋食)” plate.

Nikki Austin (ニッキー・アースティン)

📍 Nikki Austin (ニッキー・アースティン) Nagasaki Ekimae Branch

1-1 Onoue-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture Inside Kamome Ichiba (Nagasaki Station)

Nikki Austin (ニッキー・アースティン)

Choosing #703 and #307 from the Huge Menu

This restaurant had an impressively long menu, with so many combinations that it was almost hard to choose. According to the this restaurant, #703 is the most popular item, so I ordered that one. My husband chose #307, another classic-style Toruko Rice.

#703

#703 (1420 yen)— コロッケと煮込みハンバーグのトルコライス

My plate came with:

Croquette
Braised hamburger steak
Dry curry pilaf
Spaghetti
Omelet
Demi‑glace sauce
Iced coffee

It was a full, colorful plate—crispy croquette, soft hamburger steak simmered in sauce, and the dry curry pilaf added a warm spice that tied everything together. The omelet and spaghetti made it feel like a nostalgic洋食 lunch set, but on a much bigger scale.

#307

#307 (1270 yen)— チキンカツと煮込みハンバーグのトルコライス

My husband’s #307 included:

Chicken cutlet
Braised hamburger steak
White rice
Curry
Dried curry spaghetti
Corn salad
Iced coffee

His plate leaned more toward the classic style, with the crispy chicken cutlet and curry giving it a comforting, familiar flavor. The dried curry spaghetti added a fun twist, and the corn salad balanced the richness.

A Convenient and Delicious Stop During Our Stay

Since Hilton Nagasaki is so close to the station, Nikki Austin in Kamome Ichiba was incredibly convenient during our stay. Enjoying Toruko Rice there felt like a perfect way to experience a local specialty without needing to travel far. Both plates were generous, flavorful, and full of that nostalgic Nagasaki yoshoku charm.

You can check out my Nagasaki entries here.

You can check out my Fukuoka entries here.

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Thursday, March 12, 2026

Visiting Nagasaki Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum: A Personal Reflection

The Peace Statue in Nagasaki

As I mentioned in my previous entries, my husband and I traveled to Nagasaki in the summer of 2025. One of the places we visited was Nagasaki Peace Park (平和公園, Heiwa Kōen). I had actually been there once before—during an elementary school field trip—so this visit felt both nostalgic and new. It had been many years since my last time there.

Nagasaki Peace Park (平和公園)

I was surprised to see so many visitors, especially international travelers, even though it was an extremely hot summer day. Everyone looked happy, taking photos with the iconic Peace Statue and enjoying the atmosphere. This year marks 80 years since the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, and I felt a quiet sense of reflection standing there among people from all over the world.

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum (原爆資料館)

After walking through the park, we headed to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum (原爆資料館). The admission fee was only 200 yen per adult. The museum was also quite busy, and again, more than half of the visitors seemed to be international travelers. Despite the crowds, the exhibits were powerful and moving, and the experience reminded me of the importance of remembering this history.

A Note on the Original Target of the Atomic Bomb

The first target on August 9 was actually Kokura, in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. Kokura had large factories and a steel plant, so it was considered an important military site.

That morning, Kokura was covered with thick clouds. The crew had to see the target directly before dropping the bomb, and even after circling for a long time, they couldn’t get a clear view. Because of that, they gave up on Kokura and moved to the second target.

The second target was Nagasaki. It was cloudy there too, but at 11:02 a.m., a small break in the clouds appeared. Through that opening, the crew could see the area between the Mitsubishi athletic field and the factory buildings, and the bomb was dropped there.

Learning this made me think about my own life. I was born and raised in Fukuoka, and if the bomb had been dropped on Kokura as originally planned—in Fukuoka—my late grandmother might not have survived. If she hadn’t survived, my father would not have been born, and I wouldn’t exist today. Visiting Nagasaki on this trip made me feel the weight of history and the fragile chain of events that shape our lives. That feeling became even stronger when I remembered a story a friend from Hiroshima once told me. On the day the bomb was dropped in Hiroshima, her grandfather happened to be on a train far from the city. Because of that small stroke of luck, he survived. She told me that if he hadn’t boarded that train that morning, she wouldn’t be here today.

My time in Nagasaki was truly unforgettable. If you want to understand WWII and the history of the atomic bomb more deeply, visiting these places can be very meaningful.

🕊️ Nagasaki Peace Park (平和公園, Heiwa Kōen)

Address Matsuyamamachi 9, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 852-8118, Japan

Hours Nagasaki Peace Park is an open public park, so it is accessible 24 hours a day. (There is no admission gate or closing time.)

Admission Free.

📚 Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum (原爆資料館)

Address 7-8 Hiranomachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 852-8117, Japan

Hours Typical hours are 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, with last admission usually 30 minutes before closing. (Museum hours can vary slightly by season or special events, so travelers often check before visiting.)

Admission Fee 200 yen per adult — consistent with what you observed during your visit.

You can check out my Nagasaki entries here.

You can check out my Fukuoka entries here.

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Thursday, March 5, 2026

A Food Walk Through Nagasaki Chinatown: Champon, Fried Rice, and Sesame Balls

Nagasaki Chinatown(長崎新地中華街)

As I mentioned in my previous entry, my husband and I traveled to Nagasaki, Japan. From our hotel, ANA Crowne Plaza Nagasaki Gloverhill, we took a leisurely walk to Nagasaki Chinatown (長崎新地中華街). It’s one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns — and the oldest — tucked right into downtown Nagasaki. The district spans just one city block, but it’s full of life, with narrow lanes lined by restaurants, shops, and colorful gates.

We were looking for a good place to try Nagasaki Champon, the famous noodle dish with seafood and vegetables. There were so many restaurants to choose from in Chinatown, but we eventually decided on Lao Lee (老李).

Lao Lee (老李)

Lao Lee (老李)

Lao Lee (老李)

10-10 Shinchimachi, Nagasaki City
Nagasaki, Japan
Hours: 11:00–16:00, 17:00–20:30

Lao Lee (老李)

The menu is posted outside the restaurant, making it easy to choose your dishes while waiting in line.

Once inside, you buy your meal tickets from a vending machine. We ordered champon (ちゃんぽん) for 1,100 yen, Lao Lee’s grilled pork fried rice (老李焼豚炒飯) for 1,000 yen, and their original boiled dumplings (元祖肉汁水餃子) for 390 yen.

The restaurant is small, but the walls are covered with autograph boards from Japanese celebrities.

Champon (ちゃんぽん) for 1,100 yen

The champon came with a generous mix of seafood and vegetables, and the broth was rich, creamy, and comforting.

Original Boiled Dumplings (元祖肉汁水餃子) for 390 yen

The boiled dumplings were soft and juicy, filled with flavorful pork that burst with broth when you bit into them.

Lao Lee’s Grilled Pork Fried Rice (老李焼豚炒飯) for 1,000 yen

The fried rice was fluffy and fragrant, with tender pieces of grilled pork that added a subtle smoky aroma and just the right amount of richness.

Syunkasyuto (春夏秋冬)

Syunkasyuto (春夏秋冬)

After finishing our meal, we started searching for sesame balls (ごま団子). A few shops in Nagasaki Chinatown had them, but some were already sold out for the day. We eventually came across a shop called Syunkasyuto (春夏秋冬), and to our surprise, each sesame ball was only 100 yen.

Syunkasyuto (春夏秋冬)

11-15 Shinchimachi, Nagasaki City
Nagasaki, Japan

Sesame Ball (ゴマ団子)

The sesame balls were crispy on the outside and perfectly chewy inside, with a gentle sweetness.

Sesame Ball (ゴマ団子)

Our short visit to Nagasaki Chinatown reminded us how much joy can come from wandering, tasting, and following our curiosity. It was a small moment, but one that made our trip feel even more memorable.

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Thursday, February 26, 2026

Hotel Room Tour and Review - ANA Crowne Plaza Nagasaki Gloverhill

ANA Crowne Plaza Nagasaki Gloverhill

Last summer, my husband and I traveled to Nagasaki — our first visit in many years. It felt nostalgic to return after such a long time.

For this trip, we chose to stay at ANA Crowne Plaza Nagasaki Gloverhill. The location was a big reason: the hotel sits within easy walking distance of Glover Garden, Oura Church, and the Dutch Slope, making it perfect for sightseeing. The accommodation fee was also very reasonable during our stay, which made the decision even easier. And since we previously had a wonderful experience at ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka, we felt confident choosing the Nagasaki property as well.

Excellent Location for Sightseeing

The hotel is located in Nagasaki–Minamiyamate, a quiet hillside neighborhood known for its international history and charming 19th‑century architecture. From here, many of Nagasaki’s most iconic spots are just a short walk away:

Glover Garden — a pleasant stroll uphill
Oura Catholic Church — only about 120 meters from the hotel
Dutch Slope — a gentle walk through atmospheric stone paths
Seaside Park — close by for waterfront views and relaxing evening walks
Nagasaki Chinatown (Shinchi Chinatown) — about a 15–20 minute walk, perfect for exploring shops and grabbing a quick bite

If you want to visit Mount Inasayama for its famous night view, you can conveniently catch the Nagasaki Ropeway Shuttle Bus right at the bus stop in front of ANA Crowne Plaza Nagasaki Gloverhill. The shuttle is free for ropeway users, which makes the trip even easier.

The hotel also sells tickets to several sightseeing attractions in the area, so you can plan your visit without needing to stop at multiple counters around the city.

Parking

Parking was 1,000 yen per night. The parking area was a bit challenging to navigate because available spaces were limited, and most of them were designed for compact cars. If you’re driving a larger vehicle, it may take a little extra time to find a suitable spot.

Lobby

The lobby wasn’t very spacious, but it felt gorgeous and classic, with a warm atmosphere that made a great first impression. A grand staircase with rich carpeting curved gracefully toward the upper floor, and a sparkling chandelier hung above, adding a touch of luxury to the space. The polished marble floor and geometric wall accents gave the area a refined, timeless feel.

The staff were incredibly kind and polite, which added to the welcoming atmosphere. To reduce plastic waste, the hotel provides only the essential amenities—such as toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion. If you need other items like a comb or a shaving razor, you can simply ask the staff and they’ll happily provide them.

Lobby

Standard Twin Room (27㎡／290.6ft²)

Standard Twin Room

We stayed in a Standard Twin Room, which was spacious enough for two and felt clean and comfortable throughout.

The room included a two‑seater sofa.

There was a mini fridge tucked under the TV

There were a thoughtful selection of drinks: Nescafe Gold Blend instant coffee, green tea bags, and Lipton black tea bags.

I especially appreciated the two complimentary bottles of water placed on the desk.

The bathroom was simple yet spotless, offering a clean and comfortable space to unwind.

Antipodes

It was stocked with Antipodes Fig & Feijoa hand and body wash, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner, which added a touch of luxury to our stay. Antipodes is a New Zealand‑based skincare brand known for its natural and organic products, featuring sustainably sourced ingredients like Vinanza antioxidants and mānuka honey.

Antipodes

One small disappointment was that ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Nagasaki Gloverhill doesn’t offer as many complimentary equipment rentals as its Fukuoka counterpart. I had hoped to borrow a Panasonic Nano Care Facial Steamer, but it wasn’t available. I had also been looking forward to the sleep‑support amenities I enjoyed at ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Fukuoka, but unfortunately, they were discontinued as of August 2025.

Still, I genuinely liked this hotel for its excellent location. We enjoyed wandering around the neighborhood and even strolled to Nagasaki Chinatown (新地中華街) — one of the city’s liveliest districts. I’ll share more about that experience in my next post.

You can check out my Nagasaki entries here.

You can check out my Fukuoka entries here.

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Thursday, February 19, 2026

Takeno Sengyoten in Isahaya, Nagasaki: Fresh Sashimi Lunch Review

Takeno Sengyoten (竹野鮮魚店)

Last summer my husband and I visited Nagasaki, and during our drive through Isahaya we decided to look for a place that served really fresh fish for lunch. That’s how we found Takeno Sengyoten (竹野鮮魚店), a local spot with great reviews.

Takeno Sengyoten (竹野鮮魚店)

Takeno Sengyoten (竹野鮮魚店)
3-13 Eisho Higashimachi
Isahaya, Nagasaki

At the entrance, the staff displayed the recommended menu of the day: an Isaki sashimi combo for 880 yen, a Hirasu sashimi combo for 880 yen, and a Namagatsuo sashimi combo for 880 yen—which was already sold out by the time we arrived.

Meal of the Day

Even though reviews say the restaurant is usually packed on weekdays, it was surprisingly quiet when we went for a late Monday lunch, with only a few other groups inside.

The menu offered a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood, with plenty of choices that made it hard to decide.

After ordering, you can enjoy unlimited arajiru (あら汁, fish head miso soup), pickles, and green tea at the self‑serve station.

Arajiru tasted so good! The broth was rich and comforting, with just enough depth from the fish to make it feel truly homemade.

My husband chose the Chef’s Omakase Sashimi Combo for 1,400 yen, which came with salmon, hirasu (yellowtail), and tai (red snapper). Every piece was incredibly fresh.

Chef’s Omakase Sashimi Combo for 1,400 yen

I ordered the Isaki Sashimi Combo for 880 yen—my first time trying isaki, or Japanese grunt fish—and it was wonderfully clean and delicate.

Isaki Sashimi Combo for 880 yen

Our total for this lunch came to just 2,280 yen. I still can’t believe that such a high‑quality, ultra‑fresh sashimi lunch cost only about $15 for two people. We left feeling full, happy, and genuinely impressed by the value.

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