Fukusaiji — Attraction in Nagasaki

Unique looking temple, both from inside and outside. There's also a small museum with the third biggest Foucault pendulum in the world (although I didn't really understand why it was placed here) and many exhibits from the WWII period in the basement (free access). The place itself is quiet, almost silent, and surrounded by a cemetery, while the museum seems to be in a bit abandoned state. If there's no one around, the atmosphere might feel slightly frightening due to the temple's grievous past and connection to the lives lost...

Fukusaiji Temple is a striking modern reconstruction of one of Nagasaki’s oldest temples, originally founded in the 1600s and rebuilt after WWII. Its unique turtle-shaped base topped by a giant Kannon statue makes it stand out. Inside hangs a large Foucault pendulum, symbolising peace and the passage of time, gently swaying beneath the temple dome. The climb up is moderately steep, but the tranquil setting and views make it worthwhile. Entry is free, and there are benches to sit and reflect, making it a peaceful and...

Our next stop was a unique temple shaped like a turtle with a large Kannon statue on top. We were the only people there and you go inside the turtle to the actual temple. It was founded in 1628 and looked like a traditional temple complex. Destroyed in the 1945 atomic bombing, it was rebuilt in the shape of a 🐢. It houses a Foucault Pendulum that swings over a memorial to 16,000 war dead. As a reminder of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945 the temple bell sounds at 11.02 am, the exact time...