Inasa-yama Park

Went there on the 30th of July on a calm and humid evening ready to gaze upon one of the world's most amazing views. To get to the foot of the mountain we walked from Takaramachi tram station for about 25 minutes. You can either walk or drive up the mountain but, if you are brave enough, you can also take the ropeway which romantically (but also eerily) has its lower terminus in/on a shrine. Prepare for some queing when night has fallen. Going up with the ropeway gives you a first glance at what Nagasaki looks like at night (make sure to get into the cabin first for a "headless" view). After reaching the top station you'll have to follow a small walkway towards the observatory. Luckily enough, you are not alone while you walk as there are spiders the size of your hand roaming about. (Always remember - they are more afraid of you than vice-versa) Leaving the critters behind, the small parking lot opens up in front of you and the observatory emerges. The area is ablazed with light since the broadcast antennas are located there and fill the night with colour. Eagerly you enter the observatory which looks more like an abandoned bunker and reeks of old farts. "No matter", you think, "let's enjoy that 10/10 view at the top!". By now, you forgot the dense clouds that blew over the parking lot earlier. You reach the top of the building and ready to be amazed by... clouds. There was an endless sea of clouds luxuriant enough to not let you see through it. Even after 20 minutes of waiting it seems that the clouds are only getting thicker. The uninspired electronic music blasted through the observatory's speakers wanted to ease the pain but it didn't. Defeated and disappointed we went back to the ropeway, greeted by even more hand-sized spiders. At least the descend allowed for another view at Nagasaki at night - it was the best 30 seconds of my evening.

You have to be lucky to experience a cloudless night. Otherwise it is a huge waste of time and money, 2/10 for the spider experience.