Dejima Island

Japan became an isolationist state in the mid-17th century after a Portuguese-led Christian rebellion against the shogunate. The Dutch managed to circumvent this ban two years later by swearing to not spread religion, and allegedly even throwing a Bible into the sea. However, they were only allowed to set foot on a small artificial island in Nagasaki called Deijima.

For decades this island functioned as the only place where foreigners were welcome, with a few small exceptions like the yearly caravan to Edo to see the Shogun. The island lost its function in the mid 19th century when the Americans forced the country to open for trade, and it quickly deteriorated. However it's historical significance was not forgotten.

In 1922 it was designated a historical place, but restorations started only 25 years later. In the 50 years since then, a large part of the island was reconstructed with over 20 buildings that were made to resemble the original structures on both the inside and outside. 

Here a visitor can find examples and reconstructions of old measuring equipment, living quarters, and experience how life was in the Edo period.

However, the construction is still not complete and there are plans to completely detatch the island from the newly reclaimed land to it's north.