nagasaki japan tourist spot

Home » Travel Guides » Japan » 25 Best Things to Do in Nagasaki (Japan)

25 Best Things to Do in Nagasaki (Japan)

Nagasaki is known for being one of two cities in Japan that were hit by atomic bombs during the Second World War, and many of the main attractions in the city are linked to this difficult period in the history of the country.

The atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki after the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, and you can visit museums and monuments that tell the story of the survivors and those who lost their lives here.

As well as these historic relics of Nagasaki however you can also take in other sites such as throwbacks to the period when there was a strong Dutch presence in the city, and you can even see canals and windmills in this part of Japan.

To add to this, Nagasaki has some of the best street food and local delicacies in Japan, so you can also spend time here eating your way around this vibrant city.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Nagasaki …

1. Visit Huis Ten Bosch

Many visitors to Nagasaki may not know much about its Dutch history but actually The Netherlands had a strong link to this area thanks to trade agreements in the days of old and this can be seen firsthand at Huis Ten Bosch.

This is actually something of an open air museum which has replicas of the homes and buildings that were constructed here at the time of what was known as the ‘Dutch Golden Age’. These include a full model of the city hall and some mills, canal houses and impressive towers.

To that end, this is a little piece of The Netherlands in the middle of Japan which makes it worth a visit on its own.

2. Admire Oura Cathedral

For something a little different in Nagasaki consider a visit to Oura Cathedral which is a Catholic church that dates from 1886 and which was first erected in Nagasaki by French missionaries.

It also has the claim to fame of being the oldest church of its kind in Japan and would have been built in the period after Christianity was banned across the country.

It is now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site which tells you everything you need to know about its beauty and cultural status in Japan.

3. Try the street food

Nagasaki has made a name for itself as one of the best places in Japan to try delicious street food, and there are several dishes that you should try here that are served in the local Chinatown area.

These include snacks such as kakuni-manju which is a kind of pork cutlet which is marinated and then stuffed into a bun which has been steamed, as well as ebichiriman which is similar but made with shrimp.

You can also try sweet treats such as marakao which is similar to pound cake which is steamed and flavored with chestnuts or chocolate.

4. Visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Nagasaki is of course known as being one of the places in Japan where an atomic bomb was dropped and one of the main monuments to this is the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum which will take you through this dark time in the city’s history.

Here you will find photos and items from the period such as clothes, furniture and other artifacts that were found after the bomb, and you can also see galleries of stories that were compiled from survivors.

5. Visit the penguins at Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is around 30 minutes outside the city center and you will find a huge number of penguins here which you can view through underwater tanks so that you can watch them swimming around.

There are also dedicated feeding times at the weekends when you can feed fish to the penguins which can be a highlight if you are traveling with children.

As well as the penguins the aquarium also has other marine life such as catfish.

There is also a small beach here if you want to get out and spend the day next to the water.

6. Visit Dejima

Dejima is the name of an island in Nagasaki Harbour which is also a historically important place in this part of Japan.

The island dates from 1641 when any foreign nationals in Japan had to go and live on the island, and this therefore became the seat of Dutch trading companies.

In the present day you will find a whole host of model buildings from the period here as well as miniature replicas of how it would have looked in the days of old, and this is now an open air museum known as Dejima Museum.

7. Check out the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum

If you want to check out the art scene in Nagasaki then you need to head to Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum which looks out over the harbour.

Here you will find a range of static exhibitions which show you some art work from the region as well as some rotating galleries which also display pieces from all over the world.

There is also a roof garden here which you can visit to take in the gorgeous views all over the city.

8. Take a boat ride to Iojima

Anyone looking for a bit of beach time should head from Nagasaki Harbour to Iojima on a boat.

The ride takes around 15 minutes and you can then visit the island and enjoy the sand and the sea.

You will also find hot springs here so this is a great place to relax outside of the city.

9. Walk through Shinchi Chinatown

Shinchi Chinatown has the claim to fame of being the oldest Chinatown in all of Japan and dates from the 15th century when Chinese sailors would have settled in the area.

Chinese traders also joined them and this then became known as the place to come for Chinese food and products, and this still exists to this day.

If you want to see a different side of Nagasaki then this is a great spot to visit and you can also get some delicious street food here.

10. Check out Urakami Cathedral

Urakami Cathedral was reconstructed after it was bombed when the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki and it used to hold the title as the biggest church in all of Asia.

The church is now known for housing a statue of the Virgin Mary which was damaged by the bomb and it is also the source of a local legend which says that the statue cries tears as a result of the devastation that the atomic bomb caused to the city.

11. Climb Mount Inasa

If you want to get out of the city then you can head for Mount Inasa which is the best place to come for sweeping views over Nagasaki.

You can even come here at night if you want to check out what is known in the area as the ’10 Million Dollar View’ and this is said to be one of the best nighttime viewing spots in Japan.

You can take a ropeway to the top of the mountain or you can walk up if you are feeling energetic.

12. Check out the Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival in Nagasaki is held every year at the Lunar New Year in either January or February and this is a festival that has its roots in the Chinese community in the city.

As a result, you can head to Chinatown to watch the festivities if you want to know more about it and you can also walk along the river where you will find over 20,000 lanterns on display which are usually in the shape of animals or people.

13. Go on a walking tour

One of the best things to do in Nagasaki is to take a walking tour and see the city from the point of view of the locals.

If you are in the city from March to June, then you can take a walking tour here with companies such as Saruku-Chan and you will get to learn all about the history of this part of Japan as well as check out the cherry blossom at the same time.

The good thing about these walks is that you can take them in English or Japanese and this is a great way to see the city and get a little exercise in at the same time.

14. Travel to Gunkanjima

Gunkanjima is also called ‘Battleship Island’ and, as the name suggests, this is an island which has not been completely abandoned.

No one had lived here since the 1970s and you can take a ferry over to the island to see the ghostly relics of the former town that would have stood here.

This used to be a mining community made up of mainly Korean workers who sadly lost their lives here and you can sign up for a walking tour of Gunkanjima which will fill you in on all the sad history of this part of Nagasaki.

15. Try the castella

Castella is the name for a kind of delicious steamed sponge cake served in Nagasaki which would have been inspired by the Portuguese in the days of old.

The cake is steamed and is usually flavored with different ingredients such as match, honey or chestnuts, making it a delicious sweet treat that you mustn’t miss when you are in town.

16. Visit the Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan

The Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan is rather a laborious title but this is actually a museum and monument which stands in honor of 26 missionaries and Christians who were crucified in the 1600s here and then made saints in the 19th century.

The museum is not one of the biggest in Nagasaki but you will find a series of galleries dedicated to Christian antiques and memorabilia and they even have some letters that would have been in circulation at the time of Saint Francis Xavier.

If you like religious artifacts, then this is one of the best places to visit in Japan.

17. Try the local specialties

Nagasaki is known for its dining culture so with that in mind you need to make sure you try some of the local specialties when you are here such as champon.

This is a local dish made up of noodles in a pork broth which is then topped with bacons, seafood and crunchy vegetables.

You can also try other delicacies such as saraudon which is a dish of dry noodles which have been fried until they are crisp and then topped with meat and seafood.

18. Walk around Glover Garden

Glover Garden is the name for a series of homes in Nagasaki which would have been used by European diplomats and other foreign workers in the days of old.

They would have been used in the 19th century, and this is a great place to visit to see how people would have lived in the time after the Meiji Restoration.

From the homes you can also walk down to the adjacent Nagasaki Harbour which offers you wonderful vistas across the water.

19. Have a drink at the Tenjin Coffeehouse

Tenjin Coffeehouse is the place to come in Nagasaki if you are visiting the neighboring Glover Garden.

This is one of the oldest coffeehouses in the city and it makes a great stop off if you want to see some the Dutch coffee making apparatus on display and also savor a cup of their delicious local brew.

If possible time it so that you go for a walk around Glover Garden first and then come here to put your feet up and relax with a cup of soothing coffee.

20. Visit Koshibyo Confucius Shrine

Koshibyo Confucius Shrine is known for being the only Confucian shrine of its kind to be built outside of mainland China and dates from 1893. The shrine is also part of a wider museum which will fill you in on all the history of the Chinese community in Nagasaki.

If you are interested in this period in the history of the city, then make sure you plan a visit here to see a different side of this part of Japan.

21. Tour the Oka Masaharu Memorial Nagasaki Peace Museum

There are several museums in Nagasaki dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb which was dropped on the city and one of these is the Oka Masaharu Memorial Nagasaki Peace Museum.

The museum tells the story of some of the foreign victims of the bomb and it has galleries that explain some of the Japanese war crimes that took place in the period of the Second World War which is unusual in the country.

It is also close to the memorial of the Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan so you can combine a visit to both spots at the same time.

22. Try the Turkish Rice

Nagasaki is of course known for its traditional fare, but one of the most unexpected local dishes in the city is the Turkish Rice which is so named as it is inspired by Turkish cuisine.

The dish is made up of a pork cutlet which is then placed on top of a bed of rice which has been tossed in a mixture of dry curry and then served, bizarrely, with spaghetti.

It may sound odd, but locals claim that it is delicious, and you can try a plate at Tsuru-chan which is known for being the first Turkish Rice restaurant in Nagasaki having first opened its doors in 1925.

23. Check out the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Hall

The Nagasaki Peace Memorial Hall is located next to the Atomic Bomb Museum and made up of a memorial which was painted in 2003 by Japanese artist Kuryu Akira.

The memorial hall has a number of inscriptions of the names of the victims of the bomb which are etched into the wall and you will also find a large water basin here.

Other spots to look out for include a large hall with 12 glass pillars which are filled with books which are inscribed with the names of all those who lost their lives as a result of the deadly bomb.

24. Visit Suwa-jinja

Suwa-jinja is the name of a shrine which was built in 162 and now stands on a gorgeous hill overlooking Nagasaki.

To get to the shrine you need to walk along a series of staircases but it is more than worth it for the views over the city.

The shrine is known for its ornate sculptures of animals such as guard dogs known as komainu and water sprites called kappa komainu.

One of the quirkiest sculptures on show is the gankake komainu which is another dog statue which would have been used as a place to pray by sex workers in Nagasaki who would hope that storms would hit the city and prevent sailors from leaving.

25. Walk through the Peace Park

The Peace Park in Nagasaki is dedicated to the 40,000 people who were killed when the atomic bomb was dropped on the city and is the spot where the bomb originally fell.

Now you will find the Peace Museum and memorial hall here and walking around the park offers you a moving way of learning some of the history of this time in the history of Japan.

The park is also one of the most serene spots in the city so try to go in the afternoon when the light is at its best and you can take in all the dignity and beauty of this wartime memorial.

25 Best Things to Do in Nagasaki (Japan):

• Visit Huis Ten Bosch
• Admire Oura Cathedral
• Try the street food
• Visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
• Visit the penguins at Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
• Visit Dejima
• Check out the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum
• Take a boat ride to Iojima
• Walk through Shinchi Chinatown
• Check out Urakami Cathedral
• Climb Mount Inasa
• Check out the Lantern Festival
• Go on a walking tour
• Travel to Gunkanjima
• Try the castella
• Visit the Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan
• Try the local specialties
• Walk around Glover Garden
• Have a drink at the Tenjin Coffeehouse
• Visit Koshibyo Confucius Shrine
• Tour the Oka Masaharu Memorial Nagasaki Peace Museum
• Try the Turkish Rice
• Check out the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Hall
• Visit Suwa-jinja
• Walk through the Peace Park

• Language 日本語 中文简体 中文繁體 한국어
• My Favorite
• Featured Topics
• About Nagasaki
• Sample Itineraries
• Traveller Essentials
• The Outer Islands
• World Heritage

INFORMATION

• Brochure Download
• Photo Download
• Related Information
• Guide Interpreters

Megane-Bashi (Spectacles Bridge)

Night views in nagasaki city, trending now, nagasaki area guide, seasonal recommendations, adventure vacations in nagasaki, night life in nagasaki, writer's article, 7 major festivals in nagasaki, top ranking.

The Must-See Spots in Nagasaki City (1 Day)

Nagasaki Confucian Shrine & Historical Museum of China

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Huis Ten Bosch

The Legend of Ogre Island ( Onigashima )

Travel by style.

Discover Kyushu - Cycling Island Kyushu

Kyushu Olle

Activities on Iki Island

Kominka Experience on Ojika Island

Announcement: the use of nagasaki ropeway during 27th to may 6th, english website of "tabinaga“, history and culture of nagasaki prefecture, has been released. *please check it from upper right button (en) on the page., new ＆ now - photo contest on our sns ( - march 13th), media coverage – “a journey through hirado island” is on the official japan guide, new featured topics - "nagasaki: digital nomads’ new haven, your home away from home”, useful information, brochures maps download, guide interpreters, traveller essentials.

Must-see attractions in Nagasaki

A still, serene and deeply moving place, Nagasaki's Peace Park commemorates the atomic bombing of the city on August 9, 1945, which reduced the…

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

On 9 August 1945, the world's second nuclear weapon detonated over Nagasaki, and this sombre place recounts the city's destruction and loss of life…

Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims

Adjacent to the Atomic Bomb Museum and completed in 2003, this minimalist memorial by Kuryū Akira is a profoundly moving place. It's best approached by…

In 1641 the Tokugawa shogunate banished all foreigners from Japan, with one exception: Dejima, a fan-shaped, artificial island in Nagasaki harbour. From…

Ōura Cathedral

This hilltop church, Japan's oldest (1864), is dedicated to the 26 Christians who were crucified in Nagasaki in 1597. The former seminary and bishop's…

From afar, the Unesco World Heritage island of Hashima resembles a battleship, hence its nickname Gunkanjima ('battleship island'). Up close, this long…

Situated on a forested hilltop and reached via multiple staircases with nearly 200 steps, this enormous shrine was established in 1625. Around the grounds…

Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture

This large museum with attractive displays focuses on Nagasaki's proud history of international exchange. Additionally, there's a fabulous, detailed…

In Teramachi, this Ōbaku temple (Ōbaku is the third-largest Zen sect after Rinzai and Sōtō) was built in 1629 by Chinese monk Chaonian. Its red entrance…

Glover Garden

Some two dozen former homes of the city's Meiji-period European residents and other important buildings have been reassembled in this beautifully…

Atomic Bomb Hypocentre Park

A must-see for anyone coming to Nagasaki for its historic significance, this park houses a smooth, black-stone column that marks the point above which the…

West of the harbour, the Nagasaki Ropeway cable car ascends every 15 to 20 minutes to the top of 333m-high Inasa-yama, offering superb views over Nagasaki…

Nagai Takashi Memorial Museum

This small but quietly moving museum celebrates the courage and faith of one man in the face of overwhelming adversity. Already suffering from leukaemia,…

Nagasaki Ropeway

West of the harbour, this cable car ascends every 15 to 20 minutes to the top of 333m-high Inasa-yama. The view from the mountaintop has been ranked one…

Urakami Cathedral

Once the largest church in Asia (1914), the cathedral took three decades to complete and three seconds to flatten. This smaller replacement cathedral was…

Nakashima-gawa Bridges

Parallel to Teramachi, the Nakashima-gawa is crossed by a picturesque collection of 17th-century stone bridges. At one time each bridge was the distinct…

Megane-bashi

The best known of several bridges that cross the Nakashima-gawa, the Spectacles Bridge is so called because the reflection of the arches in the water…

Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum

Designed by Kuma Kengo (the architect behind Tokyo's Nezu Museum and 2020 Olympic Stadium), this museum straddles a canal in an environmentally friendly…

Peace Statue

At the far end of the Peace Park, this hulking, muscular bronze statue by Nagasaki Prefecture native Kitamura Seibō is a much-photographed symbol of the…

Ko-shashin-shiryōkan

In the Dutch Slopes, this quiet museum showcases the area's history through historic photographs (note that most signage is in Japanese). The combined…

One-Pillar Torii

The atomic blast knocked down half of the stone entrance arch to Sanno-jinja shrine, 800m southeast of the hypocentre, but the other pillar remains, a…

Maizō-shiryōkan

In the Dutch Slopes area, this museum has archaeological artefacts. The combined admission includes Ko-shashin-shiryōkan.

Shiroyama Elementary School

This was the closest school to the nuclear blast, up a hill a mere 500m away, and 1400 children perished here. Nowadays, it's hard not to be moved by the…

Dutch Slopes

The gently inclined flagstone streets known as the Dutch Slopes were once lined with wooden Dutch houses. Several buildings here have been beautifully…

Kōshi-byō & Historical Museum of China

The jauntily painted Kōshi-byō shrine claims to be the only Confucian shrine built by and for Chinese outside China, and the statues of sages in its…

Fukusai-ji Kannon

This temple takes the form of a huge turtle carrying an 18m-high figure of the goddess Kannon on its back. Inside, a Foucault pendulum (demonstrating the…

Glover House

A Unesco World Heritage site and Japan's oldest wooden Western-style building, this house, and the garden around it, are named for Thomas Glover (1838…

Gunkanjima Digital Museum

For days when Gunkanjima is inaccessible (or even when it's not), you can tour the island from afar via high-tech video presentations and virtual-reality…

This temple, surrounded by serene gardens, is not to be confused with Sōfuku-ji (in Teramachi). It contains an arched stone gate dating from 1657. The…

Shinchi Chinatown

During Japan's long period of seclusion, Chinese traders were theoretically just as restricted as the Dutch, but in practice they were relatively free…

26 Martyrs Memorial

This memorial wall has reliefs of the 26 Christians – six Spanish friars and 20 Japanese – crucified in 1597 during a harsh crackdown. The youngest killed…

Nagasaki Traditional Performing Arts Museum

Inside Glover Garden, this museum has a display of the impressive dragons and boat-shaped floats used in the colourful Kunchi Matsuri, and a large-screen…

Ringer House

A historic house in the hillside Glover Garden, this important cultural property has been in its original location since the 1860s. The first owner was a…

Mitsubishi No 2 Dock Building

This former dock house has been moved to the top of Glover Garden and offers great views, especially from the 2nd floor. Inside are displays about the…

26 Martyrs Museum

Just next door to the memorial wall that honours the memory of 26 Christians murdered here in the 16th century, this museum houses Christianity-related…

Madame Butterfly Statue

Inside Glover Garden, this statue memorialises Japanese opera singer Tamaki Miura, who performed as Cio-Cio-san in Puccini's famous opera Madame Butterfly…

This temple in Teramachi dates from the 1620s and is noted for the Ming architecture of the main hall. Like Sōfuku-ji, it is an Ōbaku Zen temple – and the…

Walker House

Walker House in Glover Garden is filled with artefacts donated by the Glover and Walker families. Look for both Japanese and Western design touches.

Built in 1865, this is the largest of the several historic houses in the hillside Glover Garden and one of the few still in its original location.

Fuchi-jinja

You must pass through this Shinto shrine at Inasa-yama to get to the cable car.

• Tours & Experiences
• Tailor-made Trips
• Bahasa Indonesia

We are happy to see you again!

Continue with

Or use email.

No Account? Create one

Create account

Already have an account? Sign in

Quickly Sign up with

I agree to Japan Travel's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Terms of--> and acknowledge that Japan Travel's Privacy--> applies to me.-->

Email reset password link

Please check your inbox and click the link we will send to you.

Nagasaki City

Port city with a glimpse into its storied past, things to do in nagasaki city.

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Urakami Cathedral

Chinzei Grand Shrine Suwa Shrine

About nagasaki city.

Nagasaki City's status as a trade and tourism hub is testament to its recovery from its tragic past, when an atomic bomb was dropped on the city during WWII. Today, Nagasaki is a bustling place with many visitors coming to explore as part of their Kyushu adventure.

Within the city, Nagasaki Peace Park marks the place where the bomb was dropped, with two parks and a museum set up. The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum serves as a reminder of the horrors of war and is an educational place to stop by while in the city.

Boasting one of the top night views in Japan, Mt. Inasa near the city center has a viewpoint that overlooks Nagasaki, which comes alive at night when bright lights flash across the buildings.

For the more adventurous, Gunkanjima, an abandoned island near Nagasaki Port whose name means "battleship island" in Japanese, is open to tours. It was a coal mine that had the highest density of people recorded, with 5,000 people squeezed into the island that was built to look like a battleship, hence its name. Tour participants are taken to three observation decks south of the island and spend about 45 minutes on the island with local tour guides.

In autumn, the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival has been held with great fanfare for about 400 years and crosses Dutch and Japanese cultures. Dance performances by Nagasaki's different districts are staged across the city and provide a vibrant insight into the city.

Nagasaki Top 10

• Recommended

Walk Around Oshidorino Pond

Huis Ten Bosch Hydrangea Festival

Hike Mount Kinugasayama

5 Destinations for History Buffs in Nagasaki

The Beaches of Ojika Island

Japan Heritage Journey in Tsushima

Kameyama Shachu Memorial Museum

Sweets of Happiness

Japan Heritage Journey on Hashima

Nagasaki's Fruit-themed Bus Stops

Riding the Tram in Nagasaki

Nagasaki Tall Ships Festival

Spring Blooms at the Matsumoto Azalea Garden

Nagushiyama Azalea Festival

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Huis Ten Bosch Rose Festival

Toronagashi in Sasebo

Huis Ten Bosch Halloween

Ruins of Ikeshima, Coal Mine Island

Bunmeido Castella Shop

Sea Wind Country - Sasebo

Sakura Season at Omura Park

Kamigoto in the Goto Islands

Nagasaki Airport

Where to eat in nagasaki city.

Finish any meal in Nagasaki with a castella cake from Bunmeido, one of the city's most famous confectioners

Restaurant Washoku Yohira

Washoku Yohira is a hidden oasis in Shianbashi, Nagasaki's entertainment district. Housed in a lovely 140-year-old building,..

Iwasaki Honpo

Light, fluffy, and oh so tasty, Nagasaki's Kakuni Manju are a staple on the city's food scene. Try them at Iwasaki Honpo,..

Places to stay in Nagasaki City

Hotel Nisshokan, Nagasaki

If you are thinking to visit the historic, romantic and exotic Nagasaki, why not stay at the great Hotel Nisshokan? It is plac..

Guest House Nagasaki Burabura

Guest House Nagasaki Burabura: Affordable seaside hangout

APA Hotel Nagasaki Ekimae

For proximity to transport, the APA Hotel Nagasaki Ekimae is a convenient home base in Nagasaki City. The rooms are small but functionally..

Latest Nagasaki City Reports

Delve into Hashima Island's UNESCO history, a coal mining town closed in 1974. Explore its past, witness natural changes, and..

The museum focus on Sakamoto Ryoma, who is the founder of the company and a key character in the bakumatsu period.

There are many great destinations across Japan for history buffs, but Nagasaki has a large number of historical spots in a compact..

Let us know how we can help.

• Things to Do

21 Most Beautiful Scenic Spots in Nagasaki Prefecture

• Stefania Sabia

Located in Japan's southern area of Kyushu, far from the usual tourist routes, Nagasaki Prefecture still captivates the hearts of many thanks to the abundance of mesmerizing, scenic spots! From ancient temples and shrines, to forested offshore islands and charming hot-spring retreats, Nagasaki offers unique ways to enjoy Japanese history and natural beauty. In this article, we will discover the 21 most beautiful scenic spots that you shouldn't miss during your visit to Nagasaki!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

What to See in Nagasaki Prefecture

1. fruit bus stops - wait for the bus at japan's cutest bus stops.

In Nagasaki's Konagai Town and the surrounding area are sixteen lovely bus stops shaped like fruit, imitating strawberries, melons, mandarin oranges, tomatoes, and watermelons. They were originally built by Konagai locals in 1990 for the Nagasaki Travel Expo and remained as a local landmark after the event, contributing to the fairy-tale scenery and vintage look of this seaside town. The fruit bus stops offer unique photo opportunities, especially when they are teamed up with the charming shores and flower fields in this part of Nagasaki Prefecture! 

If you want to know more about Konagai, its fruit bus stops, and delicious seafood cuisine, check out our article on  3 Days in Kyushu: Exploring Hidden Gems and Rich Culture in Nagasaki, Saga, and Fukuoka Via Public Transportation .

2. Dejima - Wander Around the Island That Was Once Japan's Only Gateway to the Outside World

Constructed in 1663 during Japan's isolationist period (1639 - 1853), Dejima served first as the home of Portuguese Christians and later as a Dutch trading port, at the time being the only place in the country foreigners were allowed to set foot on and Japan’s only gateway to the outside world. For this reason, Dejima boasts both stunning Edo-period wooden buildings reminiscent of past Japan, as well as European-style structures, creating a fascinating mix that is hard to find anywhere else in Japan. As the surrounding land was reclaimed in the 20th century in name of the urban development, today's Dejima is not an island anymore and allows visitors to conveniently soak in Japan's history right in the center of Nagasaki City. 

If you want to read more on Dejima's history, level up your knowledge with our article on  Dejima, Isolationist Japan's Only Connection to the Outside World . 

3. Glover Garden - Stroll Through a Romantic Garden With Views of Nagasaki City

Glover Garden is an open-air museum that exhibits foreign mansions established in Nagasaki after the end of Japan's seclusion in the second half of the 19th century. It offers interesting insights into Nagasaki's history, so strolling through its grounds will feel like traveling back in time. Located on top of the hill of Minami-Yamate, the garden opens upon the stunning panorama of Nagasaki Harbour and it's perfect for those who want to have a walk among natural landscapes that are reminiscent of Europe and Japan at the same time. Glover Garden's main attraction is the Former Glover House, the oldest Western-style wooden building in Japan. 

In case you are planning a trip to Nagasaki City, check out our article on  The Best Sightseeing Spots in Nagasaki: World Heritage Sites, Gourmet Dining, and More .

4. Gunkanjima - Tour an Abandoned Island to See Nagasaki's Most Mysterious Scenery

Formally named Hashima, this abandoned island and former coal mine in Nagasaki was given the nickname of "Gunkanjima" (battleship island) because of the many man-made structures and buildings that reshaped its natural features till it ended up resembling a massive battleship. Due to coal being an important economic resource back in the past, more than 5,000 people lived on the tiny Gunkanjima, making it the most densely populated place ever recorded. The mine ended operations in 1974 and the residents began departing to seek new jobs, leaving behind their houses, shops, and all the daily-life tools they weren't able to bring with them. Now crumbling and rusty, Gunkajima awaits visitors with some truly eerie views. 

5. Mt. Inasa - Admire Nagasaki's Million-Dollar Panoramic Nighttime Views

Not far from Nagasaki's city center, the 333-meter-high Mount Inasa is the perfect observation point for those who want to witness some truly magical scenes. The dark waters of the sea and the mysterious sky at night create a breath-taking contrast with the thousands of lights sparkling in the city and its port. The spectacular 360° view is also ideal for visitors who are planning to admire Nagasaki tinted in the golden hues of sunset. A ropeway connects the city to the top of Mount Inasa, making the journey up to the summit an enjoyable attraction on its own. 

6. Sofukuji Temple - Visit a Zen Temple Reminiscent of Ghibli's Spirited Away

Originally built in 1629 for Nagasaki's Chinese residents, this zen temple is built in a Chinese-style reminiscent of the architecture in Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away that makes it stand out among other Japanese temples. It's even more special because some of its buildings were built in China, disassembled, and reassembled in Nagasaki. One of the most impressive features of the temple is its two-story red entrance gate, the Ryugumon which literally means "the gate of the dragon palace." 

7. Meganebashi Bridge - Cross a Bridge That Looks Like Spectacles

Nagasaki's Edo-period Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge) is Japan's oldest stone arch bridge as well as one of the most famous, along with Edo's Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo and Iwakuni's Kintaikyou Bridge in Yamaguchi. There are several stone bridges spanning the Nakashima River that once was the city trade artery, but Meganebashi stands out for the fine architecture and photogenic scenery, thanks to its round arches that, when reflected off the water, resemble a pair of spectacles. The bridge and its picturesque surroundings dotted with shops and cafes are a great occasion for a tranquil walk. 

8. Unzen Onsen - Soak in Steam-Clouded Hot Springs

Hidden in the slopes of Mount Unzen, Unzen Onsen is a hot-spring town surrounded by the Unzen Jigoku, several hot-spring fields knows as "jigoku" (Hells) that consist of hot-spring pools, flowing steam vents clouding the landscape, and streaming hot water, with some streams even reaching boiling point. This steam-clouded onsen town is a feast for the eyes all year round but it is particularly prized for its remarkable blazing colors in autumn and for the frosty vista in winter. Unzen Onsen is also a great base to explore the Unzen area and its mountains, a paradise for nature lovers that is renowned for becoming Japan's first national park in 1934. 

9. Shimabara - Learn More About Samurai History at Nagasaki's Renowned Castle Town

Shimabara Castle dates back to the early Edo Period when it was erected as the residence of the local feudal lords. The castle has majestic white walls and an outstanding structure far larger than castles of similar status. No surprise it was designated as one of the 100 finest castles in Japan! The castle town of Shimabara also houses several samurai houses. Thus, walking through its traditional alleys will allow you to soak in the atmosphere of past Japan as if you were in the samurai era. 

If you want to learn more about this scenic spot in Nagasaki check out our article on  Shimabara Castle Town: We Visited the Location of a Christian Rebellion .

10. Goto Islands - Refresh Your Mind in a Secluded Natural Paradise

As the name suggests, literally translating to "five islands," the Goto Islands consist of five main islands (Fukue, Hisaka, Naru, Wakamatsu, and Nakadori) along with a number of smaller islands. Located 100 kilometers off the coast, this group of islands was used as a hideout by Japan's hidden Christians during the ban on religion during the Edo period. Today, dozens of churches remain scattered across the area as a reminder of that historical time. Four of which were even declared World Heritage Sites in 2018. The Goto Islands are also well known as a treasure trove of natural wonders, including impressive beaches and mountains. 

11. Misojien Garden - Enter a World of Blazing Autumn Colors

Misojien Garden is a hidden gem nestled in the mountains of the Unzen area. This secret garden is a must-visit scenic spot for all nature lovers, as it is blessed with an abundance of "momiji" (Japanese maples) that tinge the surroundings in blazing colors during autumn. The prized autumn colors of Misojien are welcomed with celebrations that include local food and craft stalls, as well as a night display that highlights the beauty of the garden's 1,000 momiji. The garden is located on a private plot of land, so the owner who lovingly cares for the plants opens it to the public only in November and December, which makes the visit even more special!  

12. Obama Onsen -Test Your Hot-Spring Skills With Some of the Hottest Onsen Waters in Japan

Overlooking the blue waters of Tachibana Bay, Obama Onsen is a quaint hot-spring town prized for its breathtaking sunsets and beneficial waters. This Nagasaki hot-spring wonderland is said to be founded in 713, enjoying unwavering popularity since that time thanks to its thirty springs that run as hot as 105°C and produce 15,000 tons of water per day, so that clouds of steam floating over the town are not an unusual sight. Obama Onsen offers traditional lodgings at local "ryokan" (Japanese inns), delicious seafood cuisine, and Japan's longest foot bath which is 105 meters long. 

13. Kujukushima Island - Cruise Through 208 Extraordinary Islands

Located inside the Saikai National Park, the Kujukushima Islands include dozens of beautiful natural landscapes, jagged coasts, and extraordinary islands. The name of this scenic spot (that translates to "99 islands") suggests how this area has the highest density of islands in Japan, with 208 islands in total dotting the sea 25 kilometers off the coast of Sasebo City. The best way to enjoy the diversity of Kujukushima's panorama is by one of the several cruises that depart from Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort and take visitors around the bay. Another great way to appreciate the stunning scenery of the islands is by visiting one of the observatories in the area. Particularly recommended are the Tenkaiho Observatory and Park with an impressive view of Kujukushima and expansive flower fields, and the Ishidake Observatory that has a 360-degree view of Kujukushima. 

14. Nanatsugama Limestone Cave - Explore a Rare Natural Formation

Nanatsugama Limestone Cave is one of Nagasaki's beloved natural wonders. It consists of a series of caverns that emerged from the sea 30 million years ago characterized by rare formations thanks to the erosion of the water. For this reason, the site has been recognized as a National Nature Treasure that visitors can enjoy from sightseeing cruises or explore on foot from the plateau above Nanatsugama that allows a striking panoramic view of the cave and the ocean.

15. Kazagashira Park - View Enchanting Cherry Blossom Scenery

Kazagashira Park stretches out on top of Mt. Kazagashira at a height of 159 meters. Overlooking Nagasaki City and its harbor with the long suspension bridge, the park is prized as one of the best viewpoints of the city. This green area is also a very popular flower-viewing spot, and thanks to the 350 cherry trees blooming in spring and many hydrangeas blossoming in early summer, visitors can admire the city framed by beautiful flowers! 

16. Kofukuji Temple - Discover Spirituality at One of Nagasaki's Oldest Temples

Originally built in 1620 as a shrine to pray for safe sea journeys, Kofukuji Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Nagasaki. Promoted by the Chinese merchants of the city who brought their prayers to the temple every time they had to venture out the sea, it is located in Nagasaki's Teramichi Temple Town district. Kofukuji houses the largest temple gate in Nagasaki that is also registered as a Prefectural Designated Cultural Property. 

17. Iojima Island - Relax on an Island Shimmering With Magical Lights

Iojima Island is blessed with spectacular nature and plenty of fun activities to try, such as stand-up paddle-boarding, surfing, sea kayaking, cycling, and segway riding. Connected to the Kyushu mainland by a bridge, this island is great both for a day trip and a longer stay, as it is appreciated for its luxury resorts and fashionable hotels with ocean views. Visitors shouldn't miss relaxing at one of the island's many spas and hot springs, as well as get the chance to explore Iojima's famous Island Lumina, a night-walk interactive adventure that includes magical lights, motion pictures, and digital art. 

18. Nagasaki Suwa Shrine - Take Part in a Traditional Festival With a History of 400 Years

Suwa Shrine is the main shrine of Nagasaki City. It is located on Mount Tamazono, so it boasts a beautiful 277-step stone staircase leading up the mountain to the various buildings of the shrine. The shrine is also the location of Nagasaki's prized Kunchi Matsuri, a colorful festival that has been celebrated for about 400 years that presents traditional Japanese dances, Chinese-influenced dragon dances, and performances involving festival floats. 

19. Nagasaki Lantern Festival - Lose Yourself Among the Lights of 15,000 Lanterns

Initially celebrated in Nagasaki's Shinchi Chinatown, over the decades, the Lantern Festival has become a major winter tradition of Nagasaki. During the festival, which takes place over the first fifteen days of the Chinese lunar new year, the city is decorated with over 15,000 Chinese lanterns illuminating the streets and buildings with mesmerizing hues. Visitors can also enjoy displays of giant lanterns, such as those of the zodiac animals.  

20. Wakamiya Inari Shrine - Enjoy Nagasaki's Most Colorful Traditional Festival

Wakamiya Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Japanese god of rice and fertility, and associated with foxes. This Nagasaki shrine is especially famous for its autumnal festival called Takengei, an acrobatic display that dates back to the early 19th century and represents the shrine's deity playing in a bamboo grove. During the celebrations, two performers wearing fox masks scale 10-meter-high bamboo poles, performing stunts to the rhythm of traditional music. The performance concludes with them throwing "mochi" (rice cakes) to the jubilant crowd. 

21. Nomozaki Nagasaki Meotoiwa - Pray for Good Luck in Love at Nagasaki's Couple Rocks

Nomozaki Meotoiwa are the beautiful "couple rocks" located in the southern part of Nagasaki City that are considered a popular power spot as well as a symbol of marital happiness. This hidden nook of Nagasaki is especially appreciated for the stunning sunsets that can be witnessed from its shores, characterized by the breath-taking sight of the setting sun between the two rocks. Visitors can also enjoy views of Gunkanjima Island in the distance during clear days. 

Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of Nagasaki Prefecture!

We hope that after introducing some of the most beautiful scenic spots in Nagasaki you'll add this prefecture to your bucket list. Through these unique spots with superb views, you'll be able to experience the natural wonders of the prefecture as well as Nagasaki's rich history! 

Explore the Kyushu Area!

Nagasaki is magical, but it's not the only prefecture hiding in Kyushu, the region that Nagasaki Prefecture is a part of. Kyushu includes 7 prefectures, each with something unique to offer, so if Nagasaki sounds incredible to you, we think you'll love what the rest of Kyushu has to offer. Check out the official Kyushu tourism website for more information on what's out there in the region.

Visit Kyushu Official Website:   https://www.visit-kyushu.com/en/

If you want to give feedback on any of our articles, you have an idea that you'd really like to see come to life, or you just have a question on Japan, hit us up on our  Facebook  or  Twitter !

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

tsunagu Japan Newsletter

Subscribe to our free newsletter and we'll show you the best Japan has to offer!

About the author

Related Articles

Related interests.

• Sports & Outdoors
• Onsens & Spas
• Museums & Art Galleries
• Japan at night
• Flowers & Trees
• Tourist Spots & Attractions
• Theme Parks
• Nature & Scenery
• Parks & Gardens

Restaurant Search

Tsunagu japan sns.

Subscribe to the tsunagu Japan Newsletter

Sign up to our free newsletter to discover the best Japan has to offer.

Connect with Japan through tsunagu Japan

Let us introduce you to the best of Japan through our free newsletter: sightseeing spots, delicious food, deep culture, best places to stay, and more!

Top 23 Best Things to do in Nagasaki + Tourist Spots

What is nagasaki famous for.

•   shares
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

Bucket List: Best Tourist Spots and Attractions in Nagasaki, Japan

Table of Contents

N agasaki is the capital of Nagasaki prefecture and is a stunning place to explore. This city played a crucial role in foreign trade relations in Japan’s period of isolation, and the city is known in recent times as one of the two cities that were destroyed by an atomic bomb. The city was reconstructed afterward and is now a tourist hotspot in Japan. Some of the top things you can do in Nagasaki are listed below.

What to do in Nagasaki? Check out these exciting activities and tourist spots in Nagasaki:

Visit Dejima

Dejima is a fan-shaped artificial island that was a Dutch trading post in Nagasaki, Japan, from 1641 to 1854. Located in the bay of Nagasaki, Dejima is listed in old Western documents Latinised as Deshima, Decima, Desjima, Dezima, Disma, or Disima. Dejima was built in 1634 to house Portuguese traders and separate them from Japanese society by digging a canal through a small peninsula. The Dutch were moved to Dejima in 1641, and during most of the Edo period, the island was the single place of direct trade and exchange between Japan and the outside world. Dejima was abolished after the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, and the island was later integrated into Nagasaki City through land reclamation. In 1922, the “Dejima Dutch Trading Post” was designated a Japanese national historic site.

Go sightseeing at Oura Cathedral

Also known as the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan, this Catholic church was erected by French missionaries and dates back to 1886. The church is well known because it is the oldest church of its kind in Japan. The church is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will learn about the 26 Japanese Martyrs.

Visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Since Nagasaki is one of the places in Japan where the atomic bomb was dropped, one of the top things to do in Nagasaki is to visit the city’s main monument, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. This is the best place to learn about the dark time in the city’s history, as you will find photos and items from the periods found after the blast. You will also get to see galleries of stories that were compiled by survivors.

Address: 7-8 Hiranomachi, Nagasaki, 852-8117, Japan Phone: +81 95-844-1231

Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument

The Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument were built on Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki, Japan, in June 1962 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the canonization by the Roman Catholic Church of the Christians executed on the site on February 5, 1597. The Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan were a group of Catholics executed by crucifixion on February 5, 1597, at Nagasaki. Their martyrdom is especially significant in Japan’s Catholic Church’s history.

The museum’s collection includes important historical articles from Japan and Europe (such as original letters from the Jesuit priest St Francis Xavier) and modern artworks on the early Christian period in Japan. The displays are arranged chronologically into three periods: the early Christian propagation, the martyrdoms, and the persistence of Christianity underground during the persecution.

The main monument, with an extensive bronze depicting the Twenty-Six Martyrs, was designed by Japanese sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi. The work took Funakoshi four years to complete.

Glover Garden

Glover Garden is a park in Nagasaki built for Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant who contributed to the modernization of Japan in shipbuilding, coal mining, and other fields. In it stands the Glover Residence, the oldest Western-style house surviving in Japan and Nagasaki’s foremost tourist attraction.

Located on the Minamiyamate hillside overlooking Nagasaki harbor. It was built by Hidenoshin Koyama of Amakusa Island and completed in 1863. It has been designated as an Important Cultural Asset. As the house and its surroundings are reminiscent of Puccini’s opera, it is also known as the “Madame Butterfly House.” Statues of Puccini and diva Miura Tamaki, famed for her role as Cio-Cio-san, stand in the park near the house. This house was also the venue of Glover’s meetings with rebel samurai, particularly from the Choshu and Satsuma domains.

Go relax at Nagasaki Peace Park

This park was constructed to honor the victims of the Nagasaki bombing, and it is located next to the Nagasaki atomic bomb museum. At the park’s north end is the 10-meter-tall Peace Statue created by sculptor Seibo Kitamura of Nagasaki Prefecture. The statue’s right-hand points to the threat of nuclear weapons, while the extended left hand symbolizes eternal peace. There are many other notable memorials inside the park and art installations.

Go on a day tour of Hashima Island

This island can be found 15km from the city of Nagasaki, and it is among the 500 islands that were abandoned. You will find the place quite interesting and love the nice weather there.

This is also known as Battleship Island. The town has been abandoned since 1970, but you can go on a day trip here to see the ghostly relics of the former town which was once here. The best way to explore this town is to sign up for a walking tour where you will experience and hear about the sad history of the city.

Go sightseeing at Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium.

The aquarium is just around 30 minutes outside the city center, and the highlight of the aquarium is that you will see numerous penguins through the underwater tanks as they swim around. If you are fortunate to come here during the feeding times at weekends, you can also feed fish to the penguins; your kids will surely love this. There is also a tiny beach at the aquarium where you can just spend your day relaxing next to the water.

Address: 3-16 Shukumachi, Nagasaki, 851-0121, Japan Phone: +81 95-838-3131

Go on a walking tour

This is one of the top things to do in Nagasaki, as you will see the city from the local’s point of view. The best time to go on a walking tour is between March and June, as you will learn about the city’s history while simultaneously seeing the stunning cherry blossom. The walking tour is available in English and Japanese, and it is a way to see the city from another view while also doing a little exercise.

View the city from Inasayama Observation Deck

Viewing from the observation deck is one of the top things to do in Nagasaki, and it can be found on Mount Inasayama, which is up to 633m high. Although you can visit the deck during the day or night, the best time to come here is at night, when you will see the city’s stunning sights. Apart from the nice view, the scenic cable car ride is the trip’s highlight. This is also the best place to take Instagram-worthy pictures of the city. You can take a ropeway to the top of the mountain, and if you are looking for adventure, you can hike to the mountain’s peak.

Go sightseeing at the Prefectural Art Museum.

This is a museum located in an environmentally friendly place, and it was designed by Kuma Kengo. You will see art exhibits from Nagasaki and Spanish arts with some special exhibits. If you have free time to spare, this is the best place to go; you will also get to see collections of Picasso and Pablo in this museum. There is a café nearby where you can just chill out.

Visit the Fountain of Peace

This is located in Nagasaki peace park, built to honor the people who died in search of water. This is unlike any other fountain, as this fountain was founded by Nagasaki citizens who hoped for eternal peace after the nuclear attacks in 1969. You will also find the monuments’ engravings quite impressive, and this is just near Nagasaki station.

Get a Chance to meet Inosuke Hayasaki – Atomic Bomb Survivor

One of the few living survivors of the atomic bomb in Nagasaki, Inosuke Hayasaki still frequents Nagasaki Peace Park to meet the locals and tourists alike. He still vividly remembers the tragic day that happened 74 years ago when about 74000 people died. Hayasaki, who was aged 14 during that time. He worked at the Mitsubishi Arms Plant, about 1km north of the bomb’s epicenter. He said his boss had ordered him to go to another factory. The bomb exploded just as he entered the building; he was blown behind a huge pillar but was miraculously saved. Among the 32 workers, only two of them survived.

Have fun at Nagasaki Seaside Park.

This park is situated near the Matsugae International terminal and Dejima Wharf; it is a serene place to enjoy the fresh air and have a stunning view of the canals. You will also love the scenic views of the sea from here; another thing to do here is just grab a coffee at the nearest konbini and enjoy the park’s serenity.

Try out Champon

The city is famous for its dining culture, and while in the city, you should not miss trying out local specialties like Champon. Champon is a local dish comprising noodles in pork broth topped with bacon, crunchy vegetables, and seafood. There are also many other mouth-watering delicacies that you can try out, like Sarandon.

Enjoy Delicious Turkish Rice

Toruko rice ( Turkish rice ) is a favorite local dish in Nagasaki. The dish is made from pilaf rice  and Napolitan spaghetti (pan-fried spaghetti flavored with ketchup, a popular pasta dish in  Japan ) with tonkatsu (a pork cutlet) toppings.

Try out the Castella

This is a delicious steamed sponge cake served in Nagasaki, and this dish was inspired by the Portuguese in the olden days. The cake is flavored with numerous ingredients like honey, chestnuts, or match, making it a delicious sweet treat you should not miss in town.

Explore Koshibyo Confucius Shrine

The shrine is famous for being the only Confucian shrine built outside of mainland China, dating back to 1893. This is also the best place to learn about the history of the Chinese community in the city, and if you are a history lover, this place is truly a must-visit. Nagasaki has diverse cultures and historical landmarks that everyone can visit and enjoy; you will be stunned by the plethora of attractions you can include in your Nagasaki Itinerary.

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

Nagasaki Chinatown is a popular area for its shopping strip and various street food and restaurant options.

Most of the Chinese members of Nagasaki Chinatown are of Fuzhounese descent. Nagasaki and Fuzhou established ties as sister cities in 1980 to recognize the historical connections between the two cities and the Fuzhounese immigrant community.

Sofuku Temple

Sofuku-ji is an Obaku Zen temple built by the Chinese monk Chaonian (Chozen) in 1629 as the family temple of the Chinese from Fuzhou, Fujian Province, who settled in Nagasaki.

Two of its buildings have been designated as national treasures. The red entrance gate and other structures in the precincts are rare examples of the architecture of South China during the Ming dynasty. On the temple grounds is a large cauldron made by the resident priest Qianhai to cook gruel for starving people during the famine of 1681. The Chinese Bon Festival is held here from July 26 to 28 (by the lunar calendar), with Chinese coming from all over Japan to participate in the ritual for the dead.

Spectacles Bridge 

Meganebashi, also known as Spectacles Bridge, over the Nakashima River, was built in Nagasaki in 1634 by the Chinese monk Mokusunyoujo, the second generation of Chinese monks living at Kofukuji Temple. It is said to be the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan, along with Edo’s Nihonbashi bridge and Iwakuni’s Kintaikyou bridge, and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Megane Bridge is also part of the first group of bridges built over the Nakashima River. Megane Bridge is made of stone and is a double-arch bridge. It received the nickname “Spectacles Bridge” because its two arches and their reflection in the water create the image of a pair of spectacles.

Experience Nagasaki Kunchi Festival

If you visit Nagasaki between October 7-9, catch the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival. Kunchi, also Nagasaki Kunchi or Nagasaki Okunchi, is the most popular festival in Nagasaki, Japan. The festival started as a celebration of autumn harvests in the late 16th century and became a shrine festival when Suwa Shrine was founded in 1642. Back in the day, the festival was also used to check for hidden Christians after the ban on Christianity.

Maruyama Hanamatsuri Festival

An annual festival is held every November 9-10 at Umezono Migawari Tenmangu and the surrounding area in Nagasaki. This festival aims to commemorate the bygone days of Maruyama, formerly one of Japan’s three largest geisha districts (hanamachi). The event showcases traditional dances and a procession of courtesans through the streets. The festival also features an onnamikoshi, a portable shrine carried only by women.

How to get to Nagasaki

If you are flying from Manila, the fastest way to reach Nagasaki is via Fukuoka. Cebu Pacific offers daily flights between Manila and Fukuoka, Japan, with affordable fares as low as P3,288 per sector. Book Here: http://bit.ly/CEBxteamoutoftown

How to get to Nagasaki from Fukuoka

By JR limited express train

Limited express trains are operating between Fukuoka’s Hakata Station and Nagasaki Station. The one-way trip takes two hours and costs 4,190 yen by unreserved seat or around 4,500 yen by reserved seat. Discounted sets of two tickets cost 6,180 yen. The trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and the Kyushu Rail Pass.

By JR local trains

This option is cheaper, but it takes about 4-5 hours to reach either Hakata Station or Nagasaki Station. The train ticket costs 2810 yen (one-way ticket).

By highway bus

Nishitetsu highway buses operate every 15 minutes between Fukuoka (Hakata Station, Tenjin Bus Center) and Nagasaki Station. There are also hourly connections to/from Fukuoka Airport. The one-way journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs 2570 yen.

Nagasaki Travel and Tour Packages

Huis ten bosch ticket nagasaki.

Located in the heart of Nagasaki Sasebo city, Huis Ten Bosch is one of Japan’s most unique theme parks. It’s known as a “little Europe,” as the entire area replicates Holland in the Middle Ages. More than just a theme park, it has numerous attractions, museums, shops, restaurants, hotels, and more.

Disclosure: This was an updated version of our recommended Things to Do Nagasaki Blog post. We added new attractions and activities from our recent trip, which was made possible by Cebu Pacific  and  Strategic Works, Inc. We hope this will help you create your Nagasaki Itinerary for your next visit.

Find the Best Hotels in Nagasaki according to your budget via Agoda .

Other Japan-Related Stories:

• Must-Try Local Food That You Should Eat In Nagasaki
• JAPAN: THE 6 BEST Day Trips From Nagasaki
• Quantum Of The Seas: Tips On How To Enjoy Your Royal Caribbean Cruise Experience

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

What do you think?

Give in to Your Pizza Cravings with Yellow Cab’s Hungry Holiday Feast and Get a Chance to Win a Trip to New York

Guess Where Manila’s first Shack will land, Get a chance to win Shake Shack swag and tickets to the Launch Party

© 2024 by Team Out of Town

With social network:

Or with username:.

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Privacy policy.

To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Privacy Policy

Add to Collection

Public collection title

Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

20 Best Things to Do in Nagasaki - Places to Go, Local Food & Sightseeing Tips

Long serving as Japan's sole international trading port and gateway to the West, Nagasaki is an eclectic city with an important history. This self-proclaimed "City of Peace" also attracts visitors wishing to pray for peace and learn about the horrors of the atomic bomb.

1. Nagasaki Kunchi Festival (October 7-9)

Nagasaki Kunchi is a vibrant, energetic festival, celebrating the local deity worshipped at Suwa Shrine , with a history stretching back some 370 years.

The performances at this event, which have been designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan, include not only Japanese folk dances but also vivid evidence of the longstanding intercultural exchange that Nagasaki is famous for, in the form of Chinese-influenced dragon dances, Western elements like the Dutch Ship and the Dutch Comedies, and many more. This Nagasaki festival is truly unique!

• Address 18-15 Kaminishiyamamachi, Nagasaki, 850-0006

2. Hashima (Gunkanjima, Battleship Island)

Hashima is also known by its nickname “Gunkanjima” (Battleship Island) due to its unique silhouette.

Hashima flourished as a coal mining community starting in 1890. In 1974, when the coal mine closed, the island was completely deserted. Now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical value, Hashima began receiving greater attention worldwide after serving as the model for the “Dead City” in the James Bond movie Skyfall (2013). Attack on Titan (2015) was also filmed on this island. Today, boat tours are offered to Hashima.

• Address Takashimamachi, Nagasaki, 851-1315

3. The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum covers the history of this event in the accessible form of a story.

It begins with the disastrous scene of the attack. It includes the events leading up to the dropping of the atomic bomb, the reconstruction of Nagasaki up to the present day, the history of nuclear weapons development, and the hope for a peaceful world free of nuclear weapons.

• Address 7-8 Hiranomachi, Nagasaki, 852-8117

4. Nagasaki Peace Park

After the atomic bombing of the city, it was said that grass and trees would not grow on this spot for 75 years.

The Peace Statue was created by sculptor Seibo Kitamura, a Nagasaki native. The raised right hand pointing to the sky depicts the threat of the atomic bomb. The left hand stretching horizontally symbolizes eternal world peace, while the slightly closed eyes express a prayer asking that the victims' souls may find rest. In addition, a poem is carved into a memorial plate in front of the park ’s fountain, written by a child who suffered from thirst in the immediate aftermath of the bombing. The fountain, brimming with water, is an offering to all those who lost their strength before they could drink a single drop. Every year, a Peace Memorial Ceremony is conducted in front of this statue.

• Address 9 Matsuyamamachi, Nagasaki, 852-8118

5. Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims

This memorial hall was established for the victims of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki , including those who perished afterward from resulting injury or illness.

It serves as a prayer hall for world peace. Visitors are encouraged to leave messages of peace, which are carefully maintained by the hall and can be viewed by others.

6. Sanno Shrine (One-Legged Torii Arch & Camphor Trees)

During the atomic bombing of Nagasaki City, one of the torii gates of Sanno Shrine was cut in half by the blast.

What remains of the gate continues to stand even today on a single column, a symbol of the resilience of Nagasaki City and its people, even in the face of adversity. The shrine ’s camphor trees were also significantly damaged in the explosion, but with time they began to grow again and are still growing today. Small pieces of broken glass and debris from the atomic blast can still be seen inside the hollow of one of the trees!

• Address 2 Chome-6-56 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8102

7. Tatsunoshima Island

Tatsunoshima Island seems to float upon the vivid blue ocean. View the uniquely eroded stacks, caves, and arches, as well as “Snake Valley,” named for the narrow gorge that snakes between 50-meter cliffs.

Thrill-seekers can walk along the top of the cliff. With its fine white sand and calm crystal-clear waters, the island's beach is the perfect place to relax.

• Address Katsumotocho Higashifure, Iki, Nagasaki 811-5512

8. Huis Ten Bosch

Huis Ten Bosch is one of Japan's foremost theme parks , recreating the atmosphere of a European town and dazzling visitors with gorgeous light displays and beautiful arrays of thousands of colorful flowers that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Located on the edge of scenic Omura Bay, the expansive grounds of Huis Ten Bosch feature stately brick buildings and canals that flow throughout the resort, as well as restaurants, shops, and even hotels and museums .

• Address 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo, Nagasaki 859-3292

9. Nagasaki Lantern Festival (Mid-Late February)

Begun as a celebration of the Chinese New Year primarily by the Chinese merchants resident in Nagasaki , the Nagasaki Lantern Festival has become a staple winter event in the city, and the largest of its kind in all of Japan.

Over 15,000 colorful lanterns and large art objects adorn the entire city, from Chinatown and Minato Park to Chuo Park , Meganebashi, Kanko-dori Arcade in Hamanomachi, and many other locations throughout the city. Chinese circus performances and dragon dancing add to the excitement.

10. Nagasaki Night View on Mt. Inasa

The view of Nagasaki at night should not be missed. With Nagasaki Port at the center, mountains loom on three sides.

Homes and city lights populate the slopes, their lights mingling with the twinkling stars in the sky. Nagasaki ’s splendid night view can be enjoyed from many parts of the city, but the best way to enjoy the view is to take the glass-paneled gondola ropeway up to Mt. Inasa. At the World Night View Summit in 2012, Nagasaki was recognized as one of the 3 cities with the most spectacular night views in the world.

• Address Fuchimachi, Nagasaki, 852-8012

11. Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

Home to about 180 penguins of nine different species, the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is the place to go for nature lovers wishing to get up close to these popular birds.

Visitors can watch the penguins swimming in enormous, glass-walled habitats and can even interact with the penguins and feed them. The aquarium is also home to the oldest penguin living in captivity in the world, a king penguin named Gin-Kichi.

• Address 3-16 Shukumachi, Nagasaki, 851-0121

12. Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture

The Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture is one of Japan’s leading museums covering the story of international exchange.

It has many exhibitions of precious historical materials from Nagasaki ’s modern history, works of art, and ancient writings. It also shows a part of the restored Tateyama branch of the Edo-period Nagasaki magistrate’s office, where visitors can enjoy a short drama performance. In addition, the craft center offers hands-on classes of Nagasaki ’s traditional crafts.

• Address 1 Chome-1-1 Tateyama, Nagasaki, 850-0007

13. 26 Martyrs Museum

On February 5, 1597, twenty-six Catholics were executed here under the orders of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, marking the beginning of a two-century-long period of harsh Christian persecution in Japan.

Today, this spot on Nishizaka Hill has been designated a Japanese National Sanctuary. Pope St. John Paul II visited this site on February 26, 1981, as a pilgrim for the martyrs.

• Address 7-8 Nishizakamachi, Nagasaki, 850-0051

14. Suwa Shrine

The origins of Nagasaki ’s Suwa Shrine can be traced back to the 1500s.

Originally located at present-day Teramachi Dori ( temple street), this shrine , together with other Buddhist and Shinto relics, was destroyed by the Christians. To revive the Shinto faith, Suwa Shrine was rebuilt in 1625 and relocated to its present location in 1648. The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, with over 380 years of history, takes place here October 7–9 annually and is one of the largest festivals in Japan.

15. Unzen Nita Pass

These mountains are famous for their azaleas in the spring , green colors in the summer , autumn leaves in the fall, and frosty fog in the winter .

Enjoy the cable-car ride up to the top for breathtaking views. A trekking path allows hikers to enjoy the mountain flowers and wild birds, as well as stunning close-up views of Heisei Shinzan, the peak newly formed by the 1990s Fugendake eruption.

• Address Obamacho Unzen, Unzen, Nagasaki 854-0621

16. Glover Garden

At Glover Garden , you can visit beautiful traditional homes built for British merchants, including the oldest wooden Western-style residence in Japan, a home built by the Scottish merchant Thomas Glover, who greatly influenced the industrialization of Japan.

The Former Glover Residence was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List in 2015 under "Sites of Japan's Meiji Restoration: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining." The garden is decorated with flowers and has a stunning view of Nagasaki Port. The night-time light displays and seasonal 3D projection mapping also attract many visitors.

• Address 8-1 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki, 850-0931

17. Champon and Sara Udon

At the mention of Nagasaki , many people immediately think of champon , a dish loved by both tourists and locals.

It's said that during the Meiji period, a local Chinese restaurant invented the dish to provide students from China with a filling and nutritious meal. Toaku, an ingredient unique to Nagasaki , is used in the noodles to give them a springy texture. This delicious dish also includes fried vegetables and seafood , brought together with the noodles in a rich soup. Sara udon is another famous dish representative of Nagasaki ; one can choose crispy, thin noodles or thick champon noodles.

18. Castella

Castella is a sweet, moist sponge cake . Based on a recipe originally introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the mid-16th century and then developed by the people of Nagasaki , it is now a popular item. Momo Castella, a peach-shaped version of Castella, is another popular Nagasaki cake . It reflects the Chinese belief that peaches bring good luck. It is just one of a range of delicious Nagasaki sweets that combine the best of Japan, the West, and China.

During Japan's long period of national seclusion (1641-1859), Dejima was the only door open to Europe and gave Nagasaki the status of Japan’s sole international trading port.

Dejima played an important role in the development of culture, industry, and science in Japan by serving as a gateway to the West. As part of the ongoing process to restore Dejima to its 19th-century state, foundation stones, stone walls, and many other remains were excavated, and some are exhibited inside the carefully reconstructed buildings. Other exhibitions, including the history of Dejima and Western learning, provide visitors with a sense of everyday life on Dejima.

• Address 6-1 Dejimamachi, Nagasaki, 850-0862

20. Ōura Church / Oura Cathedral

Oura Cathedral is the oldest wooden church of gothic architecture existing in Japan. It was built in 1864 by a French missionary and was thus known by the people of Nagasaki at the time as the “French Temple .” This church was dedicated to the 26 martyrs who had been executed on Nishizaka Hill; the bronze statues in Oura Cathedral and on Nishizaka were built to face each other.

• Address 5-3 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki, 850-0931

Our 5 Best Recommended Hotels in Nagasaki

• Address 2-26 Takaramachi, Nagasaki, 850-0045
• Phone Number 095-821-1111
• Address 1-18, Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki, 850-0931
• Phone Number 095-818-6601

Vacancy search, reservation

• Please enquire directly about rates. View Deal
• from 15,100JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal

Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

• Address 2-3 Akizukimachi, Nagasaki, 850-0064
• Phone Number 095-864-7777
• from 61,600JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal
• from 48,400JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal
• Address 2-1 Daikokumachi, Nagasaki, 850-0057
• Phone Number 095-820-1111
• from 8,550JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal
• Address 6-24 Dozamachi, Nagasaki, 850-0841
• Phone Number 095-828-1234
• Area Nagasaki
• Category Other Sightseeing
• How To: Sightseeing

Share this article.

Limited time offer: 10% discount coupons available now!

Recommended places for you.

Tsukiji Outer Market

Old Towns (Shitamachi)

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Tokyo Tower

Nezu Shrine

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

The Imperial Palace

Other Architecture

Tokyo Station

Opened in Spring 2024! What to do at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado

A Complete Guide to the JR West Kansai Area Pass

The Complete Guide to the Kintetsu Rail Pass

Step Into the Story: Inside Immersive Fort Tokyo

15 Must-Try Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo (+5 Trending Areas to Explore for Foodies)

Best Things to Do in Tokyo in April 2024: Events, Festivals & More

Complete Guide to Buying Japanese Medicine in Japan: Phrases and Vocabulary You Need to Know

Spending Wonderful Time Alone in Shibuya - Free Cosmetics and a Hundred-Yen Bus!

Explore Shinjuku: The Coolest Neighborhood Where Old Tokyo Meets Modern Tokyo!

Secrets to Saving Money in 'Expensive' Japan: Tips From Real Travelers

The past and present of Shinjuku

Secrets to Shopping in Japan: Guide to Annual Sales in Japan & Where to Shop

• #best ramen tokyo
• #what to buy in ameyoko
• #what to bring to japan
• #new years in tokyo
• #best izakaya shinjuku
• #things to do tokyo
• #japanese nail trends
• #what to do in odaiba
• #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
• #best sushi ginza
• #japanese convenience store snacks
• #best yakiniku shibuya
• #japanese fashion culture
• #best japanese soft drinks

10 Must See Nagasaki Attractions

by GoWithGuide travel specialist: Luke K.

Things To Do

Nagasaki boasts a vast number of impressive sights. So, whilst traveling around Japan, a stop in Nagasaki is definitly worth it. From Mount Inasa, you can experience one of the three best night views in the world. Nagasaki Peace Park is harrowing but offers an eye-opening look at life before and after the atomic bomb, and Battleship Island is often a place cited as one of the most wanted places to visit by tourists from overseas. Read on for the top ten Nagasaki Attractions:

1. Mount Inasa

From Mt. Inasa’s observation deck, known as having one of the top 3 night views in Japan and in the world, you can view the beautiful nightscape of Nagasaki Harbor. The highlight is the huge 360-degree panoramic view.

Along with  Mt. Hakodate  in Hakodate and Mt. Rokko in Kobe, Nagasaki has one of Japan’s top three night views, and such a view from Mt. Inasa’s observation deck is well known. Furthermore in 2012, it was selected as one of the world’s new top 3 night views along with Hong Kong and Monaco. The view seen from  Mt. Inasa  is called the $10 million night view, and from the cylindrical-shaped View Tower which is covered all around in glass at the top of the mountain (alt. 333m), you can look at a 360-degree panoramic view. With the underground floor and the two levels above ground totally encased in glass, you can experience the night view at your own pace even in rainy weather, and the scenery from the open roof is spectacular. The afternoon scenery has a different feel, and with the Urakami River flowing through the city and plenty of undulating topography, your eyes can take in Nagasaki Harbor and Nagasaki itself, and if the weather is good, you can also see as far as the Goto Islands, Unzen and Amakusa. For those who want to see both types of scenery, coming just before sunset is recommended. There is also a restaurant on the observation deck where you can enjoy a meal and a drink while viewing the night scene.

Admission: Free

-  Guidebook about Mount Inasa -  Reviews about Mount Inasa

2. Nagasaki Dutch Slope

Nagasaki is known as a city of numerous slopes. The city is surrounded by mountains, and there are many private homes on the sides of these mountains. From 1858 when the country was opened during the end of the Edo Era, many people from Europe and America came to live in Nagasaki, with the Higashi-Yamate and Minami-Yamate areas of Oura Ward and Dejima becoming residential zones representing self-governing regions for foreign residents with extraterritorial rights.

Famous even within the former residential area of Dutch Slope is Higashi-Yamate. Japan’s first Protestant Anglican Church assembly hall was established there in 1862, and since the citizens of Nagasaki at that time came to call all Western residents “Dutch-san”, the inclines where all of the foreigners traversed to go to Sunday service came to be called Dutch Slope or “Oranda-zaka”. Along Dutch Slope, there is Kwassui High School for female students which was built by Americans in 1879; the Higashi-Yamate Juniban-kan Mansion that was used as the Russian consulate and is now serving as the Historical Museum for Private Schools; the 7 Western-style residences of Higashi-Yamate; the atmospheric pavements, walls and ditches made of stone; and brick walls, all remaining from those days. We recommend strolling along those streets with that exotic feeling.

Admission: Free

-  Guidebook about Nagasaki Dutch Slope -  Reviews about Nagasaki Dutch Slope

3. Nagasaki Chinatown

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is one of the three big Chinatowns in Japan, standing alongside Yokohama and Kobe. There are brilliant chuukamon gates at the entrances in all four directions, and 250m into the area, there is a cozy crossroads where about 40 Chinese restaurants are located. The origins of Chinatown came from many Chinese people moving to this area due to the abandonment of Chinese settlements at the end of the Edo Era which had been built on reclaimed land for storehouses for trade products from China during the middle of that era.

A popular item in Chinatown is champon. A noodle dish from Fujian Province given a Japanese spin, the birthplace is said to be the restaurant Shikairou which was founded in 1899. It is a rich soup with thick noodles and plenty of vegetables and seafood on top. There are also other popular Nagasaki Chinatown dishes such as saraudon which is crispy deep-fried noodles topped with a thick champon sauce, and tonpourou (Dongpo Pork) which is gently simmered pork sandwiched into fluffy pao bread.

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival started in earnest from 2004. It was originally an event held by local Chinatown residents to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and currently it is a seasonal reminder that winter is ending. Annually, the Lunar New Year lasts 15 days from around the middle of February, and in the central areas of the city such as Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown and the Hamanomachi Arcade, approximately 15000 Chinese lanterns decorate the streets. Starting from the main venue of Minato Park, every place that celebrates the event has huge lantern-like works of art modeled after the zodiac and historical figures from China. During this time, lively events such as parades, shows by Chinese folk art groups, Chinese lion dances, dragon dances and kokyu musical performances are held.

-  Guidebook about Nagasaki Chinatown -  Reviews about Nagasaki Chinatown

4. Kofukuji Temple

In the early part of the Edo Era (around 1600), Nagasaki had become an international city specializing in trade. There was an overwhelming number of Chinese people among the foreign traders, and it was said that one in six residents were from China. At the time, prohibition against Christianity was strict and there were questions about Christians among the Chinese, so to show that they were Buddhists, many Chinese temples were constructed. Among them, Kofukuji Temple was said to be Japan’s oldest example, and was established in 1620 for the purposes of praying for safety on the high seas and for peace toward the deceased. It is also called “The Red Temple” due to the main gate painted in vermillion. The founder, Ingen, was the first monk from China to become the chief priest of a holy site in Japan, and it’s also known that monks such as Mokusu Nyojo who built the Megane-bashi (Spectacles) Bridge and Itsunen who originated early modern Chinese illustrations were also prominent chief priests there. During the Second World War, although Nagasaki suffered terrible damage from the atomic bomb, the temple was saved from the fires and today the atmosphere from that time still exists today.

The Daiyuden Main Hall is built in the Chinese style with features such as elaborately carved pillars and beams, round Hyoretsu-shiki Kumiko windows, arched Oubaku ceilings and gourd-shaped bottles on the top ridge of the roof（during earthquakes, the bottles would open and water would flow over the main hall to protect it from fire）. It’s an unusual construction which differs from Japanese architecture and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property. The Japanese-style “Kane Korou” (Bell Drum Tower) has been rated as the most beautiful in the nation, and there remain cultural assets within the temple such as the “Gyoban” drum in the form of a wooden fish, and a gate built in 1689 for use by Chinese residents to live in one area to prevent smuggling.

Admission: Adult: ¥ 300 / Child: ¥ 100

-  Guidebook about Kofukuji Temple -  Reviews about Kofukuji Temple

5. Glover Garden

Centering on Glover Residence, Ringer House and Alt House which have been nationally designated as Important Cultural Properties, these are 6 facilities which had been located throughout the city as Western-style buildings in the 1860s before being dismantled and restored. These residences of traders who loved and lived in Nagasaki have been preserved in their original state, and the interiors have been recreated to show the lifestyle of that time.

Glover Residence is Japan’s oldest surviving wooden Western-style house and was the home of Scotland-born Thomas Blake Glover who traded in weapons and ships. It was revealed that he had gone beyond his position as a foreign trader for Japan’s reconstruction, and assisted in sending many young Japanese people to study overseas. Furthermore, Glover contributed to modern scientific technology in Japan and pioneered in the fields of shipbuilding, mining, fishing, steel manufacturing, minting, and beer production. In the roof above the corridor by his wife’s room in Glover Residence, it’s said that there is a hidden windowless room from where the patriots during the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate went in and out, and it’s known that Glover had been a historic mastermind contributing to reformation at that time.

Glover Garden is built on a slope reflecting Nagasaki’s unique topography, and from the residence garden you can enjoy a panoramic view of Nagasaki Harbor and Mt. Inasa, and there are flowers planted in the garden all throughout the four seasons. Night illumination is also available on a seasonal basis so you can enjoy a romantic atmosphere. In particular, during the summer (end of July to beginning of October), there is a beer garden within the garden area where you can enjoy a meal in an open atmosphere while viewing an 1860s landscape and the modern and beautiful night view of Nagasaki. On the weekends, there is also live music. Rentals of audio guides in English, Chinese and Korean are available. 

Admission: Adult: ¥ 610 / Child: ¥ 180

-  Guidebook about Glover Garden -  Reviews about Glover Garden

6. Huis Ten Bosch

Huis Ten Bosch has been the leading tourist spot in Kyushu for domestic vacations for 2 years running since 2013. With its epic 1.5 million sq. m. of space and 6km of waterways and greenery, it is an amusement facility which re-creates the streets of Middle Ages Europe surrounded by flowers representing all 4 seasons. Huis Ten Bosch means “The House of the Forest” in Dutch, and it is a place where children and adults can enjoy attractions, museums, restaurants and hotels.  There are also the two great sights of the flowers and the illumination, and there are events such as the Japan preliminaries for the world competition for fireworks artists and collaborations with popular anime programs.

Within the huge grounds, various beautiful flowers are in full bloom during every season via events such the spring tulip festival which boasts the largest collection in the country, the moss phlox garden in April, the May rose festival with 1.1 million flowers of 1000 different types, the June hydrangea festival with 800 types which is the largest in Japan, the begonia garden from autumn to winter with 15,000 plants of 1000 types, and a winter orchid exhibition.

The Kingdom of Light, which is held from November to early April, is the world’s largest example of illumination whose 11 million lights light up the entire park. With canal cruises through waterways of light and fountains, unique light displays through events such as parades in which visitors can participate while riding bicycles, the lighting up of the palace and church, and 3D projection mapping at 3 different places, Huis Ten Bosch is one grand event.

Admission: Adult: ¥ 6,200 / Child: ¥ 3,900

-  Guidebook about Huis Ten Bosch -  Reviews about Huis Ten Bosch

7. Nagasaki Peace Park

During World War II on August 9th 1945 at 11:02 a.m., an atomic bomb fell on Nagasaki and in one moment, many lives were lost and many more suffered the aftereffects. At the bombing’s hypocenter, Nagasaki Peace Park was created to put forward hopes for world peace so that the tragedy of war is never repeated. In this grand park of approximately 18.6 hectares, there are 5 zones: the Zone of Hopes, the Zone of Prayers, the Zone of Learning, the Sports Zone and the Plaza Zone which are areas where the tragedy of war is addressed, hopes for peace are cultivated, the importance of peace is realized through contact, and the nobility of peace is declared.

The Zone of Hopes was completed in 1955 and is where the Peace Statue is located. A bronze statue 9.7 meters in height and 30 tonnes in weight, its right hand points to the threat of nuclear weapons while its left hand is open in peace as its face is in prayer for the repose for those lost in the war. Every year on August 9th, “Nagasaki Peace Day”, the Peace Memorial Ceremony is held in front of the statue, and a declaration of peace is made toward the entire world. A prayer is made for those who lost their lives while searching for water, and in 1969, a Fountain of Peace measuring 18 meters in diameter was built. In the Zone of Prayers in the hypocenter, there is a monument on the atomic blast and the remains of the wall of Urakami Cathedral which once boasted a splendor unrivaled in the Orient are on display. In the Zone of Learning, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum displays a re-creation of the city immediately following the atomic blast as well as photos and items showing the blast damage. It also addresses the threat and inhumanity of nuclear weapons and the tragedy of war.

-  Guidebook about Nagasaki Peace Park -  Reviews about Nagasaki Peace Park

8. Dejima 

From 1550, Nagasaki was developed as a trading port with Portugal. However, the increase in followers of Christianity within the country and their unity was becoming formidable to the shogunate, and in 1634, the fan-shaped artificial island of  Dejima  was built over 2 years to amass and control the Portuguese in one area so as to prevent the spread of Christianity. Afterwards, the Portuguese were expelled from the country and for 200 years, trade and diplomacy between Japan and the outside world continued to be restricted as a policy of Sakoku. During that time, only Holland showed its loyalty to the shogunate, and gaining its trust, a Danish trading firm was moved to  Dejima . During Sakoku, Holland became the only Western trading partner and the island played an instrumental role in the modernization of Japan as an exchange base for finance, culture and art.

Since 1900, the role of  Dejima  ended and its original form has been lost since the area around the island was filled up, but currently, there is construction to restore its historical legacy. At this time on  Dejima , there are 49 buildings representing residences, dining rooms, warehouses, guard houses, etc. and 10 of them have been restored for visits. You can follow the changes in  Dejima  while viewing the remains over 4 eras such as the original Edo Era stonewall breakwaters where the Portuguese had lived, the closing days of the Tokugawa Shogunate when Ryoma Sakamoto and his followers were rebelling, Dejima’s stone warehouses after the opening of the country and the valuable wooden Western-style buildings during the Meiji Era. Avenues are recreated as if you went back in time, restored buildings have become museums, the history and lifestyle of  Dejima  are on display, and life at that time has been recreated. Access from within Nagasaki is excellent and there is a dining facility known as Nagasaki  Dejima  Wharf nearby with a fine view of the seaside where there are many places where you can try fresh seafood in Japanese, Chinese, and Italian establishments and cafes.

Admission: Adult: ¥ 510 / Child: ¥ 100

-  Guidebook about Dejima  -  Reviews about Dejima 

9. Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)

During the Golden Age of coal mining, people led a crowded lifestyle with a population density more than 9 times that of  Tokyo . The life of those times has remained as it was on a deserted island of abandoned buildings left for 30 years.

Coal was discovered around 1810 on the island of Hashima, some 30 minutes away from Nagasaki Harbor by boat, and some 80 years later in 1890, Mitsubishi bought the rights for the mining areas for the entire island and began coal mining in earnest. The island was called Gunkanjima because its shape resembled that of a battleship. More than half the island was rich in ore, and the remainder was filled with hospitals, schools, temples, shrines, police boxes, movie theaters, barber shops, etc. so it functioned as a complete city.

During the high-growth 1960s, 5,300 people lived there with a population density that was No. 1 in the world and more than 9 times that of  Tokyo . Utilizing cutting-edge technology, it was a near-future city channeling modern metropolises with Japan’s first high-rise reinforced concrete apartment buildings, an undersea water supply first invented by Japan, the nation’s first roof gardens, etc. But with the switch of the country’s main source of energy from coal to oil, there was a course of decline. In January 1974, the mine was closed and in April, all of the residents left the island, leaving Gunkanjima a deserted island. Since then, people had been prohibited from going onto the island, but from 2009, tourism and field trips were allowed.

Despite the presence of abandoned buildings, household appliances starting with TV sets and other traces of life have been left there as they were, with the island as a whole being left as it was during its prosperity, and one can feel what Japan was like during the period of high growth. There are some tour companies, and high-speed ships leave from Nagasaki Harbor. Due to the extreme danger from the concentration of decrepit reinforced concrete buildings on Gunkanjima, visits are performed by going around the island once by ship. Then, tourists go onto the island and with a guide, they can tour for about 1 hour. Since there are guides who can speak English, inquiry is necessary beforehand.

Admission: Adult: ¥ 3,600 / Child: ¥ 1,700

-  Guidebook about Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) -  Reviews about Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)

10. Oura Church 

Continuing from Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the Edo Era Tokugawa Shogunate continued the ban on Christianity, and from the 1639 seclusion policy, all missionaries were ousted from the country. However, during the Bakumatsu Era when Japan was opened, a foreign settlement in Nagasaki was established, and in 1864, Oura Church was completed for the foreign residents. Officially, it was named the Church of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan in honor of the 26 saints who had been executed in 1597 on Nagasaki’s Nishizaka hill due to the ban on Christianity, and the front of the church faces that same hill. The oldest surviving church in Japan with a Gothic style representing Europe in the Middle Ages, it has been designated as a National Treasure with its stained-glass windows being over 100 years old. The designers were Fathers Louis Furet and Bernard Petitjean from France. At the time it was completed, tourists descended upon the church to see this unusual Western structure and many underground followers of Christ also visited. It was revealed that though they were attired as Buddhists on the surface, they were underground Christians with a passionate faith after the 250-year ban on the religion. In front of a statue of the Virgin Mary on a small altar to the right inside the church, the miraculous encounter between the underground Christians and the Fathers led to the statue being called “The Statue of the Virgin Mary for Discovered Followers”. With this big news about the existence of these many underground Christians in Japan being spread throughout the world, the white statue of the Virgin Mary placed in the middle of the entrance was sent in commemoration from France and named “The Holy Mother of Japan”. In addition, the bell in the belfry at the rear of the church was saved from damage during World War II, and since its establishment, it has continued to be rung. Even now, it is rung at noon and at 6 p.m.

Admission: Adult: ¥ 300 / Child: ¥ 200

-  Guidebook about Oura Church  -  Reviews about Oura Church 

Ready To Plan Your Itinerary For Japan?

Spending time in Japan can be daunting especially if you are not familiar with the language, transportation, or culture. Whether it is spending helping with navigation or convenience, I recommend  GoWithGuide , as they have over 1,000 professional tour guides that can help you navigate Japan efficiently while eliminating the risk of getting lost. Not only that, but the guides are all experts in their local areas so you would be able to receive  customized itineraries  with whatever you want to specifically do or see in the city. Tokyo, for example, is a metropolitcan city that can be quite crowded in many of these areas, so if you are not willing to make trek to any of the above locations via public transportation but still want to experience the city's wonders, check out the  private car tours  that are offered, and feel free to send a message to any of the  local guides  for more information about planning your trip.

Furthermore, if none of the above locations are aligned with what you want to do in Japan or if you already have some locations you want to go to, you should check out some of the  cultural activities  that are happening in the city as there are so many more interesting and fun events to partake in that will make your trip the most memorable trip you've had!

Blogs About Japan

Japan Travel - 7 Days Itinerary Around Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

13 Top Tokyo Tourist Attractions by Local Guides

Tokyo Walking Tours: 8 Great Options for Small Groups

Tokyo Itinerary: Tokyo up to 3 Days - First Timers

 5 Best Day Trips from Tokyo: All You Need to Know

Popular Nagasaki Tour Guides

Yukihiro (Hero)行博

Hello, everyone my name is yukihiro(行博), call me "hero". i'm eager to introduce this unique country, japan to foreign guests. i am not a professional interpreter. i have retired from japan ground self-defense force(jgsdf=japanese army) on march 2018. 大家好！ 我名字叫xing2 bo2, 請叫我xing bo。我喜歡跟外國遊客分享這個很有意思的國家---日本國。我是個業餘的翻譯導遊, 不太專業, 在2018年3月我退休了日本陸上自衛隊（日本陸軍）。 i have spent most of my career as a army nco(non-commissioned officer) . my job experiences are only in the military, but there are variety of specialties, so i didn't feel boredom. i lived in many places all over japan, such as hokkaido 10years, chiba 15years, okinawa 8years and more places. 我在軍隊當陸軍士官過了大部分的生活。我的工作經驗只在軍隊內，但是它有很多兵種和工作，所以我沒有膩了。我住過日本各地的很多地方，例如北海道１０年，千葉縣１５年，沖繩８年還有別的有些地方。 i am working for the half of month as a tour-conductor in okinawa japan. rest of month, i live in nagasaki prefecture, and work as a triple lights interpreter tour guide. 我一邊在沖繩當旅遊服務員大概半個月，一邊在九州長崎當triple lights的翻譯導游工作剩餘的月。 i am registered as a okinawa prefectural interpreter tour guide (english & chinese), but don't have a whole japan area certification. so i am brushing my skill up to get it. 我登記了沖繩縣的地域翻譯導遊（英／中文），可是沒有全國的。所以為了獲得全國導遊資格，我正在繼續學外語。 i speak english, chinese (simplify & traditional) , no problem to guide you, not like a native though. 我會說英語和中文(簡／繁)，作為您的導游沒問題，沒有母語的人那麼好。                                                                                                                                  .

Shonosuke S.

Hi i'm sho i live in the center of nagasaki city and work as a youtuber, podcaster, and tour guide specializing in sharing the charms of nagasaki. actually, i was born and raised in yokohama, near tokyo, and worked for about 5 years in tokyo. however, i fell in love with the culture and history of nagasaki and moved here in 2020. nagasaki has a rich history of international exchange and friendship, established about 450 years ago as an international trading port in japan. since then, many people from all over the world with diverse cultures and values have visited this city. i love these stories and histories of nagasaki. nagasaki is often associated with the sad history of the atomic bomb, which is, of course, an important part of this city's history, but nagasaki has much more than that. i'm looking forward to introducing you to the many charms of nagasaki                                                                                                                                  .

Hi! I'm Yoshi. I was born and raised in Nagasaki. I'm very familiar with the best sightseeing locations and attractions in the city. Nagasaki is a fascinating and interesting city visited by lots of foreign tourists every year. I have guided many foreign tourists as an English tour guide for the past several years.. I always enjoy guiding every tourist and provide them with my best hospitality. I'll be looking forward to seeing you and sharing a wonderful time with you. See you soon!　　　　                                                                                                                                  

Bonjour, je m’appelle Satoru. Je suis guide certifié par l’Etat. Lors de votre voyage au Japon, vous aurez certainement quelques inquiétudes quant au fait de devoir vous exprimer dans une langue si différente de la vôtre. Vous serez peut-être aussi un peu stressé à l'idée de ne pas réussir à faire tout ce que vous avez prévu pour votre voyage. C'est avec plaisir que je vous apporterai mon aide pour que vous puissiez passer les vacances de vos rêves. Je ferai de mon mieux pour que votre voyage soit à la fois amusant et intéressant. Qu'aimeriez-vous manger ? Qu'aimeriez-vous acheter ? Vous serez surpris par la quantité de choix à laquelle vous ferez face. Je vous guiderai parmi toutes ces bonnes et belles choses. A chaque étape de votre voyage, vous vous poserez des questions telles que "Pourquoi?" ou "Comment?". Je serai là pour y répondre toujours de façon simple et rigolote. Je suis conscient que votre temps au Japon est précieux et qu'il représente aussi un gros budget. Je ferai en sorte que votre voyage soit inoubliable en partageant avec vous ma passion pour la culture japonaise. A bientôt au Japon.                                                                                                                                  

Plan your trip to nagasaki.

Chat with a local tour guide who can help organize your trip.

Related Blogs

5 things to do on a day trip to nagasaki.

Nagasaki, Japan

If your Japan trip takes you as far as Kyushu, then be sure to stop off at Nagasaki. One of the best night views in the world is on offer here, along ...

Four Saga Sightseeing Spots

Saga boasts many attractions, so if you are planning a trip to kyushu, then we recommend taking a break in the countryside, and getting to enj....

15 Most Popular Foods You Have To Eat In Japan

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ come & enjoy the beauty of japan with our highly rated japan private tours.   updated: october 15, 2022 as many of you already know, japan ....

10 Best Places for Pokémon Go in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Come & enjoy the beauty of Japan with our highly rated Japan private tours.   LAST UPDATED: October 15, 2022 TLDR: The 10 best places for P...

Follow us on social media

Nagasaki Suggested History Walk

This historical walk covers much of the history related to the influence of foreigners on Nagasaki . It starts at the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture where visitors can get a basic understanding if they don't have it yet, and then visits important sites related to the various elements of the city's history, including the two former districts reserved for foreigners, Chinatown and Dejima , and finally the residential areas of the Western traders around the Dutch Slope and Glover Garden .

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Hotels around Nagasaki

The First-Timer’s Nagasaki Travel Guide

Posted on Last updated: May 1, 2024

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please be advised that this Nagasaki travel guide hasn’t been updated in 2024. Prices and travel guidelines may no longer be accurate so it’s important that you verify any information before proceeding.

Nagasaki is a strange city. It’s strange in the sense that in many ways, it feels very “un-Japanese”.

For one, it doesn’t seem to have the quirks that make Japan the endearingly eccentric country that it is. Things like giant mechanized robots and oddball restaurant concepts are nowhere to be found here. There’s no hi-tech subway system or young people sporting the craziest fashion trends.

Instead, it has the first Chinatown I’ve ever seen in Japan. It has Catholic churches and Western-style houses, many of which are the oldest in the country. It has an aboveground vintage tram system reminiscent of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars. And oddest of all, at least for Japanese food lovers like us, was the diversity of its cuisine.

A few of its core dishes have Portuguese , Chinese , and American influences. They even have a bizarre dish called toruko raisu or “Turkish rice”, which is a mashup of pilaf rice and spaghetti topped with a pork cutlet drenched in sauce! How strange indeed!

Much of this “un-Japanese-ness” has to do with Nagasaki’s prominence as a port city. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, it was the only port in the country open to foreign trade hence the proliferation of foreign influences. It felt like a throwback city in many ways, one that was starkly different from anything else we had experienced so far in Japan.

VISIT NAGASAKI QUICK LINKS

This Nagasaki travel guide is long. For your convenience, I’ve compiled links to hotels, tours, and other services here.

Top-rated hotels in downtown Nagasaki, the most convenient area to stay for first-time visitors to the city.

• Luxury: Nisshokan Bettei Koyotei
• Midrange: Hotel Concerto Nagasaki
• Budget: Mezame Hostel
• Sightseeing Tour: Nagasaki Like a Local – Customized Guided Tour
• Gunkanjima: Battleship Island Cruise in Nagasaki
• Theme Park: Huis Ten Bosch Tickets

OTHER SERVICES

• Visa Services
• Travel Insurance with COVID cover (WFFF readers get 5% off )
• Japan Rail Pass
• Airport Transfers

Save This on Pinterest!

No time to read this Nagasaki travel guide now? Click on the save button and pin it for later!

GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Nagasaki travel restrictions.

Because of the current global situation, Nagasaki travel guidelines may change overnight. Our friends at Booking.com created a useful website that lists detailed information on travel restrictions around the world.

Before planning a trip to Nagasaki, be sure to check Booking.com for information on travel restrictions to Japan. If you do decide to visit Nagasaki, then we highly recommend getting travel insurance with COVID coverage.

Depending on your passport, you may need to secure a visa and other travel documents to visit Japan. Check out iVisa.com to learn about the requirements and to apply for a visa (if necessary).

NAGASAKI AT A GLANCE

Nagasaki is the capital city of Nagasaki Prefecture in Kyushu. As described, it was a prominent port city throughout much of its history.

When Japan reopened its doors to diplomatic relations during the Meiji period, Nagasaki was declared a free port which created a flourishing community of British, Dutch, American, and Russian traders. From its architecture to its food, these foreign influences helped shape the Nagasaki of today.

Devastated by an atomic bomb in World War II, Nagasaki is remembered as the last city in the world to experience a nuclear attack. The city has been rebuilt since then.

BEST TIME TO VISIT NAGASAKI

Nagasaki is located in Southern Japan so the weather here is relatively mild year-round. It doesn’t experience extreme weather changes like Sapporo . We were here in February which is the height of winter but even then it was still pleasant and not too cold.

If you’re looking for the absolute best time to go weather-wise, then shoot for October to November . The temperature is at its most ideal and there are few rainy days.

TRAVELING TO NAGASAKI

Nagasaki does have an international airport but it doesn’t seem to be a common port of entry. Most travelers will probably be arriving via Fukuoka Airport or through some other major city in Japan, then continuing to Nagasaki by train or by bus.

Most travelers doing a multi-city tour of Japan probably travel by train. You can check hyperdia.com to see how much it will cost you to get to Nagasaki from wherever you are. If you’re coming from Fukuoka , then the trip will take around 2.5 hrs.

If you are going on a multi-city tour of Japan by train, then you may want to invest in a JR Pass. It will give you unlimited use of all JR national trains in Japan, including Shinkansen bullet trains and the Narita Express. You can purchase a JR Pass in 7-, 14-, or 21-day variants from Klook or Japan Rail Pass .

Highway buses are another popular way of getting around Japan. It’s cheaper than trains and will get you there in about the same amount of time. We took a bus from Fukuoka to Nagasaki. You can refer to the Kyushu Highway Bus reservation site to check for routes into Nagasaki from wherever you are.

It’s important to remember that when traveling by highway bus in Japan, advanced reservations are strongly recommended. I suggest purchasing your bus tickets from the Kyushu Highway Bus website as early as 30 days before your trip to guarantee yourself a seat.

Like the Japan Rail Pass for trains, you can save on Kyushu highway buses by purchasing a SUNQ Pass. If you’re visiting multiple cities in Kyushu, then it will give you unlimited rides on consecutive days.

Please be advised though that if you purchase a SUNQ Pass, then you cannot make advanced reservations via the Kyushu Highway Bus website.

WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY

The unit of currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY) .

Banks and post offices are the best places to exchange currency in Japan. Based on what I’ve read, people seem to prefer post offices because the transactions are faster. I exchanged currency at a bank and the process did take some time. I had to fill a bunch of paperwork then wait for the transaction to complete.

If you find yourself in Nagasaki’s Chinatown, then there’s a foreign exchange machine in nearby Kankodori Shopping Arcade. Just ask any of the banks there exactly where it is. I had never exchanged currency through a machine before so I was pretty amazed by the process. The transaction was fast and the rates were competitive.

If you’d rather not bring a lot of foreign currency with you to Japan, then an alternative would be to withdraw JPY from an ATM. Rates are competitive and according to some, they may even be better. Just make sure you inform your bank that you intend to use your ATM overseas. That way they don’t flag or block any transactions. In my experience, my card works in some machines but not in others.

TIP: Some ATM machines may ask if you’d like to proceed “with or without conversion”. Always proceed WITHOUT conversion. Otherwise, the foreign bank operating the ATM will do the conversion instead of your local bank. This almost always leads to horrible exchange rates. According to this article on Medium, the difference between rates can be 10% or more .

BEST AREAS TO STAY IN NAGASAKI

The downtown area is the best area to stay for first-time visitors to Nagasaki. It’ll put you close to the city’s top tourist attractions, restaurants, shops, and transportation hubs.

On our last trip, we stayed at Casa Noda Nagasaki. It’s primarily a hostel but they do have a couple of private rooms on the top floor. The hostel is about a 10-15 minute walk from Nagasaki main station, making it a good choice if you have an early bus or train to catch. Conveniently, Casa Noda Nagasaki is almost directly in front of Gotomachi tram stop as well.

You can book a room at Casa Noda Nagasaki on Booking.com or Agoda . If you don’t think this hotel is the right fit for you, then listed below are a few highly-rated alternatives:

You can also book hotels and homestays in Nagaski using the handy map below.

THINGS TO DO IN NAGASAKI

1. visit gunkanjima (battleship island).

Hashima Island is one of the most unique attractions I’ve ever visited on a trip. Nicknamed Gunkanjima or “Battleship Island” because of its shape, Hashima Island is a former coal mining community about 19 km from Nagasaki Port. Abandoned since 1974, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.

If you enjoy visiting odd destinations, then you should definitely book a tour to this island. Fans of James Bond films may recognize it as the inspiration for Raoul Silva’s hideout in Skyfall.

Check out my post on Hashima Island in Nagasaki for more pictures and information. I booked with Gunkanjima Concierge but you can book a Gunkanjima tour through Klook as well.

Length of Tour: Around 3 hrs

2. Revisit History at the Atomic Bomb Museum and Nagasaki Peace Park

This was the number one attraction I wanted to visit in Nagasaki, and I’m sure many visitors to the city feel the same way. As students, we had learned so much about WWII and the atomic bomb but all that information was confined to books.

Being here in Nagasaki, visiting this museum and seeing actual debris from the bombing gave me a much deeper understanding of that event. It put a face to the tragedy. You don’t leave this museum with the most joyous of feelings but you can’t visit Nagasaki without spending a couple of hours here.

Check out my post on the Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki for more pictures and information.

Suggested Length of Visit: Around 2-3 hrs Admission: JPY 200 per person

3. Explore Glover Garden

Glover Garden is an open-air museum and one of Nagasaki’s most popular tourist attractions. It was the former home of Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant who was a key figure in the industrialization of Japan. Set on a hill with beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking Nagasaki Harbor, it’s key feature is the former Glover Residence which is the oldest surviving Western-style house in the country.

Check out my post on Glover Garden in Nagasaki for more pictures and information.

Suggested Length of Visit: Around 2-3 hrs Admission: JPY 620 per person

4. Enjoy the View at Inasayama (Mt. Inasa)

Inasayama or Mt. Inasa is a 333 meter high mountain in Nagasaki. At the top you’ll find this open-air deck that gives you 360° views of Nagasaki City and Harbor. The view from Mt. Inasa is so spectacular that it’s often referred to as the “10 million dollar night view”.

To get to the peak, you can ride the Nagasaki Ropeway which is a stylish gondola designed by Kiyoyuki Okuyama, an internationally renowned industrial designer who produced designs for Ferrari and Porsche.

Suggested Length of Visit: Around 1-2 hrs Fare: JPY 1,250 roundtrip on the Nagasaki Ropeway

5. Shop at Don Quijote

If you like bargains, then you’re going to love this place. Shopping in Japan doesn’t have to be expensive and Don Quijote is proof of that.

Like Daiso shops, Don Quijoute is a discount chain store with over 160 branches throughout Japan, a few of which are in Nagasaki. Many of their branches are like mini department stores with several stories of products ranging from groceries to electronics to clothing to household goods. Best of all? Everything is tax-free.

Visit the Don Quijote website to find the blue penguin nearest you.

NOTE: The Don Quijote branch pictured above is in Sapporo.

DAY TRIPS FROM NAGASAKI

1. spend the day at huis ten bosch.

As described, we find that Nagasaki looks and feels quite different from the rest of Japan. Huis Ten Bosch is another example of that.

Huis Ten Bosch is a theme park that looks like a replica of the Netherlands. It features 17th-century Dutch-style buildings with windmills, canals, flower parks, and amusement park rides. If you’re staying long enough and would like to visit another European-inspired destination in Nagasaki, then this may be a great place to spend the day.

Huis Ten Bosch is located over an hour north of downtown Nagasaki. You can get there by JR train (to Huis Ten Bosch station) and purchase entrance tickets at the gate or in advance through Klook .

Photo by Nissy-KITAQ , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons / Processed in Photoshop and Lightroom

Suggested Length of Visit: At least half a day

2. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise on Kujukushima

Kujukushima or Kujuku Islands refers to a cluster of islands on the west coast of Kitamatsuura Peninsula, about 2 hours north of downtown Nagasaki. It’s a long-ish journey but people who make the trip will be rewarded with gorgeous sunset views while cruising the islands on a multi-deck ferry (that looks like a pirate ship!).

The name Kujuku-shima literally means “ninety-nine islands” but the actual number of islands amounts to over 200. I don’t remember the scene but Kujukushima was apparently featured in the opening credits of the Last Samurai with Tom Cruise.

Kujukushima is accessible by JR train and bus and you can purchase cruise tickets in advance through Klook .

Photo by Sasebo , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons / Processed in Photoshop and Lightroom

Suggested Length of Visit: Whole day

JAPANESE FOOD GUIDE

We love Japanese food. It’s personally my favorite cuisine in the world and a big reason why I want to visit Japan every year. If you like Japanese food as much as we do, then you need to read our Japanese food guide . It’s a labor of love that includes popular dishes and Japanese desserts , as well as regional specialties by prefecture, including Nagasaki.

WHERE TO EAT IN NAGASAKI

Open since 1866, Yossou is credited as being the very first chawanmushi specialty restaurant in Japan. If you’ve never had it before, chawanmushi is a savory steamed custard dish usually served in a teacup and eaten with a spoon.

Chawanmushi can contain a variety of ingredients but Yossou makes their signature version with nine specific ingredients – white fish, chicken, shiitake mushrooms, kikurage mushrooms, bamboo shoots, ginkgo, kamaboko (fish paste), wheat powder, and anago (grilled conger eel).

They’re known for their braised pork belly and shippoku as well, which are banquet-type meals consisting of Japanese, Chinese, and Western dishes served on a round table. There’s a reason why Yossou is the number one rated Nagasaki restaurant on TripAdvisor so you may want to reserve a meal here.

Check out my post on Yossou in Nagasaki for more pictures and information.

What We Paid: Around JPY 1,500-2,500 per set meal

2. Kaisen Ichiba Nagasakiko – CLOSED

We enjoyed one of our best meals in Japan at this restaurant. Kaisen Ichiba Nagasakiko is a seafood restaurant on Dejima Wharf that serves kaisendon (bowls of fresh seafood piled over rice).

Pictured below is a bowl of zuke kaisendon. Once a method of food preservation, zuke is now used as a way of preparing fish by soaking fillets in a soy sauce mixture for flavor. It’s really good.

They have tanks of live seafood here as well, including squid for a dish called ika-no-ikizukuri. A specialty of Yobuko in Saga prefecture, live squid are scooped up from a tank and quickly prepared. It’s so fresh that the flesh is still translucent when served. From what I understand, it’s not common to find it outside of Yobuko so you may want to try it here if it’s available.

What We Paid: Around JPY 2,200 each with drinks

3. Horaiken Bekkan

Champon is a Japanese-Chinese ramen noodle dish that was invented by Shikairo restaurant in Nagasaki. It’s made by frying pork, seafood, and vegetables with lard, then pouring in a soup made with chicken and pig bones. The champon ramen noodles are added last before the pan is brought to a boil.

Shikairō is the logical place to try this dish but if you’re looking for a restaurant near the Atomic Bomb Museum, then you can give Horaiken Bekkan a try. Their champon is highly regarded as well.

Check out my post on Horaiken Bekkan in Nagasaki for more pictures and information.

What We Paid: Around JPY 864 per full order of champon

Most of our meals are usually planned out well in advance but Izumiya was one of the rare exceptions. We were walking around Nagasaki’s Chinatown when we chanced upon this unagi specialty restaurant. We both love unagi but had never been to an eel specialty place before so we had to try it. It was damn good and well worth the detour.

After our trip, I did some research and found out that Izumiya has been around for over 160 years. It deserves a spot on your itinerary based on longevity alone.

Check out my post on Izumiya in Nagasaki for more pictures and information.

What We Paid: Around JPY 2,900 for one premium unagi set

5. Bunmeido

Castella is a sponge cake made with sugar, flour, eggs, and starch syrup. It’s a Nagasaki specialty brought to Japan by Portuguese merchants in the 16th century.

Castella cake is available throughout Nagasaki but some of the best can be found at Bunmeido, a Castella specialty chain that’s been around since 1900. If you were to bring home just one souvenir food item from Nagasaki, then this should be it. You can try visiting the original store on Edo-machi Street, near Ohato tram station.

What We Paid: Around JPY 1,350 for one box of Castella cake

POINTS OF INTEREST IN NAGASAKI

To help you navigate, I’ve pinned the restaurants and attractions recommended in this Nagasaki travel guide on a map. Click on the link to open a live version of the map in a new window.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN NAGASAKI

There are no high-speed subway systems in Nagasaki. Instead, you’ll find a cool aboveground tram system similar to the cable cars of San Francisco or double-decker trams in Hong Kong . They may not get you there as quickly but they’re cheap, just JPY 130 per ride no matter how far the stop, and they’ll take you pretty much anywhere you need to go in the city.

The tram was the only mode of transportation we needed in two days in Nagsaki. If you think you’ll be using it enough, then you can purchase a 1-day tram pass from Nagasaki Station for JPY 500. It’ll allow you unlimited rides on the tram system for one calendar day.

Any of the ten IC cards in Japan (Suica, ICOCA, Pasmo, etc) are eligible for use on Nagasaki’s trams as well. You can check the Discover Nagasaki website for more information.

HOW MANY DAYS TO STAY / NAGASAKI ITINERARY

Assuming you’ll be arriving in the morning on your first day, then two nights is perfect for Nagasaki. That’ll give you enough time to do everything in this guide.

One night is too short and anything over two nights may be too long, unless you plan on spending the third day in Huis Ten Bosch or Kujukushima. Nagasaki isn’t that big of a city so two nights will give you enough time to see all the major sights in the downtown area without getting bored.

Here’s a quick 3D/2N Nagasaki itinerary to help you plan your trip.

NAGASAKI TRAVEL TIPS

1. plan your trip with sygic travel.

If you think trip planning is fun, then you’ll love Sygic Travel . I’ve been using this free travel app to create our itineraries for many years now. It allows me to pin all points of interest on a map – like our hotel, landmarks, metro stops, and restaurants – then grouping them together by location. It’s available for free on iOS and Android .

2. Stay Connected

Internet access isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s a necessity, especially when traveling. You’ll need it to convert currencies, navigate the transportation system, and google how to say “where is the best castella cake” in Japanese. We never go anywhere anymore without reserving a pocket wifi device first.

You can get wifi access in Japan by renting a pocket wifi device or getting a sim card. Even though they’re more expensive, I prefer pocket wifi devices because I find them simpler and easier to use. But it’s up to you which one to get as they both serve the same purpose.

Click on the links to buy a 4G sim card or rent a pocket wifi device through Klook or Get Your Guide . It’s a good idea to reserve it at least one week before your trip.

3. Bookmark Hyperdia or Get the App on your Mobile Device

Hyperdia will be your new best friend while in Japan. You’ll probably be riding the tram a lot and this commuter app will tell you exactly how to get from one station to another. It’s very detailed, providing several route options with fare prices and travel times.

WEBSITE: hyperdia.com

4. Get a Nagasaki Discount Card

Getting a Nagasaki Discount Card can save you a good amount of money on attraction entrance fees. They’re available for free at participating lodging facilities throughout Nagasaki and are valid for three days from the date of receipt.

We got ours from our hotel and it saved us a total of JPY 1,640 on entrance fees. It gave us discounts to Glover Garden , the Atomic Bomb Museum , and the Nagasaki Ropeway to Mt. Inasa.

Follow this link for a list of participating hotels where you can get the Nagasaki Discount Card . You can check this link to see which attractions honor the Nagasaki Discount Card and how much savings you’ll be making at each. You’ll see it’s significant so don’t forget to ask your hotel about it.

5. Get Travel Insurance

Whether or not to get travel insurance is something you need to consider before every trip. Some trips call for it more than others. The way I see it, if you plan on doing physical things like bungee jumping or skiing , then you should definitely get travel insurance. But if you’re just going to Hong Kong to traveleat for a couple of days, then you may not need it as much.

Personally, we don’t buy insurance before every trip but when we do, we buy it from SafetyWing or Heymondo. They’re popular travel insurance companies often used by long-term travelers. You can follow the link to get a free quote from SafetyWing or Heymondo . Get 5% off on Heymondo if you book through our link.

6. Bring the Right Power Adapter

Japan has Type A or Type B electrical outlets so be sure to bring the right power adapters for your devices. Electrical voltage is 100V and the standard frequency is 50/60Hz.

7. Learn Basic Japanese Etiquette

Japan is…different. It’s a fascinating country with many unwritten rules. You don’t want to mistakenly offend anyone so I think it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics, lest you be labeled a stupid gaijin. Here’s a good overview on Japanese etiquette for tourists .

I’m hardly an expert on Nagasaki but I do hope that you find this guide useful. I’m only sharing some of the things I learned from our trip. If you have any questions or comments, then please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful time exploring Nagasaki!

These are some of the things we brought with us to Nagasaki. For more on our travel gear, take a look inside our backpack . (NOTE: The following links are Amazon and other affiliate links.)

This Nagasaki travel guide contains affiliate links that will earn us a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we use ourselves and firmly believe in. We really appreciate your support as this helps us make more of these free travel guides. Thank you!

Found this article useful? Help us help other travelers by sharing it!

Wendy Atherden

Sunday 17th of November 2019

We are quite elderly but still love to explore places.We will be coming in to Nagasaki on a cruise ship and want to make the most of the day. Can you suggest a competent tour guide and if so, the approximate cost? Many thanks.

JB & Renée

Monday 18th of November 2019

Hi Wendy, you can try contacting THIS AGENCY. Hope that help and enjoy Nagasaki! :)

Hi Wendy, I was just in northern Kyushu last week and had a wonderful tour guide who took us to different cities, including Nagasaki. She's based in Fukuoka though. I've sent her a message asking if she can lead tours only in Nagasaki. I'll let you know soon as I hear back. :)

Caroline Ronquillo

Wednesday 23rd of October 2019

We will be in Sasebo to visit Huis Ten Bosch and plan to go to Nagasaki and spend 2 nights before going back to Manila..do you suggest we get a tour guide or we can tour Nagasaki on our own? It is our first time to visit the place..

Thursday 24th of October 2019

Hi Caroline, that's really up to you. Personally, we rarely get travel guides as we enjoy exploring on our own. Nagasaki has a good public transportation system so it's easy to do that there. But if you really want to learn about Nagasaki and its history, then it's always best to get a guide. Hope that helps and enjoy Japan. :)

Monday 5th of March 2018

This is awesome, thanks! Do you think it is worth making a trip from down from Fukuoka? Or does it require staying over in Nagasaki?

Happy you found it useful Dani! It's about 2.5 hrs away so it is doable on a day trip from Fukuoka, but there's enough to see there so may want to stay the night. Hope that helps. :)

Sunday 22nd of October 2017

How much is this discount card? Is it free?

Hi Donna, yes our hotel gave it to us for free. I believe it's some type of partnership the tourism board has with participating hotels. Maybe you can try asking your hotel if they can provide you with one.

Jeff Silver

Wednesday 28th of June 2017

Now THIS is what I call an in-depth destination guide!

I'm curious about the wifi tip though - wouldn't international mode work for your cell phone? So you could just tether it to any other device you want on the same plan you use at home?

Thanks Jeff! Yes, that would work...if we had a data plan. :P We use pocket wifi, even in our native Philippines. :)

A Japanese town will erect a large mesh barrier to stop negligent foreign tourists from taking photos of Mount Fuji

• Tourists flock to Fujikawaguchiko, a town in Japan, to take pictures of Mount Fuji. 
• An official said foreign tourists crowd the area, leave trash, and ignore traffic laws. 
• In response, the town will erect a mesh barrier blocking the scenic view to dissuade tourists. 

A Japanese resort town will erect an eight-foot-tall barrier to dissuade poorly behaved foreign tourists from photographing Mount Fuji at a popular photo spot.

An official from Fujikawaguchiko discussed the preventive measure in a statement to Agence France-Presse , a French international news agency, on Friday.

"It's regrettable we have to do this, because of some tourists who can't respect rules," the official said.

According to AFP, local construction of the mesh barrier, which will stretch about 65 feet, will begin as soon as next week.

Fujikawaguchiko has several areas where tourists can snap a photo of Mount Fuji, the tallest peak in Japan, but the outlet many are flocking to a specific photo-op spot near a Lawson convenience store. Lawson is unique to Japan, making photos of the store and Mount Fuji appealing to foreign tourists.

"A reputation has spread on social media that this spot is very Japanese, making it a popular photo location," the official said.

The official told AFP that foreign tourists had caused disruptions amid their quest for the perfect photo, including overcrowding the area, leaving behind trash, and ignoring traffic regulations.

Related stories

They added that the mesh barrier is the final resort after foreign tourists ignored traffic signs and warnings from security.

The barrier will also help local businesses, the official said, pointing toward a nearby dental clinic where some tourists have parked without permission. Others were spotted climbing onto the dental office's roof to take photos of Mount Fuji, the official said.

The official told AFP that locals hope to remove the barrier once tourists' behaviors have changed.

Representatives for Fujikawaguchiko Tourism Federation did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Fujikawaguchiko's latest move against foreign tourists comes after a similar situation in Kyoto.

An executive district council member for Gion, considered Japan's geisha district, told AFP this month that tourists are banned from entering certain private streets . The official said tourists had been misbehaving.

"We don't want to do this, but we're desperate," the official told AFP.

The country has experienced a tourism boom that's brought 25 million tourists to Japan in 2023, according to Bloomberg.

The outlet that Japan's government hopes to reach 60 million visitors by 2030.

Watch: 1,000-year-old 'Naked Man' festival ends due to Japan's aging population

• Main content

Japanese town with near-perfect shot of Mount Fuji hates tourists so much it’s building a giant black billboard to block the view

The town of Fujikawaguchiko has had enough of tourists.

Known for a number of scenic photo spots that offer a near-perfect shot of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, the town on Tuesday began constructing a large black screen on a stretch of a sidewalk to block the view of the mountain. The reason: misbehaving foreign tourists.

“Kawaguchiko is a town built on tourism, and I welcome many visitors, and the town welcomes them too, but there are many things about their manners that are worrying,” said Michie Motomochi, owner of a cafe serving Japanese sweets “ohagi,” near the soon-to-be-blocked photo spot.

Motomochi mentioned littering, crossing the road with busy traffic, ignoring traffic lights, trespassing into private properties. She isn’t unhappy though — 80% of her customers are foreign visitors  whose numbers have surged  after a pandemic hiatus that kept Japan closed for about two years.

Her neighborhood suddenly became a popular spot about two years ago, apparently after a photo taken in a particular angle showing Mount Fuji in the background, as if sitting atop a local convenience store, became a social media sensation known as “Mt. Fuji Lawson,” town officials say.

The mostly foreign tourists have since crowded the small area, triggering a wave of concerns and complaints from residents about visitors blocking the narrow sidewalk, taking photos on the busy road or walking into neighbors’ properties, officials said.

In Europe,  concerns over tourists  overcrowding historic cities led  Venice last week to launch a pilot program  to charge day-trippers a 5-euro ($5.35) entry fee. Authorities hope it will discourage visitors from arriving on peak days and make the city more livable for its dwindling residents.

Fujikawaguchiko has tried other methods: signs urging visitors not to run into the road and to use the designated crosswalk in English, Chinese, Thai and Korean, and even hiring a security guard as crowd control. None worked.

The black mesh net, when completed in mid-May, will be 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) high and 20 meters (65.6 feet) long, and will almost completely block the view of Mount Fuji, officials said.

Dozens of tourists gathered Tuesday taking photos even though Mount Fuji was not in sight due to cloudy weather.

Anthony Hok, from France, thought the screen was an overreaction. “Too big solution for subject not as big, even if tourists are making trouble. Doesn’t look right to me,” he said. The 26-year-old suggested setting up road barriers for safety instead of blocking views for pictures.

But Helen Pull, a 34-year-old visitor from the U.K., was sympathetic to the local concern. While traveling in Japan in the past few weeks, she has seen tourism “really ramped up here in Japan from what we’ve seen.”

“I can see why people who live and work here might want to do something about that,” she said, noting many were taking pictures even when the mountain was not in the view. “That’s the power of the social media.”

Foreign visitors have flocked to Japan since the pandemic border restrictions were lifted, in part due to the weaker yen.

Last year, Japan had more than 25 million visitors, and the number this year is expected to surpass nearly 32 million, a record from 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. And the government wants more tourists.

While the booming tourism has helped the industry, it has triggered complaints from residents in popular tourist destinations, such as Kyoto and Kamakura.  In Kyoto, a famous geisha district  recently decided to close some private-property alleys.

Locals are uncertain about what to do.

Motomochi said she cannot imagine how the black screen can help control the flow of people on the narrow pedestrian walk and the road next to it.

Yoshihiko Ogawa, who runs a more than half-century-old rice shop in the Fujikawaguchiko area, said the overcrowding worsened in the past few months, with tourists gathering from around 4-5 a.m. and talking loudly. He sometimes struggles to get his car in and out of garage.

“We’ve never thought we’d face a situation like this,” Ogawa said, adding he is unsure what the solution might be. “I suppose we all just need to get use to it.”

Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo.

Latest in Lifestyle

• 0 minutes ago

Peloton, the fallen fitness unicorn, faces a harsh truth despite its shiny new deal with Hyatt hotels: ‘I don’t think they thought [about] what was going to happen post-pandemic’

Good news for Gen Z’s favorite jewelry: Scientists can now grow diamonds faster than you can watch ‘Oppenheimer’

Bumble, the dating app where women make the first move, is rolling out a feature where men get an ‘opening move’

Meet the 12-hour school day that will cure Gen Z’s crippling social awkwardness, complete with public speaking lessons and a smartphone ban

Meet the Norwegian-owned cruise challenger to Carnival and Royal Caribbean that just raised $1.54 billion

Golden Visa chasers helped pump $4.2 billion into Portugal last year—scrapping the scheme probably won’t help locals get on the housing ladder

Most popular.

Furious Mexican farmers are ripping out water pumps for avocado orchards and berry fields, risking cartel reprisal

Gen Z job seeker refused to do 90-minute task because it ‘looked like a lot of work’—now the CEO who complained about it is being slammed

Exclusive: Ikea is rolling out its third round of price cuts in a year across thousands of products as it eases shoppers’ inflation pain

Baby boomers are losing their life savings to phone scammers claiming to provide tech support, authorities say

Binance’s founder will follow Bankman-Fried to prison—but their fates couldn’t be more different

Elon Musk publicly dumped California for Texas—now Golden State customers are getting revenge, dumping Tesla in droves

• Media & Industry
• Meetings & Events
• Select Language 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（臺灣） India (English) Bahasa Indonesia 한국어 ภาษาไทย Tiếng Việt Singapore (English) Philippines (English) Malaysia (English) Australia/New Zealand (English) Français Deutsch Italiano Español United Kingdom (English) Nordic countries（English） Canada (English) Canada (Français) United States (English) Mexico (español) Português العربية Japan(日本語) Global (English)
• India (English)
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Singapore (English)
• Philippines (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Australia/New Zealand (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Nordic countries（English）
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)
• Mexico (español)
• Global (English)
• Fujiyoshida
• Shimonoseki
• Ishigaki Island
• Miyako Island
• Kerama Island
• Tokyo Island
• Koka & Shigaraki
• Hida Takayama
• Ginza, Nihonbashi
• Beppu & Yufuin (Onsen)
• Ginzan Onsen
• Nagasaki Islands

• Kumano Kodo
• Shikoku Karst
• Amami Oshima
• Hachimantai
• Omihachiman
• Aizuwakamatsu

• Diving in Japan
• Skiing in Japan
• Seasonal Flowers in Japan
• Sustainable Outdoors
• Off the Beaten Track in Japan
• Scenic Spots
• World Heritage
• Home Stays & Farm Stays

• Japanese Gardens
• Japanese Crafts
• Temple Stays
• Heritage Stays
• Festivals and Events
• Theater in Japan
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Cultural Experiences in Japan
• Culture in Japan

• Local Cuisine Eastern Japan
• Local Cuisine Western Japan
• Local Street Food
• Japan's Local Ekiben
• Japanese Whisky
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide
• Sushi in Japan Guide
• Japanese Sake Breweries

• Art Museums
• Architecture
• Performing Arts
• Art Festivals
• Japanese Anime and Comics
• Japanese Ceramics
• Local Crafts

• Scenic Night Views
• Natural Wonders
• Theme Parks
• Samurai & Ninja
• Iconic Architecture

• Wellness Travel in Japan
• Japanese Ryokan Guide
• A Guide to Stargazing in Japan
• Relaxation in Japan
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

• Experiences in Japan
• Enjoy my Japan
• National Parks
• Japan's Local Treasures
• Japan Heritage
• Snow Like No Other
• Wonder Around Japan

• Visa Information
• Getting to Japan
• Airport Access
• COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan
• Anime Tourism
• Countryside Stays
• Accessible Tourism
• Hokkaido Great Outdoors
• Scenic World Heritage in Tohoku
• Shikoku’s Nature and Traditions
• Southern Kyushu by Rail

• Traveling by Rail
• How to Travel by Train and Bus
• JR Rail Passes
• Scenic Railways
• Renting a Car
• Sustainable Travel in Japan
• Travel Brochures
• Useful Apps
• Online Reservation Sites
• Eco-friendly Accommodation
• Luxury Accommodations
• Traveling With a Disability
• Hands-free Travel
• How to Book a Certified Tour Guide
• Volunteer Guides
• Tourist Information Center

• Japanese Manners
• Spring in Japan
• Summer in Japan
• Autumn in Japan
• Winter in Japan
• Cherry Blossom Forecast
• Autumn Leaves Forecast

• Japan Visitor Hotline
• Travel Insurance in Japan
• Japan Safe Travel Information
• Accessibility in Japan
• Vegetarian Guide
• Muslim Travelers
• Safety Tips

• JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine
• Arts & Cultures
• Nature & Outdoor
• Festivals & Events
• Insider Blog
• Things to do
• Local Guides
• Food & drink
• Traditional
• Hokuriku Shinetsu

My Favorites

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

• Nagasaki City
• Nagasaki Chinatown
• Eat & Drink

Nagasaki Chinatown 長崎新地中華街

Shinchi-machi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki-ken

• View on Google Maps
• Get Transit Info

One of Japan's largest Chinatowns

• Chinese food as reinterpreted for Japanese tastes
• Celebrate Chinese New Year with a bang at the Nagasaki Lantern Festival

How to Get There

Get off at Shinchi Chinatown on the green and blue tram lines. From here you should be able to see the Nagasaki Chinatown entrance.

Culture's long-lasting reach

Guardian gates

When approaching Nagasaki Chinatown, the first thing you will see are the large red gates. Markers from which to explore the tranquil neighborhood within, wander the atmospheric lanes and keep your eye out for Chinese-style temples and other buildings.

Constructed by Chinese craftsmen with materials from Fuzhou, the gates have their own guardian of the four directions. Look out for an azure dragon in the east; to the west, a white tiger; to the south, a vermillion bird; and to the north, a black tortoise.

Building up an appetite

Famed for the Chinese-influenced dishes of chanpon and sara udon, Nagasaki Chinatown is the best place to sample these local specialties. Other notable delicacies to look out for are yori-yori, a bread-like sweet that is beautifully twisted before it is baked. For something more familiar, don't miss kakuni manju, steamed buns with Chinese braised pork inside.

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

• Neighborhood

Recommended for You

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages