Nagasaki
Nagasaki, Japan, is a culturally rich port city known for its historical significance, particularly the tragic events of World War II, as well as its vibrant blend of Western and Eastern influences which can be seen in its unique architecture and varied cuisine.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Nagasaki, Japan, typically falls in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons, when temperatures are moderate, the landscape is vibrant with cherry blossoms or autumn leaves, and rainfall is relatively low.
How to Get There
Getting to Nagasaki, Japan, can be achieved through several means:
By Air: The Nagasaki Airport, located in Omura, offers domestic flights from major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Some international flights are also available, although they might be limited.
By Train: If you're already in Japan, you can take the JR (Japan Railways) train. From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Fukuoka's Hakata Station and then take a limited express train to Nagasaki. The entire journey takes around 7 hours. If you're traveling from Osaka or Kyoto, it'll take approximately 5 hours.
By Bus: Long-distance buses are also available from major cities such as Fukuoka and Osaka. They are generally cheaper than trains but take longer.
By Ferry: If you're in the vicinity, such as from the Shimabara Peninsula, Goto Islands, or Tsushima Island, you can take a ferry to Nagasaki.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Nagasaki, Japan
Top 18 Attractions in Nagasaki
Nagasaki offers a rich blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Here are some of the top attractions in Nagasaki, Japan:
Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum: These two spots commemorate the tragic events of World War II when Nagasaki was the target of an atomic bomb. The museum offers a sobering and moving look into the events of August 9, 1945.
Glover Garden: An open-air museum that showcases several Western-style homes from the Meiji Period, including the former residence of Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant who contributed to the modernization of Japan.
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium: This aquarium, located near the sea, is a great place to see a variety of penguin species, as well as other marine life.
Dejima: A man-made island in the port of Nagasaki that served as the sole trading post between Japan and the outside world during the country's period of isolation.
Mount Inasa (Inasayama): This mountain offers one of the best night views in Japan. You can reach the summit via ropeway to enjoy the panoramic views of Nagasaki.
Oura Church: The oldest Christian church in Japan, it's recognized as a symbol of the hidden Christians who continued their faith in secret during the ban on Christianity.
Suwa Shrine: A Shinto shrine which hosts the Nagasaki Kunchi, an annual autumn festival known for its colorful processions and performances.
Gunkanjima (Hashima Island): An abandoned offshore island that once was one of the most densely populated places in the world, known for its coal mining facilities.
Chinatown: The oldest Chinatown in Japan, filled with shops, restaurants, and the Confucius Shrine, it's especially vibrant during the Chinese New Year and the Nagasaki Lantern Festival.
Sofuku-ji Temple: A stunning example of Ming Dynasty architecture, built by Chinese immigrants in the 17th century.
Megane Bridge (Spectacles Bridge): One of the oldest stone arch bridges in Japan, its reflection in the water creates an image that looks like a pair of glasses, thus the name.
Nagasaki Seaside Park: This park along the harbor offers a peaceful place to relax, with great views of the water and city.
Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture: Offers a comprehensive look at Nagasaki’s rich history as a port city and its unique cultural exchanges with foreign nations.
Nagasaki Bio Park: This interactive zoo and botanical garden encourages hands-on encounters with a variety of animals.
Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum: Showcases a variety of artworks, with a focus on artists from Nagasaki and pieces related to the city and its history.
Kofukuji Temple: Known as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism in Japan, this temple has a long history and beautiful architecture.
Nagasaki Traditional Performing Arts Museum: A place where you can learn about and experience Nagasaki Kunchi, the city's biggest festival.
Huis Ten Bosch: A theme park in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, which recreates the Netherlands by displaying real size copies of old Dutch buildings.
Top 14 Activities to do in Nagasaki
Here are some top activities you can enjoy when visiting Nagasaki:
Visit the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park: Understand the history and aftermath of the atomic bombing that took place in Nagasaki in 1945.
Explore Dejima: Walk around this former Dutch trading post and learn about Japan's period of isolation.
Stroll through Glover Garden: Enjoy the beautiful, historic Western-style houses and the panoramic view of the city.
Climb Mount Inasa: Ride the ropeway to the summit for stunning views of Nagasaki, especially at night.
Explore Gunkanjima (Hashima Island): Visit the abandoned island known as 'Battleship Island', a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Churches: Explore the various churches like the Oura Church and the Urakami Cathedral that bear witness to the city's complex history with Christianity.
Eat Nagasaki Champon: Try the local specialty, Champon, a hearty noodle dish that reflects the city's East-meets-West history.
Wander through Nagasaki's Chinatown: Visit the oldest Chinatown in Japan and enjoy its unique culture and delicious food.
Visit the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium: Get up close with various species of penguins, as well as other marine life.
Explore Huis Ten Bosch: Spend a day at this Dutch-themed amusement park filled with a range of attractions, from beautiful gardens to thrilling rides.
Attend Nagasaki Lantern Festival: If you're in town around February, don't miss this spectacular event celebrating the Chinese New Year with thousands of lanterns and performances.
Go Island Hopping: Visit the islands around Nagasaki, like the Goto Islands and Tsushima Island, which offer beautiful beaches, hot springs, and hiking opportunities.
Visit Nagasaki Bio Park: Experience interactive encounters with a variety of animals at this zoo and botanical garden.
Visit the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture: Learn about the rich history and cultural exchanges of this unique city.
Best Shopping
Shopping in Nagasaki offers a blend of modern retail outlets, traditional markets, and unique local shops. Here are some of the top shopping spots in Nagasaki:
Hamano-machi Shopping Arcade: This is Nagasaki's main shopping street, filled with a variety of shops selling everything from clothing to electronics. There are also many restaurants where you can taste local dishes.
Youme Saito: A large shopping mall located in the heart of Nagasaki City, featuring a wide selection of international and local brands, a supermarket, restaurants, and a cinema.
COCOWALK Nagasaki: A shopping complex located near Nagasaki Station, offering a range of stores including fashion, lifestyle, and food.
Nagasaki Prefecture Traditional Crafts Center: This is the place to buy traditional Nagasaki crafts, such as Hasami-yaki and Arita-yaki ceramics, Nagasaki tortoiseshell work, and much more.
Nagasaki Chinatown: A shopping district with a variety of shops selling traditional Chinese goods, snacks, and restaurants serving local Chinese-influenced cuisine like Champon and Sara Udon.
Huis Ten Bosch: Besides being a theme park, Huis Ten Bosch also has a large shopping area where you can buy a variety of Dutch and European inspired goods, souvenirs, and treats.
Amu Plaza Nagasaki: Located adjacent to the Nagasaki Station, this shopping plaza offers numerous stores, including clothing, accessories, homewares, and more, along with a range of dining options.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Nagasaki offers a range of entertainment and nightlife activities that capture the city's unique blend of cultures. Here are some highlights:
Mount Inasa: Known for its spectacular night views of the city, dubbed the "million-dollar night view," Mount Inasa is a popular nighttime destination. You can ride the ropeway up to the observation deck to get a panoramic view of Nagasaki's city lights.
Bars and Izakayas: Nagasaki has a range of bars and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) scattered around the city. Some popular areas include Shianbashi Entertainment District and Doza - the Town of Literature and Jazz. You can enjoy local brews, sake, and a variety of food while soaking in the local nightlife culture.
Night Cruises: Some operators offer night cruises in Nagasaki Bay, offering another way to enjoy the city's beautiful night views from the water.
Live Music: Nagasaki has a vibrant live music scene with venues offering jazz, blues, rock, and more. Check out local event listings for performances.
Theatre Performances: For traditional entertainment, you might be able to catch a Kabuki performance at the Nagasaki Kagetsu, or other local theatrical and cultural performances around the city.
Nightlife at Huis Ten Bosch: This Dutch-themed park not only operates during the day but also offers evening attractions including light shows, fireworks, and nighttime canal cruises.
Nagasaki Lantern Festival: If you're visiting in early February, this festival transforms the city into a magical night scene with thousands of colorful lanterns.
Local Cuisine
Nagasaki's cuisine is characterized by its blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European influences, reflecting its history as one of Japan's few ports open to foreign trade during the country's period of isolation. Here are some of the local specialties:
Nagasaki Champon: This is a hearty noodle dish topped with a variety of ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and pork. It's known for its rich, creamy broth made from pork and chicken bones.
Sara Udon: Literally "plate noodles," Sara Udon consists of crispy thin noodles topped with a thick, starchy sauce and various ingredients like seafood, meat, and vegetables.
Castella (Kasutera): Introduced by Portuguese traders, Castella is a sweet, sponge-like cake made with sugar, flour, eggs, and starch syrup. It's a popular souvenir from Nagasaki.
Nagasaki Beef: Nagasaki is also known for its high-quality Wagyu beef. You can enjoy it in various forms, from steaks to Sukiyaki.
Shippoku Ryori: This is a traditional banquet-style meal that combines Chinese, Western, and Japanese elements. It's usually served on a large round table and meant to be shared.
Toruko Rice (Turkish Rice): Despite its name, this dish has no connection with Turkey. It's a yoshoku (Japanese-style western food) dish featuring pilaf rice, spaghetti, and a pork cutlet, usually served with tonkatsu sauce.
Karukan: A traditional Japanese sweet made from rice flour and yams, often filled with sweet red bean paste. It's a popular souvenir and tea-time snack.
Chanpon and Sara Udon: Two types of noodle dishes, the former featuring a milky broth and the latter with a soy-based sauce, both topped with a variety of seafood and vegetables.
Goto Udon: A type of udon noodle from the Goto Islands of Nagasaki Prefecture, known for its smooth and chewy texture.
When in Nagasaki, it's definitely worth trying these local delicacies and exploring the various restaurants, izakayas, and food stalls the city has to offer.
Accommodations
Choosing where to stay in Nagasaki can depend on your travel goals and personal preferences. However, there are a few areas that are particularly popular due to their proximity to major attractions, transport links, dining, and shopping:
Nagasaki Station Area: This is a convenient location with excellent transport links, perfect for day trips in and around the city. There's a variety of accommodations from budget to luxury, and it's close to many shops and restaurants.
Downtown Nagasaki/Chinatown: This is the heart of the city and a great place to stay if you want to be close to the action. It's within walking distance to tourist attractions like the Glover Garden, Dejima, and Oura Church. There are plenty of dining options, especially in Chinatown.
Nagasaki Harbor Area: Staying in this area gives you easy access to the Nagasaki Port Terminal, perfect if you're planning to visit Gunkanjima or other nearby islands. Hotels around here often provide great views of the harbor.
Inasayama Area: If you prefer a quieter, more scenic area, consider staying near Mount Inasa. Some accommodations offer stunning views of Nagasaki's "million-dollar" city lights. Do note that while beautiful, this area is a bit removed from the city center, so it's not as convenient for sightseeing unless you have other transport arrangements.
Huis Ten Bosch/Sasebo Area: If you plan on spending a lot of time at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park, you might consider staying in the Sasebo area. The park itself offers various accommodation options, from luxury hotels to family-friendly resorts.
