Nagasaki-shi

Asia

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Japan

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Nagasaki-shi

Nagasaki City is the capital and largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture, located on Kyushu Island, Japan. Nagasaki City has a unique cultural life, with a mixture of Western and Chinese influences due to its role as the only port accessible by foreign nations in 1570, when Japan still practiced the Sakoku policy.

These influences can be seen through the city’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO, namely the Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution and the Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.

The Nagasaki Peace Park (Heiwa Kōen) is a memorial to the atomic bombing of Nagasaki during World War II. The park features philosophical monuments commemorating the victims and the post-war period, such as the Fountain of Peace, Hypocenter Park, and Urakami Cathedral. Apart from that, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum (Nagasaki Genbaku Shiryōkan) and the iconic Peace Statue are also tourist attractions you must visit while you are here.

Delving deeper into Nagasaki’s history, the city has Dejima, which is a witness to the history of European occupation in the region. Today, Dejima is located near the heart of Nagasaki City, and you can see various unique buildings that combine Japanese and Dutch architectural styles. Dejima is also home to the annual Oranje Festival and several concerts, which make this tourist destination interesting to visit.

Nagasaki City is full of tourist attractions that you can visit, such as The Nagasaki Kunchi, the festival of Suwa Shrine, which is held every year on October 7-9. The highlights of this festival are dance performances and performances from groups representing various districts of Nagasaki City. Here, you will feel the lively atmosphere of traditional Japanese dance performances, float shows, dragon dances with Chinese culture, and several aspects of Dutch culture.

Get to Know Nagasaki-shi

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Nagasaki-shi

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Nagasaki-shi

A guide to Nagasaki-shi's local transportation

Tram

Bus

Taxi

Getting around Nagasaki City by tram is one of the best options. The trams in Nagasaki City operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, departing every 5-8 minutes. For each tram ride, you need to pay a ticket fare of 140 yen. Additionally, you have the option of using a one-day pass for unlimited tram rides on a single calendar day, which costs around 600 yen.

Practical Tips for Nagasaki-shi

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What is Nagasaki City known for?

Nagasaki City is known for its historic buildings, beautiful offshore islands, and hot spring spas. Nagasaki served as the only major port for foreign countries during Japan's centuries-long period of national isolation. Naturally, the city has several tourist destinations with strong European influences.

One of the most popular is Glover Garden, an open-air museum in Nagasaki City showcasing the former luxurious residences of various foreign residents in the region. The main attraction here is the Former Glover House, the oldest wooden Western-style building in Japan. Additionally, places with cultural attractions influenced by European styles can be found in The Dutch Slope.

What are the top things to do in Nagasaki City?

When visiting Nagasaki City, it's essential to stop at Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown (Nagasaki Shinchi Chūkagai), the oldest Chinatown in Japan. Here, you can find numerous shops and restaurants offering various renowned cuisines such as Sara Udon and Chanpon. Additionally, you have the opportunity to attend the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, held during Chinese New Year, where thousands of lanterns illuminate the city at night.

For those who enjoy cityscape views or city lights, visiting Mount Inasa (Inasayama) is highly recommended. To reach Mount Inasa, you can use the ropeway, bus, or taxi to get the panoramic view of Nagasaki City and dine at various available restaurants.

Nagasaki is also renowned for its hot springs. When visiting Nagasaki City, you can head to Nisshokan Shinkan Baishokaki, which offers beautiful views of Nagasaki. Experience soaking in an open-air communal bath and enjoy a variety of their traditional food offerings.

What are the best places to visit in Nagasaki City?

Your visit to Nagasaki City wouldn't be complete without a trip to Gunkanjima, a small island 20 kilometers from Nagasaki Port. Once a densely populated area where every piece of land was developed, the island was given the appearance of a giant battleship. You can take a boat to reach Gunkanjima, or if you can't make it to the island, visit the Gunkanjima Digital Museum to learn about its history.

Nagasaki City also offers cultural and religious attractions, such as Sofukuji Temple, one of the oldest structures in the city. This Obaku Zen Buddhist temple features a Chinese architectural style where you can find various artifacts, statues, and temple bells that are intriguing to explore. Additionally, there is the Kofukuji Temple, one of the oldest and most significant temples founded by China. Here, you can discover various large Chinese lanterns, halls, and interesting buildings.

Nagasaki City also boasts museums that are must-visits, such as the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture. This museum showcases the history of Nagasaki as a prominent international trading port. Moreover, you can explore various galleries displaying cosmopolitan crafts like porcelain and lacquerware. Apart from that, visit the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, where you can find exhibitions featuring art collections from Nagasaki and Spain. The museum's popular attraction is its rooftop garden, consisting of grassy areas with views of the harbor and the beautiful city.

What to eat in Nagasaki City?

When visiting Nagasaki, it's essential to indulge in the local specialties, such as Chanpon. This noodle dish with Chinese roots is typically served with pork, fried seafood, and vegetables. Additionally, you must try Sara Udon, which literally means "plate noodles" – a dish featuring a mix of meat and vegetables on top of crispy fried noodles.

Another distinctive Nagasaki dish is Kakuni Manju, a soft bun filled with slices of pork belly. The bun is simmered in a flavorful mixture of sake, mirin, dashi, sugar, and soy sauce, resulting in a delicious and authentic taste. Moreover, you can savor the classic Nagasaki dessert, Castella, a sponge cake available at various shops as a souvenir.

Furthermore, consider stopping by some of the steakhouses in Nagasaki City to enjoy their Wagyu beef offerings, such as Steak Keiten, Yakiniku Pure, or Nagasaki Dejima Wharf.

What is the best time to visit Nagasaki City?

Nagasaki experiences a humid climate with rainfall throughout the year, and the warmest period is from July to September. The best time to visit Nagasaki City is between April and November, with October being the most favorable month.