Canedo Hotels Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is a premium hotel in Nagasaki’s Chinatown. It welcomes everyone, from solo travelers to families, with spacious rooms and superb facilities. It’s ideally situated for those wanting to experience the charm and culture of Nagasaki City. Here’s our full review.
What’s the hotel like?
Canedo Hotels is a hotel chain that markets itself as a blend of a business and luxury. With 25 hotels across Japan, including three in Kyushu, Canedo offers 4-star services and facilities that are — in our opinion — truly worth experiencing.
What facilities does the hotel have?
This hotel offers several standard facilities, with the standout feature being the “SkySpa” and sauna. You can unwind in both an indoor and outdoor bath, each offering elevated views of Nagasaki. After relaxing, women can enjoy a mist sauna, while men can use the dry sauna or cold bath.
*Please note that if you have tattoos, they will need to be covered.
Other facilities include free Wi-Fi, a vending machine, luggage storage, and smoking room, as well as laundry and photocopying (for an extra charge).
Is there anywhere to hang out in the hotel?
In front of the main reception desk, there are several sofas available for sitting and relaxing. While there, take a moment to admire the glistening glass centerpiece, adorned with cranes and inspired by traditional esthetics — it’s a tribute to the area and its rich history. From this spot, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Nagasaki.
What are the rooms like?
This hotel offers several room types including: Queen, King, Twin, Corner Twin, View Bath Twin and Private Spa Triple. The wide range of rooms means that this hotel is perfect for both individuals and bigger groups.
How big are the rooms?
The smaller rooms are comfortably sized, around 17m2, while the private spa rooms are significantly more spacious at 45m2. On this visit, we stayed in the Queen Room, which is 17m2 — a good size for a solo traveler or couple.
Are the rooms comfortable?
More than comfortable. The rooms exude a penthouse suite vibe. The interior is rather opulent, featuring dark wood and a rose-gold theme. There is a plush double bed, a sofa by the windowsill, a sleek beverage counter, plugs near the bed, and a flat-screen TV. The bathroom, though slightly smaller, also maintains a clean and contemporary esthetic.
The room offers a modern, stylish retreat — one that feels like an upgrade from a traditional business hotel.
What’s the view like?
One of the highlights of the hotel is its view. From the particular room we stayed in, we had a slightly obstructed, but still beautiful view of Nagasaki. Sitting on the room’s ledge sofa and watching the sun go down was definitely one of the best moments of our stay. If you opt for one of the rooms with a private bath, you can soak while admiring the view.
Should I order the breakfast?
We recommend booking a room with breakfast included for added convenience. Served buffet-style, the breakfast offers a solid selection of Western, Japanese, and “healthy” foods. Expect sausages, eggs, bread, fresh fish, rice, fruit, cereal, and more. There are also plenty of options for vegetarians, and a number of Chinese dishes. In addition, you can sip on freshly brewed coffee, fruit juice, and other drinks.
The dining space feels deluxe and offers views of the city. Honestly, it’s one of the best hotel breakfast experiences we’ve had in a while.
You don’t actually need to be a hotel guest to experience the breakfast. It’s open to the public, or available to guests who didn’t prebook, for ¥2,530 for adults and ¥1,100 for children. Note though that during busy times, hotel guests will be prioritized.
How is the location?
Shinchi Chinatown is a great gateway to many of Nagasaki’s attractions. Whether you take the tram or prefer to walk, it’s easy to reach historical sites, as well as everyday spots like shopping malls and restaurants.
How is the access to trains and subway?
Nagasaki doesn’t have a metro system, but a tram network. The nearest tram stop is:
- Shinchi Chinatown Station (2-minute walk): To get to Shinchi Chinatown Station from Nagasaki Station, you will need to first go to Nagasakiekimae Station. Then, hop onto the Nagasaki Denki No.1 (Local Sofukuji Temple). It is a 7-minute ride to Shinchi Chinatown Station, and it costs ¥140.
Pro tip: If you are paying with cash, the fare boxes do not provide change. However, you can change your notes into coins using one of the money changers inside the tram.
How do I get there from Nagasaki Airport?
- From Nagasaki Airport: It takes around 40 minutes to get from the airport to the hotel. Jump on one of the Nagasaki Airport Limousine Bus (Airport – Nagasaki City) and get off at Nagasaki Shinchi Terminal. From there, it is a 3-minute walk. Tickets for the shuttle bus cost ¥1,200.
Note: If you’re traveling with a larger group, consider splitting the cost of a private transfer.
What’s the surrounding neighborhood like?
The hotel is located less than a minute’s walk away from Chinatown, one of Nagasaki’s most famous places — and it is filled with eateries.
A 5-minute walk away is Hamamachi, a roughly 360-meter street filled with various shops and cafés. Right next to the hotel is a massive pharmacy, so it is fair to say that the hotel is pretty well located.
Are there many good places to eat nearby?
Staying near Chinatown means you’re just steps away from some amazing, authentic food. A short walk will bring you to Iwasaki Honpo Nishi-Hamamachi, a small takeout store known for its Kakuni Manju (pork-belly steamed bun). Further along in Chinatown, you can slurp on Champon noodles at Fukuju. The area is also home to other local specialities, like Goto Udon, which you can try at Dashibonzu.
What points of interest are within walking distance of the hotel?
The hotel is within walking distance of several of Nagasaki’s notable spots:
- Nagasaki Chinatown (3-minute walk)
- Dejima (7-minute walk)
- Megane Bridge (10-minute walk)
- Sofuku-ji (10-minute walk)
For some of the most famous attractions, you will need to take the bus or tram:
- Ōura Cathedral (15-minute tram ride)
- Glover Garden (18-minute tram ride)
- Fuchi Shrine Station – Nagasaki Ropeway (20-minute bus)
- Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum (26-minute tram ride)
Who should stay here?
Those who are looking for something a little more luxury, without paying the luxury price. It is a great choice for those who want somewhere that is easily accessible and feels part of the city life. For families and larger groups, this place is an excellent choice due to its spacious rooms and outstanding facilities. When we stayed, the entire experience, from start to finish, was smooth and of exceptional quality.
What sustainability measures do they have?
Canedo Hotels have several sustainability initiatives. These include cleaning rooms only when requested, reducing the frequency of toilet-paper changes, and allowing guests to manually turn off power supplies to appliances such as refrigerators.
Tips and tricks for the best stay
We highly recommend checking in the hotel around late afternoon to make the most of the facilities and the room. While the SkySpa has a nice atmosphere at night, we recommend visiting during the day for a clearer view through the privacy windows.
You can also purchase locally brewed beers, bottles of wine, and snacks at the front desk. Don’t forget to grab some complimentary amenities at the amenities bar, located nearby.