Written by Jane Pipkin
With its rich history and dynamic food culture, Nagasaki is a city unlike any other. One of the few places open to international trade during Japan’s 17th-century period of isolation, the city developed a fascinating blend of domestic and foreign influences.
Though the city has endured significant challenges, it continues to thrive today. Here is a guide to Nagasaki’s not-to-be-missed highlights.
Pro tip: Want to explore the city more deeply? Consider booking a personalized one-day tour.
What to see in Nagasaki
Situated on the western coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki is home to a distinct culture and beautiful natural landscapes. The largest city, Nagasaki City, serves as a tourist hub with its wealth of museums, attractions, and festivals.
Interestingly, Nagasaki Prefecture has the most islands of any prefecture in Japan. These islands are divided into several regions, including the northern area around Sasebo City, the Shimabara Peninsula, Ōmura Bay in the central area, and the outer islands like Iki Island, Tsushima, and the Gotō Islands.
Exploring the whole prefecture properly would take at least a week. However, most visitors tend to focus on Nagasaki City itself, which offers more than enough to see and do.
Shrines & temples
Given its international history, it’s no surprise that Nagasaki faced much religious conflict. As a result, each shrine and temple has its own story to tell, often reflected in its architecture.
Suwa Shrine
Nagasaki’s most noteworthy Shinto shrine, Suwa Shrine, is so significant that it serves as the base for one of Japan’s top three major annual festivals: Nagasaki Kunchi Festival. Originally built to stop the spread of Christianity in the city, the shrine is now known for enshrining three important deities.
Sōfuku-ji
After visiting Nagasaki’s oldest Shinto shrine, stop by its oldest temple. Built in 1629 by a Chinese monk, Sōfuku-ji is recognized for its Ming dynasty-inspired architecture. Two sections of the temple are designated national treasures. The ¥300 entry fee is well worth it for a fascinating insight into old Nagasaki.
Historical spots
Following your trips to the shrines and temples, it’s time to visit some of Nagasaki’s other historical spots.
Megane Bridge
Directly translating to ‘Spectacles Bridge,’ Megane Bridge is a stone bridge famous for its shape. It’s believed to be one of Japan’s oldest stone arch bridges. Near Megane Bridge, there are steps that lead you down towards the water. Down there are the 20 heart-shaped stones, a known powerspot for finding love. Continue walking down the river to see the other stone bridges. Although not as famous, they are great photo spots.
Chinatown
Another popular tourist attraction is Nagasaki Chinatown — the oldest in all of Japan. As well as being full of restaurants serving champon noodles (more on that later), there are temples and guardian gates. Every Chinese New Year, the area hosts the Nagasaki Lantern Festival. Over 15,000 lanterns light up while dragon dances and Chinese acrobatics take place — a sight to behold.
Dejima
Similar to Chinatown, Dejima stands as an important symbol of Nagasaki’s international history. Created in the 17th century, this man-made island was important for trade. Since then, it has been transformed into an open-air museum. To see the exhibits and enter the grounds, adults will need to pay ¥520 (students slightly less).
High School students: ¥200
Elementary School students: ¥102
Ōura Cathedral
Historic in its design, Ōura Cathedral is Japan’s oldest surviving Christian Church. It once served as a refuge for Christian leaders and missionaries during the ban on Christianity. Now a National Treasure, it honors the 26 Catholics martyred in 1597. Admission to the cathedral is ¥1,000 for adults and ¥400 for high school students.
Pro tip: As you walk up towards Ōura Cathedral, take a peek at some of the souvenir shops and the Inori Hill Picture Book Museum.
High School students: ¥400
Elementary School students: ¥300
Glover Garden
After visiting Ōura Cathedral, see Glover Garden’s historic residences and flower gardens to gain insight into how foreign merchants lived in the 1850s. The area was once home to Scottish merchant Thomas Glover and has nine European-style buildings to walk around. Given that the gardens are located on top of a mountain, visitors can also enjoy elevated views of Nagasaki. Entry tickets cost ¥620 for adults and ¥310. Get them ahead of time, here.
High School students: ¥310
Elementary School students: ¥182
Museums
The area’s history and culture are captured in its museums. While there are a few art museums to explore, the history museums are the standouts.
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
Built in 1996, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum commemorates the victims of the 1945 bombing and highlights its devastating impact. Inside, the museum displays objects left behind and provides explanations of the events. While it can be difficult to walk through at times, the museum emphasizes a message of peace and a world free of nuclear weapons.
Children: ¥100
Students: ¥100
Peace Park
Along with your visit to the memorial museum, take some time to reflect at the Peace Park. A 5-minute walk away, the Peace Park stands as a tribute to the 148,793 people who were killed and injured.
The park features a fountain, sculptures, and remnants of destroyed buildings. Its defining feature is the 9.7-meter-high Peace Statue, designed by local sculptor Seibō Kitamura. Located in the park’s center, it stands as a profound symbol of peace.
Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture
To learn about the area’s earlier history, head to the Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture. Notably, it is one of the few museums in Japan focused on international history. In addition to viewing artworks and artifacts, visitors can step into a replica of the Nagasaki Magistrate’s office. Admission to the permanent exhibition is ¥630 for adults and ¥310 for students. You can buy tickets at the front counter or in advance.
High School students: ¥310
Middle School students: ¥310
Elementary School students: ¥310
Other attractions
Some more things to check out if you have the time.
Nagasaki Ropeway & Mt. Inasa Overlook
Going up to the Mt. Inasa Overlook is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Voted one of the World’s New Three Great Night Views in 2021, the 360-degree observation deck allows you to see the city in a whole new light (literally).
Visitors can take the clear-glass Nagasaki Ropeway. Although the observatory deck itself is free, a round-trip ticket for the ropeway costs ¥1,250 for adults. It’s definitely worth the price — especially during sunset hours. On clear days, the Gotō Islands and Mt. Unzen are in full view.
What to eat in Nagasaki
When exploring Nagasaki, you’re bound to get hungry. Fortunately, the prefecture has one of the country’s most distinct food cultures. Given the city’s close relationship with many European and Asian countries, many of the local specialties have a foreign influence.
Gotō Udon
Nagasaki’s traditional noodle dish, Gotō udon, is characterized by its smooth and chewy texture. These noodles are made by hand-stretching and twisting the dough, creating their distinctive flavor. In summer, they’re often chilled like sōmen, and in winter, served with warm broth and toppings. Daishibonzu is a great place to try the latter.
Champon
A noodle soup dish with thick noodles and rich pork broth, champon is Nagasaki’s most famous specialty. Usually, the noodles are topped with a mix of stir-fried vegetables and seafood. In the 19th century, it became a popular dish among Chinese students. Nowadays, it has a reputation for being a comforting meal. You can find it on the menu at most restaurants in Chinatown, including Fukuju.
Sara Udon
While similar to champon noodles in ingredients, sara udon (plate udon) differs in preparation. Generally, sara udon features crispy stir-fried noodles, whereas champon uses soft noodles in a savory broth. This results in a different flavor profile.
Manju
Another twist on a Chinese classic, kakuni manju is a steamed bun filled with thick-cut pork belly. Known for its soy sauce-based braise and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s a popular street snack among locals. Iwasaki Honopo is one of the most famous places to try this meat bun.
Toruko
Despite meaning ‘Turkish rice,’ Toruko has no connection to Turkey. Instead, it is a Western-inspired dish that comes with Neapolitan spaghetti, pilaf rice, and pork cutlet. Everything is placed on the same plate and is covered in demi-glace sauce. The ultimate kissaten-style dish.
Normally, it costs less than ¥1,000. Tsuruchan has been serving Toruko Rice for over 50 years, being one of the oldest cafés in Kyūshū. For a more creative take on Toruko rice, we recommend Kamingu.
Castella
Introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century, castella is a symbol of Nagasaki’s connection to the West. Nagasaki castella differs slightly from the original as it is sweeter, softer, and has a honey-like flavor. The best places to buy the cake include Fukusaya, Bunmeido, and Shooken. Shooken’s main store also has a café (Café Sevilla), where you can savor the perfectly delicate cake.
Coffee
Nagasaki is full of independent coffee shops where you can get your coffee fix. To get a taste of traditional Nagasaki, go to Hana Mo Mi Mo — a coffee shop situated in an over 170-year-old wooden townhouse.
Pro tip: To experience the best of Nagasaki’s food culture, why not book a private walking street food tour?
Where to stay in Nagasaki
Since the attractions are spread out, there’s no single central location. That said, the most convenient areas to stay are near Nagasaki Station or Shinchi Chinatown. Both offer good transport connections and have plenty of dining options nearby. For a relatively affordable 4-star hotel, there is Canedo Hotels Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown. An even cheaper option is Hotel Forza Nagasaki, located near Dejima.
Traveling around Nagasaki
Electric trams and bus services transport people around the city.
The tram
Without a doubt, the tram is the easiest way to travel. A single journey always costs ¥140 (for adults). Additionally, visitors can simply use any of Japan’s IC cards or get a 1-Day Pass. These cost ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children. Keep in mind that when paying by cash, you’ll need the exact amount in coins. Otherwise, make sure to exchange notes at the machine at the back of the tram.
The city has four tram lines that arrive every 5 to 10 minutes. Note that Nagasaki Station and Shinchi Chinatown are the main transfer stations:
- Blue Line (Line 1) Sōfukuji Temple to Akasako (Ohato)
- Red Line (Line 2) Hotarujaya to Akasako (Sakura-Machi)
- Green Line (Line 3) Ishibashi to Hotarujaya (Nishihamano-machi)
- Yellow Line (Line 4) Sōfukuji Temple to Hotarujaya (Hamano-machi Arcade)
Note: Line 4 only operates in the morning and evening.
The bus
By comparison, the city bus system is harder to navigate. For instance, several different bus lines share the same number, making it difficult to know if you’re on the right bus. Bus fares also vary depending on the distance. However, there is a 1-Day Pass available for ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children.
Pro tip: We recommend taking the bus to Mt. Inasa, as there is no tram service to the area.
Getting to Nagasaki
Taking the Shinkansen and train to Nagasaki
Traveling from Tokyo to Nagasaki by train is not super straightforward. There is no direct Shinkansen. The journey takes around 7 to 8 hours and involves transfers along the way.
Most recommend first taking the 5- to 6-hour JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hakata Station (in Fukuoka). Then, at Hakata Station, transfer to the “Relay Kamome” Limited Express Train for 60 minutes to Takeo Onsen. The final leg of the journey involves taking the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen to Nagasaki Station. This route is completely covered by the Japan Rail Pass (the regular one-way fare is ¥28,230).
In case you are planning to travel around the rest of Kyūshū, consider getting the JR Kyushu Pass instead. As well as being cheaper than the JR Pass, it also includes benefits for regional attractions.
Flying to Nagasaki
The Cheapo method is to fly. Budget airline Jetstar offers flights from Narita Airport to Nagasaki Airport for as little as ¥9,000 one-way. Flying from Haneda Airport is also possible as ANA, JAL, and Solaseed Air, all serve flights. That said, they do start at around ¥15,000 for one-way. In short, flying saves you money and time (only taking 2 and a half hours).
Nagasaki FAQs
Is Nagasaki good for tourists?
Yes, Nagasaki offers a distinct blend of culture, history, and attractions. Its international history sets it apart. If you want to experience Japan’s rich history firsthand, Nagasaki is the place to do just that.
How many days should you spend in Nagasaki?
There is plenty to see and do in Nagasaki. It’s possible to explore most of Nagasaki City comfortably in 2 days. If you want to visit farther destinations like Sasebo and Huis Ten Bosch, you’ll need to add an extra day.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
