Nagasaki – a charming port city with a devastating past. In this video, we explore how to make the most of this city’s cultural and historical attractions while on …
Why Visit Nagasaki?
Nagasaki is a unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European influences, shaped by its history as Japan’s main gateway to the outside world during centuries of isolation. It’s known for its poignant WWII history, beautiful harbor views, delicious food, and multicultural atmosphere.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
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Spring (March–May): Pleasant weather, cherry blossoms.
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Autumn (September–November): Comfortable temperatures, colorful foliage.
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Winter (December–February): Mild winters, beautiful illuminations.
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Summer (June–August): Humid and rainy in June; hot in July/August.
✈️ How to Get There
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By Air: Fly into Nagasaki Airport (NGS). There are domestic flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities.
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By Train: Take the JR Kyushu Shinkansen to Hakata (Fukuoka) and transfer to the Kamome Limited Express to Nagasaki Station.
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By Ferry: There are ferries from nearby islands and cities.
🏨 Where to Stay
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Central Nagasaki: Convenient for sightseeing. Hotels near Nagasaki Station or Chinatown are popular.
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Mt. Inasa area: For hotels with panoramic harbor views.
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Budget stays: Guesthouses and hostels in the city center.
🌟 Top Things to Do
1️⃣ Atomic Bomb Museum & Peace Park
Learn about the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, its aftermath, and the city’s message of peace. The Peace Park features the iconic Peace Statue.
2️⃣ Glover Garden
An open-air museum with Western-style mansions from the Meiji era, offering great views over the harbor.
3️⃣ Dejima
Explore this reconstructed Dutch trading post that once isolated foreign traders from the Japanese population.
4️⃣ Nagasaki Chinatown (Shinchi)
One of Japan’s oldest Chinatowns — perfect for trying Nagasaki’s famous Champon noodles.
5️⃣ Mt. Inasa Night View
Ride the ropeway or drive up Mt. Inasa for one of Japan’s “top three night views.”
6️⃣ Oura Church & Hidden Christian Sites
Japan’s oldest wooden church, a UNESCO site representing Nagasaki’s Christian heritage.
7️⃣ Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)
Tour this abandoned “Battleship Island,” once a coal mining facility — an eerie glimpse of industrial history.
🍜 What to Eat
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Nagasaki Champon: Rich noodle soup with seafood and vegetables.
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Sara Udon: Crispy noodles topped with stir-fried toppings.
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Shippoku Ryori: A banquet-style fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Western cuisines.
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Castella Cake: Sweet sponge cake introduced by the Portuguese.
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Turkish Rice: A local dish with rice, spaghetti, and cutlet on one plate.
🎭 Local Festivals
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Nagasaki Lantern Festival (Jan–Feb): Massive Chinese New Year celebration with thousands of lanterns.
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Nagasaki Kunchi (Oct): A vibrant festival blending Dutch and Chinese cultural influences.
🚶 Getting Around
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Trams: Nagasaki’s vintage streetcars are convenient and scenic.
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Bus & Ferry: Good for reaching outlying sights.
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Walking: Many attractions are clustered and walkable.
✅ Travel Tips
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Buy a 1-day tram pass if you plan to visit multiple spots.
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Some sites require advance booking (e.g., Gunkanjima tours).
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Bring comfortable shoes — Nagasaki’s hills can be steep!