11 Best Things to Do in Nagasaki
- 1. Visit the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum
- 2. Explore Glover Garden
- 3. Take a Trip to Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)
- 4. Visit Mount Inasa for Spectacular Night Views
- 5. Stroll Through Dejima
- 6. Experience Chinatown and Try Champon Noodles
- 7. Visit Sofukuji Temple
- 8. Explore Megane Bridge
- 9. Discover Oura Church
- 10. Enjoy Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
- 11. Relax at Nagasaki's Hot Springs
Nagasaki is one of Japan's most fascinating cities, blending rich history, stunning natural beauty, and unique cultural experiences. Located on the island of Kyushu, this coastal city offers everything from poignant historical sites to delicious local cuisine. Whether you're visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, here are the 12 best things to do in Nagasaki.
1. Visit the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum
The Nagasaki Peace Park stands as a powerful reminder of the atomic bombing on August 9, 1945. The park features the iconic Peace Statue, with its right hand pointing to the sky (symbolizing the atomic threat) and left hand extended horizontally (representing peace). The nearby Atomic Bomb Museum provides a moving educational experience with photographs, artifacts, and personal stories from survivors.
The museum is well-organized and takes about 2-3 hours to visit properly. English explanations are available throughout. This is an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand Nagasaki's history and the importance of peace. Many Nagasaki city tours include this significant site as part of their itinerary, often combined with other historical landmarks.
2. Explore Glover Garden
Glover Garden is an open-air museum showcasing beautiful Western-style houses from the Meiji era. Perched on a hillside, it offers stunning views of Nagasaki Harbor. The garden is named after Thomas Glover, a Scottish merchant who played a major role in Japan's industrialization.
You can explore several preserved residences, including the Glover House (Japan's oldest wooden Western-style building), along with gardens filled with seasonal flowers. The site is especially beautiful during spring when thousands of roses bloom. This location inspired Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly," and you'll find a statue of the famous character here.
3. Take a Trip to Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)
Gunkanjima, officially known as Hashima Island, is one of Nagasaki's most unique attractions. This abandoned island was once a thriving coal mining facility and became completely deserted in 1974. From a distance, the island's silhouette resembles a battleship, hence its nickname.
Today, you can only visit Gunkanjima through authorized boat tours that depart from Nagasaki Port. These guided tours provide fascinating insights into the island's history and the lives of the thousands of workers who once lived there. The crumbling concrete buildings create an almost post-apocalyptic atmosphere that's both haunting and fascinating.
Many visitors book dedicated Gunkanjima tours or day trips from Nagasaki that include boat transportation and expert commentary. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was featured in the James Bond film "Skyfall."
4. Visit Mount Inasa for Spectacular Night Views
Mount Inasa offers one of the three best night views in Japan. The observation deck sits 333 meters above sea level and provides a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Nagasaki city and harbor.
You can reach the summit by ropeway, car, or bus. The ropeway journey itself is enjoyable, taking about 5 minutes with glass windows offering views throughout the ascent. While the night view is the main attraction, visiting during sunset lets you experience both daylight and nighttime vistas.
Practical Tips: The observation deck can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Arrive before sunset to secure a good spot. There's a restaurant at the top if you want to enjoy dinner with a view.
5. Stroll Through Dejima
Dejima is a fascinating fan-shaped artificial island that served as Japan's only window to the Western world during the country's 220-year period of isolation. Originally built in 1636, the Dutch traders were confined to this small island, where they conducted business with Japan.
Today, Dejima has been partially reconstructed to show what life was like during the Edo period. You can explore restored buildings, warehouses, and living quarters, all with informative displays and artifacts. Interactive exhibits help bring the history to life, making it interesting for all ages.
Practical Tips: Pick up the English audio guide for detailed explanations. The site is compact and can be covered in about an hour.
6. Experience Chinatown and Try Champon Noodles
Nagasaki's Chinatown (Shinchi Chinatown) is one of the oldest in Japan and is a vibrant area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and a cultural atmosphere. The neighborhood comes alive during the Lantern Festival in winter when thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets.
While you're here, you must try champon, Nagasaki's famous noodle dish. Unlike ramen, champon noodles are cooked directly in a rich, milky broth along with vegetables, seafood, and pork. It was invented in Nagasaki by a Chinese cook and remains a local favorite. Another local specialty to try is sara udon (crispy fried noodles with a savory sauce).
Practical Tips: Shikairo is one of the most famous restaurants for champon, but there are many excellent options throughout Chinatown. Expect to spend around 1,000-1,500 yen for a bowl.
7. Visit Sofukuji Temple
Sofukuji Temple is a beautiful Chinese Buddhist temple built in 1629 by Chinese residents of Nagasaki. The temple showcases Ming Dynasty architecture and is designated as a National Treasure of Japan. Its bright red buildings, curved roofs, and ornate details make it distinctly different from traditional Japanese temples.
The temple grounds are peaceful and less crowded than other tourist sites. The main hall contains a massive cauldron that was used to cook food during famines. Walking through the temple complex feels like stepping into China without leaving Japan.
Practical Tips: Admission is 300 yen. The Sofukuji Temple is within walking distance of other downtown attractions, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
8. Explore Megane Bridge
Megane Bridge, meaning "Spectacles Bridge," gets its name from the way its double-arch reflection in the water resembles a pair of eyeglasses. Built in 1634, it's Japan's oldest stone arch bridge and has become one of Nagasaki's most photographed landmarks.
The bridge spans the Nakashima River in a charming area perfect for a leisurely stroll. Along the riverbank, you'll find several other historic bridges and stone pathways. The area is especially pleasant during cherry blossom season. Look for the heart-shaped stone hidden among the riverbank rocks—legend says finding it brings good luck in love.
9. Discover Oura Church
Oura Church, officially known as Oura Cathedral, is Japan's oldest surviving Christian church and a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Built in 1864 by French missionaries, it was dedicated to the 26 Christian martyrs who were executed in Nagasaki in 1597.
The church's stunning stained-glass windows were made in France and create a beautiful atmosphere inside. The church holds special significance as the site where "hidden Christians" (who practiced Christianity in secret during the ban) revealed themselves after centuries of persecution.
Located near Glover Garden, many visitors explore both attractions in the same trip. Several Nagasaki walking tours include both locations, providing historical context that enriches the experience.
Practical Tips: Admission is 1,000 yen. Photography inside the church is not permitted. Combined tickets with Glover Garden are available.
10. Enjoy Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
Perfect for families and animal lovers, Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium specializes in—you guessed it—penguins! This unique facility houses nine different species of penguins, the most of any aquarium in the world. You can watch feeding times, see penguins swimming underwater through glass walls, and even observe them during their beach walk (seasonal).
The aquarium is smaller than major facilities like Osaka's Kaiyukan, but its focus on penguins makes it special. The staff are passionate and knowledgeable, offering informative presentations throughout the day. It's located a bit outside the city center, making it a nice half-day excursion.
Practical Tips: The aquarium is about 30 minutes from central Nagasaki by bus. Check feeding times when you arrive to plan your visit.
Discover the vibrant heart of Nagasaki in a 3-hour personalized walking tour led by a local guide.
11. Relax at Nagasaki's Hot Springs
After days of sightseeing, unwinding at one of Nagasaki's hot springs (onsen) is the perfect way to relax. While Nagasaki city itself doesn't have many natural hot springs, nearby areas like Obama Onsen and Unzen Onsen offer excellent options.
Obama Onsen, located about an hour from Nagasaki, is famous for having some of Japan's hottest spring water and offers seaside bathing experiences. Unzen Onsen is a mountain hot spring resort with sulfurous waters surrounded by volcanic landscapes. Many travelers book day trips from Nagasaki to these onsen areas, which often include lunch and multiple bathing experiences.
For those staying in the city, several hotels offer artificial hot spring baths with ocean views, providing a convenient alternative.
Practical Tips: Remember that most traditional onsen don't allow tattoos. Bring a small towel and familiarize yourself with onsen etiquette before visiting.
