Where to Stay in Nagasaki - Best Areas and Hotel Picks
2026/03/27
Named one of the New York Times' 52 places to go in 2026, Nagasaki feels different from other Japanese cities. The hills, the harbor views, the layers of Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese influence—it's a place where history shows up around every corner and where you stay shapes what you'll see first thing each morning.
The good news is that Nagasaki is compact enough that no neighborhood is a bad choice. This guide walks you through the main areas, from the convenience of Nagasaki Station to the atmospheric streets around Glover Garden, so you can pick the base that fits your travel style.
For convenience, stay near Nagasaki Station if you want easy transport access, or in the Shinchi Chinatown area if dining and sightseeing are your priorities. Nagasaki is compact and walkable, with a tram system that connects every major attraction. Your choice of neighborhood comes down to what you want outside your door when you wake up.
The tram runs frequently and reaches nearly every attraction within 15-20 minutes from any central neighborhood. Because of this, location matters less in Nagasaki than in larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Pick the neighborhood that matches your travel style, and the tram will handle the rest.
The station area works well as a base for first-time visitors. You'll find modern hotels, the Amu Plaza shopping center, and direct access to the tram network that spreads across the city. If you're arriving by train or planning day trips to places like Shimabara or Huis Ten Bosch, staying here cuts down on morning commute time.
This hotel connects directly to the station building, which makes it particularly convenient if you're traveling with luggage or using a JR Pass. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and you're steps away from restaurants, convenience stores, and the tram stop.
Hotel Forza sits near the station and is known for smart room features like tablet controls and a breakfast spread that highlights local Nagasaki dishes. It's a reliable mid-range choice with consistent quality across the chain.
The main draw here is the on-site onsen, a Japanese hot spring bath where you can soak after a day of walking. Dormy Inn also offers complimentary late-night ramen, which has become a signature perk of the chain. If you want the station's convenience plus a place to unwind, this is a solid pick.
Dejima centers on a restored 17th-century Dutch trading post, one of Nagasaki's most distinctive historical sites. For about 200 years, this artificial island was Japan's only window to the Western world during the country's period of isolation. The location puts you within walking distance of Chinatown, the waterfront, and several key attractions.
With European-style architecture that nods to the area's Dutch heritage, Hotel Monterey offers harbor views and a charming atmosphere. It sits directly across from the Dejima historical site, so you can visit first thing in the morning before the crowds arrive.
S Peria is a reliable mid-range option with clean, modern rooms and good value for its central location. You're a short walk from the Dejima tram stop and the historical attraction itself. The hotel doesn't have the character of Hotel Monterey, but the price point is lower, and the location is equally convenient.
Japan's oldest Chinatown is a paradise for food lovers. The narrow streets are packed with restaurants serving Nagasaki's signature dishes—champon, a hearty noodle soup, and sara udon, crispy noodles topped with thick gravy and vegetables. After dinner, you'll find plenty of bars and izakayas within walking distance.
The standout feature is the rooftop "sky spa" with panoramic city views from open-air baths. Located on the edge of Chinatown, you'll have immediate access to the area's best restaurants. The rooms are modern and comfortable, though not particularly spacious.
Another Dormy Inn with on-site onsen, though this location puts you in the heart of the dining and nightlife scene rather than near the station. Same amenities, different neighborhood energy. If you want to stumble back to your hotel after a late dinner, this is the more convenient of the two Dormy Inn locations.
Tip: The Shinbashi entertainment district sits adjacent to Chinatown. If nightlife matters to you, book in this area.
The northern part of the city is home to Nagasaki's atomic bomb historical sites, including the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. The neighborhood has a quieter, more residential feel compared to downtown. Staying here makes sense if visiting the memorial sites is your main priority and you prefer a calmer atmosphere in the evenings.
An established hotel near the Peace Park with spacious rooms and reliable service. Tram access makes it easy to reach other areas of the city, though you'll be a bit removed from the main dining and nightlife districts.
APA is a well-known Japanese business hotel chain that offers compact but efficient rooms at lower price points. The quality is consistent across locations, so you know what to expect. It's a practical choice if you're watching your budget and don't plan to spend much time in your room.
This hillside neighborhood is famous for preserved Western-style historic homes and sweeping harbor views. The area was developed in the late 1800s when foreign merchants settled here, and many of their homes still stand. It's best for couples and travelers who prioritize atmosphere over pure convenience, since the location involves uphill walking.
A boutique property with a romantic setting right next to Glover Garden. The restaurant is well-regarded, and the views are excellent. However, you'll want comfortable shoes for the uphill approach, and getting to other parts of the city takes a bit more effort.
Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, this upscale hotel offers luxurious rooms with private balconies and stunning bay views. It's set away from the main tourist cluster, which provides a tranquil retreat but also means you'll rely on taxis or the tram to reach restaurants and attractions.
Huis Ten Bosch is a large Dutch-themed amusement park located outside Nagasaki city, about 75-90 minutes by train. Staying in this area only makes sense if the theme park is your main priority. Otherwise, you're better off basing yourself in central Nagasaki and visiting as a day trip.
Hotel Nikko Huis Ten Bosch: Premium option with European-themed grounds and direct park access
Watermark Hotel Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch: Mid-range alternative along the canals with shuttle service to the park entrance
Huis Ten Bosch Forest Villa: Private cottage-style villas in a forest setting, a good fit for families or groups wanting more space
Nagasaki is compact and easy to navigate. The key to convenience is staying near a tram stop, which most central hotels are.
The streetcar system, operating since 1915, covers all major tourist areas on a simple flat-fare system. You pay the same amount regardless of distance, and an IC card makes payment seamless—just tap and ride. A day pass offers unlimited rides and excellent value for a full day of sightseeing, letting you hop on and off without thinking about individual fares.
Flat fare: Around ¥140 per ride
Day pass: Around ¥600 for unlimited rides
Coverage: Peace Park, Dejima, Chinatown, Glover Garden, and the station area
Nagasaki is very walkable, though it's also famously hilly. The station, Dejima, and Chinatown areas are relatively flat and easy to walk between, often taking 10-15 minutes. Neighborhoods like Glover Garden and Minami-Yamate require climbing steep slopes, so comfortable shoes are essential if you're staying or visiting there.
Your ideal length of stay depends on what you want to see and how you like to travel.
1-2 days: Enough for Nagasaki's top attractions like Peace Park, Dejima, and Glover Garden
2-3 days: Allows a more relaxed pace plus a half-day trip to Gunkanjima Island
4+ days: Time for multiple-day trips and slower exploration of the city's neighborhoods
Most travelers find two nights hits the sweet spot, giving you enough time to cover a full two-day itinerary without feeling rushed, and you can add a day trip if something catches your interest.
Now that you know where to stay, you can start putting together your trip. Trip To Japan offers hotel booking across Nagasaki and other destinations, letting you combine hotels, tours, and your JR Pass in one itinerary. For personalized help, book a free consultation with one of our Japan travel experts.
