Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
During Japan's era of isolation (roughly 1639–1850s), the Dutch trading post on the artificial island of Dejima and a Chinese merchant quarter made Nagasaki the country's main point of contact with the West and China. The city's hidden Christian communities and churches are recognised as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On 9 August 1945, an atomic bomb destroyed the Urakami district north of the centre. The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum are essential, sobering visits.
Neighbourhoods & areas
Urakami
The hypocentre area with the Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Memorial Hall and the rebuilt Urakami Cathedral.
Dejima & Shinchi Chinatown
The reconstructed Dutch trading post and one of Japan's main Chinatowns, close to the central tram lines.
Minamiyamate & Oura
Hillside Western residences at Glover Garden, the Oura Cathedral and Dutch Slope.
Hamanomachi & Shianbashi
Central shopping arcades and the main nightlife district.
Top sights & experiences
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
Artefacts, testimonies and history of the bombing and its aftermath; allow at least 1.5 hours.
Peace Park
The Peace Statue and memorial fountains; a ceremony is held every 9 August.
Dejima
Reconstructed buildings of the Dutch trading post with exhibits on trade and daily life.
Glover Garden
Hillside garden with 19th-century Western houses, including that of Scottish merchant Thomas Glover, and harbour views.
Oura Cathedral
Japan's oldest surviving church building (1864), a National Treasure.
Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)
An abandoned coal-mining island reached by boat tours; landings depend on sea conditions. Part of a UNESCO site.
Mt Inasa night view
Ropeway to a summit observatory whose view of the harbour city is among Japan's best-known night views.
What to eat
Champon
Noodles in a rich pork-and-chicken broth loaded with seafood and vegetables.
Sara udon
Crispy fried noodles topped with a thick seafood-and-vegetable sauce.
Castella
A sponge cake introduced via Portuguese trade, sold by long-established bakeries.
Toruko rice
A 'Turkish rice' platter of pilaf, spaghetti and tonkatsu with curry sauce.
Where to stay by budget
Budget
Business hotels around Nagasaki Station and Shianbashi.
Mid-range
Chain hotels near the station, Dejima or the waterfront.
Luxury
Hillside hotels with harbour views; some near Mt Inasa.
Rough nightly ranges: hostels and capsule hotels often run a few thousand yen per person; business hotels commonly ¥8,000–¥20,000 per room; upscale hotels and ryokan can be far higher, especially in peak seasons. See our accommodation guide.
Getting there
Since 2022 the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen links Takeo-Onsen and Nagasaki. From Hakata (Fukuoka), take the Relay Kamome limited express to Takeo-Onsen and change across the platform — about 1.5 hours in total. Highway buses from Fukuoka take around 2.5 hours. Nagasaki Airport is about 45 minutes by bus.
Getting around
Nagasaki's tram network is cheap and covers almost all sights; one-day passes are available. The city is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes. A free shuttle runs from near the centre to the Mt Inasa ropeway at night.
Day trips & side trips
Huis Ten Bosch
A Dutch-themed resort with gardens and illuminations, about 1.5 hours by train.
Unzen
A volcanic hot spring area with steaming 'hells' and hiking, around 1.5–2 hours by bus.
Shimabara
Castle town with carp-filled canals and samurai houses.
Fukuoka
Kyushu's biggest city, known for yatai food stalls. See our Fukuoka guide.
Best time to visit
The Nagasaki Lantern Festival lights the city with thousands of Chinese lanterns around Lunar New Year (late January to February). The Kunchi Festival (7–9 October) features dragon dances and floats. Summers are hot and humid; typhoons can affect boat tours in late summer and early autumn.
Local tips
- Book Gunkanjima tours in advance and accept that landings can be cancelled due to waves.
- Get a one-day tram pass — almost every sight is on the tram network.
- The night view from Mt Inasa is best on clear nights; dress warmly in winter.
- The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum are best visited in the morning.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: