Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Nagasaki, Japan

Nagasaki is recognized as one of two cities in Japan that encountered atomic bombings during World War II, and numerous significant attractions in the city are connected to this challenging period in the country’s history.

The atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki following the initial bombing of Hiroshima. Visitors can explore museums and monuments that narrate the experiences of survivors and honor those who lost their lives.

In addition to these historical sites, Nagasaki also showcases remnants from the era of significant Dutch influence, complete with canals and windmills, which reflect a unique aspect of this region of Japan.

Moreover, Nagasaki boasts some of the finest street food and local specialties in Japan, allowing visitors to indulge in the culinary vibrancy of this remarkable city.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Nagasaki:

1. Visit Huis Ten Bosch

Many travelers to Nagasaki may not be well-versed in its Dutch heritage. However, the Netherlands had significant connections to this area through historical trade agreements, which can be observed at Huis Ten Bosch.

This attraction operates as an open-air museum, featuring replicas of the homes and structures built during the so-called ‘Dutch Golden Age,’ including a model of the city hall, various mills, canal houses, and striking towers.

Consequently, this site represents a slice of the Netherlands located in Japan, making it a worthwhile destination in its own right.

2. Admire Oura Cathedral

For a distinctive experience in Nagasaki, consider visiting Oura Cathedral, a Catholic church established in 1886 by French missionaries.

This cathedral holds the distinction of being the oldest church of its kind in Japan and was constructed during a time when Christianity was suppressed throughout the country.

Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, signifying its cultural and architectural significance in Japan.

3. Try the street food

Nagasaki has established itself as a premier destination for delectable street food, with numerous dishes to sample in the local Chinatown area.

Notable offerings include kakuni-manju, a marinated pork cutlet encased in a steamed bun, and ebichiriman, a similar dish but featuring shrimp.

Additionally, sweet options such as marakao, a steamed cake flavored with chestnuts or chocolate, are also available.

4. Visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Nagasaki is indelibly tied to the events of the atomic bombing, and one of the key reflections of this history is the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. This museum provides an in-depth exploration of this somber chapter in the city’s narrative.

Exhibits include photographs, personal items, clothing, furniture, and other artifacts collected from the aftermath, along with survivor testimonies presented in various galleries.

5. Visit the penguins at Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is situated approximately 30 minutes from the city center and features a large number of penguins visible through underwater viewing tanks, allowing you to observe their swimming antics.

Special feeding times occur during weekends, providing an exciting opportunity for children and families to interact with the penguins.

The aquarium also houses various marine species, including catfish, and offers a small beach area for a relaxing day outdoors.

6. Visit Dejima

Dejima is a historically significant island in Nagasaki Harbour formed in 1641, when foreign nationals were required to reside there. Consequently, it became the hub for Dutch trading companies.

Today, visitors can find numerous model buildings from that era, alongside miniature replicas illustrating its historical landscape. This area is recognized as the Dejima Museum, celebrating its vibrant past.

7. Check out the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum

For an insight into Nagasaki’s art scene, visit the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, which overlooks the harbor.

The museum features a variety of static exhibitions showcasing regional artwork as well as rotating galleries presenting pieces from around the globe.

A rooftop garden is also accessible to guests, providing breathtaking views throughout the city.

8. Take a boat ride to Iojima

For those seeking a beach experience, a boat trip from Nagasaki Harbour to Iojima is highly recommended.

The journey lasts approximately 15 minutes, leading you to a delightful island where you can enjoy sun, sand, and sea.

Hot springs are also available, making this an ideal spot for relaxation away from the city.

9. Walk through Shinchi Chinatown

Shinchi Chinatown holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest Chinatown, with origins tracing back to the 15th century when Chinese sailors settled in the region.

Chinese merchants soon followed suit, transforming the area into a culinary haven for Chinese cuisine and goods, a tradition that persists today.

Exploring this vibrant area offers a different perspective on Nagasaki, along with delicious street food options to savor.

10. Check out Urakami Cathedral

Urakami Cathedral was rebuilt following its destruction during the atomic bombing in Nagasaki and was once recognized as the largest church in Asia.

The cathedral is well-known for housing a statue of the Virgin Mary, which suffered damage during the bombing, leading to a local legend that it cries as a tribute to the devastation experienced by the city.

11. Climb Mount Inasa

For breathtaking panoramic views of Nagasaki, a visit to Mount Inasa is essential.

Those interested in night views can discover the attraction known as the ‘10 Million Dollar View,’ often cited as one of Japan’s premier nighttime vistas.

Visitors can opt to ride a ropeway to the summit or choose to hike up if they prefer a more active experience.

12. Check out the Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival held annually during the Lunar New Year in January or February has roots in the Chinese community of Nagasaki.

Attendees can visit Chinatown to experience the festivities firsthand, with over 20,000 lanterns typically displayed along the river, often depicting animals or human figures.

13. Go on a walking tour

Experiencing Nagasaki through a walking tour offers an authentic insight into the city from the perspective of local residents.

If visiting between March and June, consider scheduling a tour with companies such as Saruku-Chan to learn about the region’s history while enjoying the cherry blossoms.

These tours are available in both English and Japanese, combining cultural exploration with physical activity.

14. Travel to Gunkanjima

Gunkanjima, commonly referred to as “Battleship Island,” is notable for its partially abandoned status.

The island has been uninhabited since the 1970s, and ferry rides allow guests to explore the eerie remnants of the former mining town that once thrived here.

Serving as a community primarily for Korean workers, Gunkanjima is filled with poignant memories, and guided walking tours shed light on its historical significance.

15. Try the castella

The local delicacy known as castella is a scrumptious steamed sponge cake that originated from Portuguese influences in the past.

This cake is steamed and commonly flavored with matcha, honey, or chestnuts, rendering it an exquisite treat that visitors should not miss out on during their stay.

16. Visit the Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan

The Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan serves as a museum and monument honoring 26 missionaries and Christians who were crucified here in the 1600s, later recognized as saints in the 19th century.

Though it may not be among the largest museums in Nagasaki, it features several galleries that showcase Christian artifacts and historical memorabilia, including letters from the era of Saint Francis Xavier.

For those interested in religious history, this site represents a compelling visit in Japan.

17. Try the local specialties

Nagasaki is renowned for its culinary scene, so it’s essential to sample some of the local specialties during your visit, namely champon.

This local dish comprises noodles in a pork broth, topped with bacons, seafood, and vibrant vegetables.

Further culinary delights include saraudon, made from crisp-fried dry noodles served with meat and seafood.

18. Walk around Glover Garden

Glover Garden encompasses a collection of residences once inhabited by European diplomats and foreign workers during the late 19th century.

This splendid destination provides an opportunity to explore the lifestyle of the era following the Meiji Restoration.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll down to Nagasaki Harbour, which offers stunning views across the water.

19. Have a drink at the Tenjin Coffeehouse

Tenjin Coffeehouse is a revered establishment in Nagasaki, particularly for those visiting Glover Garden.

As one of the city’s oldest coffeehouses, it provides an excellent ambiance for savoring delicious local brews while observing Dutch coffee-making apparatus on display.

For an ideal experience, consider exploring Glover Garden before unwinding with a cozy cup of coffee.

20. Visit Koshibyo Confucius Shrine

Koshibyo Confucius Shrine holds the distinction of being the only Confucian shrine situated outside mainland China, constructed in 1893. It is part of a more extensive museum detailing the history of the Chinese community in Nagasaki.

If you have an interest in this historical period, a visit here provides valuable insights into this unique aspect of Japan.

21. Tour the Oka Masaharu Memorial Nagasaki Peace Museum

Nagasaki is home to several museums commemorating the victims of the atomic bombing, one of which is the Oka Masaharu Memorial Nagasaki Peace Museum.

This museum highlights the stories of foreign victims and includes galleries addressing Japanese war crimes during World War II, a notable subject within the country.

Its proximity to the Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan allows for an enriching dual visit.

22. Try the Turkish Rice

While Nagasaki is famous for its traditional cuisine, one unexpected local dish is Turkish Rice, named for its Turkish culinary inspiration.

This unique dish features a pork cutlet served atop rice mixed with dry curry and, somewhat surprisingly, accompanied by spaghetti.

Although it may sound unusual, locals rave about its flavor, and you can experience this dish at Tsuru-chan, recognized as the first Turkish Rice restaurant in Nagasaki since its establishment in 1925.

23. Check out the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Hall

The Nagasaki Peace Memorial Hall, positioned adjacent to the Atomic Bomb Museum, includes a memorial painted by Japanese artist Kuryu Akira in 2003.

This hall features a collection of inscriptions of victims’ names etched into the walls and a significant water basin.

Furthermore, visitors can explore a grand hall containing 12 glass pillars filled with books inscribed with the names of all those who perished in the atomic bombing.

24. Visit Suwa-jinja

Suwa-jinja, established in 162, is a serene shrine set on a picturesque hill overlooking Nagasaki.

Accessing the shrine involves a series of staircases, providing stunning views of the cityscape once reached.

This shrine is recognized for its intricate sculptures, featuring guardian dog statues known as komainu, as well as mythical water sprites called kappa komainu.

One of the more unusual sculptures is the gankake komainu, a statue that historically served as a site of prayer by sex workers hoping for storms to delay sailors’ departures.

25. Walk through the Peace Park

Nagasaki’s Peace Park is dedicated to the memory of the 40,000 individuals who perished due to the atomic bombing, marking the precise location where the bomb was detonated.

The park houses the Peace Museum and memorial hall, offering a poignant opportunity to delve into this historical event.

Surrounded by tranquility, the park is especially serene in the afternoon, providing an ideal setting to reflect on the dignity and beauty of this somber reference point in Japan’s past.