The Best Things to Do in Nagasaki, Japan

After our time in Fukuoka, our Japan itinerary continued to Nagasaki, a city situated on the edge of Kyushu Island. Nagasaki’s unique history has shaped it into a city like no other in Japan, offering sights and experiences that feel distinctly different from the typical Japanese destinations. Only in Nagasaki can you visit Japan’s oldest Chinatown, explore a ghost town on an island, and end the day in a meticulously replicated Dutch village. Yet, despite its remarkable history and character, Nagasaki is often overlooked on standard tourist routes through Japan – a real shame.

Visiting Nagasaki gave us a glimpse into a lesser-known side of Japan, a side not often talked about but worth exploring. In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes Nagasaki one of the best places to visit in Kyushu and all of Japan. We’ll share the top things to do in Nagasaki, what to see, and how to experience the city in all its multifaceted glory.

Top Attractions in Nagasaki

Dejima Wharf

Nagasaki’s port was originally established by the Portuguese in the 16th century and soon became Japan’s sole hub for international trade from the 16th to the 19th centuries. After the Portuguese, the Dutch joined the trade, and even when Japan entered its era of isolation, Nagasaki remained its only open gateway to the world. This long period of international influence has shaped the city’s culture, religion, and architecture, making Nagasaki the most Westernized city in Japan.

The charming retro tram system is not the only surprise in Nagasaki; you’ll also encounter Christian cathedrals and colonial architecture. Here are colonial neighborhoods with some of the best spots for sightseeing in Nagasaki.

Start at Dejima Wharf, once a closed settlement for Dutch traders, now a historic waterfront area that offers insight into this unique period of Nagasaki’s history. Here, you’ll find two-story houses that belonged to merchants, blending Dutch and Japanese architectural styles. Be sure to take a moment to read the plaques explaining the origins of these structures.

A short walk up the Dutch Slope feels like stepping further away from Japan as European-style buildings with wrap-around verandas and cobblestoned squares begin to dominate the landscape. One of the highlights here is Oura Cathedral, built in 1853. This Gothic-style church is the oldest in Japan and is known for being the first Western building in the country to be recognized as a National Treasure. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

End your tour at Glover Garden, a park built for Scottish merchant Thomas Glover, a key figure in Japan’s industrialization. The park features several mansions, some relocated from other areas, but the Glover Residence is the main attraction. This beautiful building combines British and Japanese elements, while the surrounding gardens offer stunning panoramic views of Nagasaki Harbor. Touring the well-preserved rooms, you can imagine what life was like for Western merchants in Nagasaki.

For a more immersive experience, take a day trip to Huis Ten Bosch, located just an hour away. This meticulously crafted theme park replicates an eponymous royal palace in The Hague, Netherlands, complete with canals, flower beds, and historic buildings, all constructed to scale. Riding a bike through the park feels like a surreal trip to the Netherlands – an authentic escape without leaving Japan. Unlike some replicas found elsewhere, such as China’s imitation of Paris, Huis Ten Bosch doesn’t feel like a copy.

China Town District

While the Dutch played a significant role in shaping Nagasaki’s cultural landscape, the Chinese were also pivotal, having established Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown – the oldest Chinatown in Japan. Originally an island, this district remains one of the best places to experience Nagasaki’s food scene. Don’t miss local favorites like chanpon and sara udon, two Chinese-influenced dishes that have become staples in the area.

After sampling the local cuisine, head to the Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China. The shrine grounds are peaceful, with stone bridges, koi ponds, and statues of Confucius’ disciples. The museum showcases Chinese relics, including photographs of the Silk Road and models of Chinese inventions. Another notable site is the Fukusaiji Temple, a Chinese Buddhist temple in the shape of a giant turtle originally built to promote Buddhism over Christianity. After its destruction during WWII, it was rebuilt to commemorate the victims of the atomic bomb. Every day at 11:02, the time of the explosion, a bell rings to honor those who lost their lives.

Another historical gem is Meganebashi, or “Spectacles Bridge,” built in 1634 by Chinese monks of Kofukuji Temple, the first temple of Nagasaki, it’s said to be the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan. The quirky name comes from the reflection of its two arches in the river below, creating an image that resembles a pair of glasses. You can take a stroll right next to the clear water, watch the koi fish and turtles swim, and hunt for heart-shaped stones scattered in the wall around the bridge. According to the local legend, rubbing as many as you can find will increase your chances of love and good fortune.

Atomic Bomb Museum

Nagasaki’s devastation during WWII is a poignant part of its history. Along with Hiroshima, which we also visited on our Japan itinerary, Nagasaki was the target of an atomic bomb. But unlike Hiroshima, Nagasaki has largely rebuilt itself, though the memory of that tragic day remains. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum and Memorial sites is not so much an attraction but a history lesson worth taking.

The Atomic Bomb Museum recounts the harrowing events and consequences of August 9, 1945, through photographs, artifacts, and firsthand accounts. The museum’s mission is not only to educate visitors about the horrors of nuclear warfare but also to advocate for a world free of weapons of mass destruction. Nearby, the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall honors the victims with statues and peace cranes – a symbol of hope and resilience. At the Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Monument, you can stand at the exact spot where the bomb was dropped. Just a short walk away is Peace Park, adorned with peace crane garlands, and Urakami Cathedral, which was mostly destroyed in the bombing but houses remnants of its original structure, including the damaged head of the Virgin Mary.

Further from the hypocenter, visit the Sanno Shrine, where the stone One-Legged Torii Gate still stands, a testament to the force of the explosion. In the shrine’s entrance, two Giant Camphor Trees serve as symbols of Nagasaki’s rebirth; though initially thought dead, they miraculously sprouted leaves not long after the bombing.

Mount Inasa

One of the top tourist attractions in Nagasaki is Mount Inasa, not so much for the mountain itself but for the breathtaking views it offers. Rising 1,092 feet above the city, Mount Inasa is one of the top three viewpoints in Japan. The panoramic vista of Nagasaki Bay is best admired at sunset, and as darkness falls, the twinkling lights of the city create a mesmerizing nightscape. The viewing platform is easily accessible by cable car, making it a must-see for any visit to Nagasaki.

Abandoned Islands

You are probably familiar with modern Japan, ancient Japan, and cherry blossom-decorated Japan. But Nagasaki’s abandoned islands reveal a completely different side you probably haven’t seen before. If you are drawn to eerie places, you’ll love exploring Hashima Island, also known as Gunkanjima or “Battleship Island” due to its shape. Once a busy coal mining facility, Hashima was the most densely populated island on Earth with 5,267 residents in its heyday. When the mine closed, the island was abandoned, leaving behind a haunting silhouette of concrete ruins. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hashima can only be visited on guided tours, where you’ll witness the stark remains of a once-thriving community.

For an equally eerie yet distinct experience, head to Ikeshima Island, which is semi-abandoned. Out of the former 8,000 residents, only about 100 remain, coexisting with a growing population of stray cats. Unlike Hashima’s bare concrete landscape, Ikeshima is overgrown with greenery, giving it a different kind of post-apocalyptic feel. This island can be reached by ferry, and you are free to explore at your own pace.

Arita Porcelain Park

If you thought this side of Kyushu Island had no more surprises, think again. Just an hour away from Nagasaki lies Arita Porcelain Park, dedicated to the fine art of Japanese porcelain. The park features an unexpected attraction – a full-sized reconstruction of Germany’s Zwinger Palace, a masterpiece of 18th-century Baroque architecture located in Dresden. The park highlights the influence of Arita Porcelain on European design, and you can not only admire the stunning collections but also participate in crafting your own porcelain pieces. It’s the perfect place to create a unique souvenir.

Nagasaki is a multifaceted city. From its fascinating blend of cultures to its sobering history, this top place to visit in Japan offers an experience that is as educational as it is unforgettable. Which Nagasaki attraction surprised you the most?