2-Day Nagasaki City Itinerary: From a Multicultural Hub to a Leading Advocate of Peace

About Nagasaki Prefecture

Nagasaki is the westernmost prefecture on Kyushu, one of Japan’s four main islands. It has long been a window to Japan, and once acted as the only international port during the country’s isolationist period (1641-1858), receiving mainly Dutch and Chinese traders whose cultures have left lasting impressions on the local landscape and society. It was also a Japanese hub for Christianity, hosting European missionaries between the 16th and 17th centuries. Although the religion was banned in the early 17th century and subsequently suppressed, Nagasaki remains a historic center of Christianity in Japan.

In more recent history, the prefecture has become a leading proponent for peace in Japan, having suffered a catastrophic atomic bomb attack during World War II. With multiple memorials and facilities that recount the tragedy and allow visitors to reflect on the importance of peace, Nagasaki offers learning opportunities beyond many typical Japanese sightseeing activities and spots.

How to Get to Nagasaki City

Nagasaki Station is the main gateway to the prefecture, and it is serviced by both local lines and the shinkansen. Nagasaki Prefecture also has Nagasaki Airport, which hosts both domestic and international flights, but it is not in Nagasaki City and is about a 1-hour bus ride from Nagasaki Station. Even so, given the prefecture’s distance from the main island of Honshu, it may be more favorable to fly into Nagasaki Airport from Tokyo or Kansai instead.

Although in this article we’ll be focusing on sightseeing in Nagasaki City, you can check out this article for more travel ideas around Nagasaki Prefecture!

How to Get to Nagasaki From Tokyo

By train: Take the shinkansen for about 5 hours until Hakata Station. From Hakata, take the Relay Kamome line for about 1 hour to Takeo-onsen Station, then transfer to another shinkansen and ride for about half an hour until Nagasaki Station.

By plane: Take a plane for around 2 hours from Haneda or Narita Airport to Nagasaki Airport. From there, take a bus to Nagasaki Station (40 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the type of bus).

How to Get to Nagasaki From Kyoto

By train: Take the shinkansen for about 3 hours from Kyoto Station to Hakata Station. From Hakata, take the Relay Kamome line for about 1 hour to Takeo-onsen Station, then transfer to another shinkansen and ride for about half an hour until Nagasaki Station.

By plane: Travel around 1 hour to Itami Airport or 1.5 hours to Kansai International Airport. From there, take an around 1.5-hour flight to Nagasaki Airport. Then take a bus to Nagasaki Station (40 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the type of bus).

How to Get to Nagasaki From Osaka

By train: Take the shinkansen for about 2.5 hours from Shin-Osaka Station to Hakata Station. From Hakata, take the Relay Kamome line for about 1 hour to Takeo-onsen Station, then transfer to another shinkansen and ride for about half an hour until Nagasaki Station.

By plane: From Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport, take a 1.5-hour flight to Nagasaki Airport. From there, take a bus to Nagasaki Station (40 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the type of bus).

How to Get to Nagasaki From Fukuoka

By train: It takes about one and a half hours to reach Nagasaki Station from Hakata Station.

By bus: It takes about two and a half hours to reach Nagasaki Station on the Kyushu Kyuko Bus from Hakata Bus Terminal or the international terminal of Fukuoka Airport.

Nagasaki Itinerary Day 1 – Witness a Blend of International Cultures

Glover Garden

Access: Approx. 10-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride from Nagasaki Station

Atop a hill that overlooks Nagasaki Port stands the former residence of the Scottish merchant Thomas Glover, which was built in 1863 and is now the oldest surviving Western-style building in Japan. The residence, its garden, and several other historical Western-style buildings that were moved to this area are collectively called “Glover Garden,” making up a unique little neighborhood that contrasts with traditional Japanese scenery.

The flowers are meticulously maintained, with the colorful blossoms carefully arranged in a Western-style garden layout. The grounds are also filled with greenery, and the location’s vantage point boasts panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. The Former Glover House, which is a designated World Heritage Site as part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining," as well as several other buildings, can be toured, offering insight into the daily lives of international residents over 150 years ago.

Oura Cathedral

Access: Approx. 5-minute walk from Glover Garden

Oura Cathedral is one of the most famous religious structures in Nagasaki, standing as a haven for Christians in the prefecture since its construction in 1859. The church was dedicated to 26 Catholics who were martyred in Nagasaki in the late 16th century and canonised in 1862. While first acting as a church for foreign worshipers, it also became a sanctuary for hidden Christians in the region who gradually reappeared in the latter half of the 19th century after centuries of hiding by revealing their faith to the Father at the church.

The current facade was finalized in 1879, after being renovated to accommodate the increasing number of service attendees. Said to be one of the oldest existing churches in Japan, the cathedral showcases solemn architecture with classical furnishings, adornments, and even stained glass. It was designated as a National Treasure in 1953, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018 as part of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.”

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

Access: Approx. 15-minute walk from Oura Cathedral

Though Japan was in its isolationist period, trade with China flourished during the Edo period (1603 - 1868), and thus, Chinese merchants and settlers needed a place to stay. As the Chinese did not face as tough restrictions as the Europeans at the time, there was actually quite a large Chinese population in Nagasaki, said to have even reached around 10,000 people. Though Chinatown’s current location was once used to hold Chinese boats, the warehouses and settlement were abandoned following the Meiji Restoration in the latter part of the 19th century. The local Chinese residents subsequently moved into the area, creating what is now known as one of Japan’s top three Chinatowns.

The four massive gates standing at the north, south, east, and west entrances to Chinatown were made by Chinese craftsmen with materials imported from Fuzhou. Passing through these impressive structures leads visitors to lively streets lined with restaurants and shops. The neighborhood is filled with Chinese-style buildings and decorations that will make you forget that you are currently in Japan.

Lunch at Chinatown

With such a plethora of delicious restaurants to choose from, one would be remiss not to stop and enjoy a sumptuous meal at one of the local eateries. Chinatown hosts both sit-down establishments and windows that offer handheld bites that can be enjoyed along the streets, letting you pick the type that better fits your tastes and pace. You can also find several beloved delicacies that have emerged from Nagasaki’s unique blend of cultures.

One of the most famous local delicacies is Nagasaki champon. Believed to have been created by a local Chinese chef at the end of the 19th century, this hearty noodle dish features a creamy broth made from chicken and pork bones and is topped with generous helpings of vegetables and seafood. Another popular Nagasaki noodle dish is sara udon, which has a thick sauce topping filled with seafood and vegetables, and can have either regular soft or crispy noodles. Both of these can be found at numerous restaurants around Chinatown.

Dejima

Access: Approx. 10-minute walk from Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

Dejima is an artificial island that was built in 1636 to confine Portuguese residents of Nagasaki, though they were banned from Japan only a few years later, leaving the island unoccupied for a couple of years. However, the Dutch, who were Protestant, were still allowed to trade with Japan, though their outpost in Hirado, Nagasaki was destroyed in 1640 and moved to Dejima in 1641. Although they were allowed to remain in Japan, the Dutch still faced strict restrictions and were confined to the island, with only a little more than a dozen living there at a time.

While once only connected by a single bridge, Dejima is now attached to the mainland, allowing visitors to come and go freely (a stark 180 from the original purpose of Dejima!). The buildings showcase a unique blend of Japanese and Western architecture, with many having undergone renovation or been reconstructed to showcase their regal facades. Several are also open to the public, including the impressive Dutch Chief Factor’s Residence, which boasts elegant Western furnishings and even wallpaper, offset by traditional tatami mat flooring.

Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture

Access: Approx. 20-minute walk from Dejima

Honoring Nagasaki’s important status as a historical gateway to Japan, the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture offers informative and insightful exhibitions that illustrate the region’s fascinating past of trade and intercultural exchange. The permanent exhibition features two zones: the “Historical and Cultural Zone” and the “Japanese Government of Nagasaki Zone,” the former of which focuses on Nagasaki’s centuries of international trade, starting from the 16th century. 

The latter zone reflects the history of the space the museum currently occupies, which was the site of the Nagasaki Magistrate’s Tateyama Office. The exhibits include artifacts and other materials that showcase the history and duties of the office, and there are also recreated rooms that help visitors envision the atmosphere of the government facility when it was in operation, including a reconstruction of the Magistrate’s Office. For an even more immersive experience, on Sundays, the museum hosts skits reenacting interrogations in an Edo-period-style court.

Suwa Shrine

Access: Approx. 10-minute walk from Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture

Suwa Shrine stands as a reminder of the prefecture’s tumultuous religious history, as it was rebuilt during a time when, along with the persecution and suppression of Christianity, many temples and shrines in the region had also been destroyed. The current shrine’s history dates back to 1625, during which it was a local religious representative and also acted as a political symbol, showcasing the government’s attitude towards counteracting Christianity. After a fire burned down most of the shrine in 1857, it was rebuilt in 1869, and further construction in 1984 and 1994 shaped the shrine’s current facade.

Although Nagasaki is arguably more famous for the international influence visible around the city, this shrine is a solemn emblem of traditional Japanese religion and culture. The vast grounds hold several impressive wooden buildings, including the majestic main hall that features distinguished architecture and golden accents. In addition to the structures, the precincts are home to beautiful nature that envelops the shrine in a peaceful atmosphere, including a weeping cherry tree that blooms at the end of April to the beginning of May.

Dinner at Nagasaki Shippoku Hamakatsu

Access: Approx. 10-minute taxi ride or 20-minute walk from Suwa Shrine

“Shippoku-ryori” is a cuisine that blends Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch elements, reflecting Nagasaki’s unique history and culture. Although its exact origins are unclear, it is believed to have been created by Chinese locals during the Edo period, with one theory suggesting that it branched off from a type of “shojin ryori” (Buddhist cuisine). It features an array of dishes placed around a table and eaten family-style. 

Nagasaki Shippoku Hamakatsu serves mouthwatering shippoku courses, highlighting a multitude of flavors that draw inspiration from the cuisine’s multicultural roots. From fan-favorite staples such as braised pork to seasonal dishes that utilize local ingredients, everything is impeccably plated, making it both a feast for the stomach and eyes. With a traditional-style interior and red tabletops, the ambiance sets the final touches for a meal that highlights the charms of Nagasaki.

Stay at Hotel New Nagasaki

Access: Approx. 10-minute taxi ride or 20-minute walk from Nagasaki Shippoku Hamakatsu

Located right by Nagasaki Station, Hotel New Nagasaki is well equipped to offer guests an enjoyable and comfortable stay. It holds both Western and Japanese-style rooms, as well as rooms that blend the two styles, all of which are stocked with basic amenities and toiletries. The Japanese and Japanese-Western-style rooms feature tatami mat flooring, boasting a classical atmosphere that emphasizes traditional aesthetics.

Day 2 – Reflect on the Tragedy of War and the Importance of Peace

Sanno Shrine

Access: Approx. 15-minute bus ride from Hotel New Nagasaki

Sanno Shrine’s history can be traced back to the 17th century, and it has occupied its current location since 1652. Located only 800 or so meters from the hypocenter of the atomic bomb blast that devastated Nagasaki at 11:02 am on August 9, 1945, the shrine was leveled along with much of the city. All that survived was the shrine path and half the torii gate, which remained standing on a single pillar. 

While many of the shrine’s structures have been rebuilt following the war, the torii gate has been kept on its single leg, acting as a striking reminder of the tragedy that befell the city and the real-world consequences it brought. Walking up to the shrine hall leads visitors past it and other monuments that depict the desolation of war, and into a tranquil area surrounded by greenery that soothes the soul and starkly contrasts with the earlier presentations of destruction. The shrine is also home to a centuries-old camphor tree that barely survived the blast but miraculously recovered, once again sprouting leaves and becoming a treasured symbol of resilience, recovery, and peace.

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Access: Approx. 15-minute walk from Sanno Shrine

The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum memorializes the horrific attack that assaulted Nagasaki during World War II and its aftermath. The museum’s exhibits follow the events in an easy-to-understand sequence, beginning before the bomb strike and leading to the present day. It also goes beyond what happened in Nagasaki, delving into the history and development of nuclear weapons and emphasizing the importance of peace. 

The exhibits feature photos, testaments from survivors, reconstructions, as well as structures and artifacts that barely endured the bomb, allowing visitors to see firsthand the devastating effects of nuclear weapons. Many of the items on display were personal effects of people who perished in the explosion, serving as grave yet invaluable reminders of the tragic ramifications of war. The museum makes the harrowing information accessible while remaining respectful to the victims, so it is a must-stop for life lessons that are applicable across borders and generations.

Lunch at Peace Cafe

Access: Located within the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Conveniently located within the museum, Peace Cafe is the perfect spot for a quick coffee break or an easy lunch. The warm-toned interior is illuminated by natural light, creating a welcoming space to unwind and reflect on the exhibits. The menu consists of popular cafe items such as coffee, lattes, and soft drinks. Sweets include waffles, Nagasaki’s famous castella, and more, and diners can fill their bellies with beef curry, loco moco, hamburg steaks, or other delicious fare.

Hypocenter Park

Access: Approx. 6-minute walk from the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

This park stands where the atomic bomb detonated 500 meters above the city that fateful morning of August 9, 1945. Moments after the bomb was dropped, the surrounding 2.5-kilometer radius was leveled, and much of the rest of the city was destroyed. A monument was erected to mark the exact spot, and the rings rippling out from it create a powerful visual that stresses the overwhelming impact.

The blast wiped out the plant life around the hypocenter, and it was believed that the area would lay barren for decades to follow. However, a mere month after the bombing, around 30 species of plants began to grow, and the area is now flush with greenery, becoming a symbol of life, perseverance, and recovery. There are also approximately 500 cherry trees around the park, which create clouds of ephemeral pink blossoms in the spring.

Nagasaki Peace Park

Access: Approx. 5-minute walk from Hypocenter Park

Nagasaki Peace Park was built on a small hill to wish for peace and that such war and tragedy will never occur again. One of the highlights of the park is the seated 9.7-meter-tall statue with its arms outstretched. Designed by the sculptor and Nagasaki native Seibou Kitamura, the right hand pointing to the sky signifies the threat of atomic weapons, while the left hand raised parallel to the ground denotes the hope for peace, and the eyes are closed in prayer for the victims of the bomb.

The grounds also feature a large fountain that was built to pray for the souls of people who perished after the bombing while searching and begging for water, as well as for eternal world peace and the abolishment of nuclear weapons. At the front of the fountain is a monument that is engraved with a note from a little girl recounting her desperation for water, further illustrating the haunting realities faced by victims. Every year, on August 9, a ceremony is held in front of the statue to commemorate the tragedy and hope for world peace.

Inasayama Park

Access: Approx. 15-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride (requires transfers) from Nagasaki Peace Park

After spending the day reflecting on the tragedies of war and the importance of peace, Inasayama Park is a wonderful place to gather one’s thoughts and be grateful for this earth and the life we are given. Located over 300 meters above sea level, the park is home to an observatory that boasts panoramic views of the Nagasaki cityscape and the ocean. Clear days can even offer views of the Goto Islands and Mt. Unzen in the distance. 

The nighttime scenery is particularly spectacular, even known as one of the top three night views in Japan. The sparkling city spreads out before the park, seemingly protected by the mountains in the distance, creating a magical sight that makes it easy to get lost in the moment. The park is also known for having around 80,000 azalea bushes that cover the park with shades of pink, purple, red, and white in the spring, and offering the perfect backdrop for the popular Azalea Festival that coincides with the peak blooming period.

Experience More Than Just Tourism in Nagasaki

Nagasaki’s fascinating and unique history makes it more than just a surface-level sightseeing destination. With its complex blend of cultures and stories of incomparable events, every twist and turn offers unforgettable learning opportunities that make up enriching travel experiences that will surely stay with you long after your trip. There is also much to see in the prefecture outside of Nagasaki City, so if you want to check out other parts of Nagasaki Prefecture, check out this article!

Title image: PIXTA