Explore Nagasaki
Your perfect trip to Japan
Nagasaki is a city of slopes, cats, and church bells. It feels entirely unlike the rest of Japan. For over two centuries of isolation (Sakoku), this port was the country’s only open window to the western world. Dutch traders and Chinese merchants left an indelible mark here, creating a unique ‘Wakon-Yosai’ (Japanese spirit, Western learning) culture. You see it in the architecture, where Victorian colonial houses sit next to Confucian shrines, and you taste it in the food—Champon noodles and Castella sponge cake.
Geographically, it is a dramatic amphitheater, with houses clinging precariously to steep hillsides surrounding a long, narrow harbor. At night, the view from Mount Inasa is described as the ’10 Million Dollar Night View,’ a glittering carpet of lights that rivals Hong Kong.
Of course, there is the tragedy. The second atomic bomb fell here on August 9, 1945. But unlike Hiroshima’s wide, flat memorial, Nagasaki’s hypocenter is surrounded by everyday life—schools, apartments, and hills. The Peace Park is solemn, dominated by the massive blue Peace Statue pointing to the sky (the threat) and the horizon (peace). But Nagasaki is not defined solely by the bomb; it is defined by its Hidden Christians who practiced in secret for centuries, its vibrant festivals, and its exotic, welcoming atmosphere.
The perfect plan for Nagasaki:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Western Window
- Morning: Glover Garden. Open-air museum of western mansions on the hill. The view of the harbor is iconic. Look for the ‘Heart Stone’ in the pavement.
- Afternoon: Walk down the Dutch Slope. Lunch: Shikairou near the port—the birthplace of Champon (noodle soup). The building looks like a Chinese palace.
- Evening: Mt. Inasa Night View. Take the ropeway up. The view is genuinely world-class. It’s romantic and windy.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Atomic History & Peace
- Morning: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. It focuses on the humanitarian impact. Walk to the Hypocenter Park and see the layer of ground from 1945 preserved under glass.
- Afternoon: Urakami Cathedral. Once the largest church in East Asia, destroyed and rebuilt. The charred statues of saints are haunting.
- Evening: Shinchi Chinatown. One of Japan’s three big Chinatowns. It’s smaller but authentic. Eat Sara Udon (crispy noodles).
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: The Abandoned Island
- Morning: Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) Tour. *Must book weeks in advance.* Take a boat to the abandoned coal mining island. It’s a concrete ghost town in the middle of the sea. Eerie and fascinating.
- Afternoon: Dejima. The restored Dutch trading post. See how the traders lived in their gilded cage.
- Evening: Bars in Shianbashi. A retro nightlife district. Try a ‘Turk Rice’ (pilaf, spaghetti, and pork cutlet on one plate) at Tsuruchan.
Weather
Spring (March-May): Pleasant. The hills turn green (18°C).
Summer (June-Aug): Hot and humid. The Spirit Boat Procession (Shoro Nagashi) in August is loud with firecrackers.
Autumn (Sept-Nov): The Kunchi Festival (Oct) is incredible—dragon dances and Dutch themes (20°C).
Winter (Dec-Feb): Cool, rainy, but generally mild (8°C).
Local Customs
- Walking: You will climb stairs. Lots of them. Wear comfortable shoes.
- Escalators: Nagasaki has outdoor escalators (Glover Sky Road) to help residents get up the hills. Use them.
- Respect: The Urakami Cathedral area is deeply significant to the Catholic community. Be respectful.
History & Culture
Nagasaki was a Jesuit stronghold in the 16th century, leading to a unique Christian history. When Christianity was banned, believers went underground (Kakure Kirishitan). It was also the home of Dejima, a man-made island where the Dutch were confined, serving as the sole conduit for Western science and goods into Japan for 200 years.
Getting Around & Safety
The Streetcar (Tram) is the icon of the city. Blue and charming.
- Pass: One-Day Streetcar Pass (¥600). Buy it at your hotel or the station.
- Ferry: Essential for visiting the islands (Gunkanjima).
- Walking: Downhill is easy; uphill is a workout.
Info for Nomads
Underrated. Cheaper than Fukuoka. Very hilly, so biking is impossible, but the scenery is inspiring.
Workation Vibe
Speed: Good. 70-90 Mbps.
Cafes: Delicious Restaurant Attic (on the wharf, latte art of Ryoma Sakamoto) and Kariomon (roastery).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gunkanjima worth the seasickness? +
Yes. It’s a UNESCO site and unlike anything else on earth. Note: If the waves are too high, boats won’t dock. It’s weather dependent.
Hiroshima or Nagasaki? +
Hiroshima is more polished and accessible. Nagasaki is more scenic, hilly, and has a broader history (Christianity/Trade) beyond the bomb.
What is Castella? +
A sponge cake introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. Nagasaki perfected it. It’s sweet, moist, and has coarse sugar crystals on the bottom. Buy it at Fukusaya.