Recommended for first-time travelers to Nagasaki! JR KYUSHU HOTEL Nagasaki-focused 2-day, 1-night itinerary

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• Table of Contents
• How to enjoy Nagasaki in 2 days and 1 night
• [Day 1] Must-see sightseeing spots in Nagasaki City!
• [Day 2] Must-See! Nagasaki City's World Heritage Sites and Sightseeing Spots
• Introducing recommended gourmet and souvenir spots
• Recommended for sightseeing in Nagasaki! Introducing the charms of JR KYUSHU HOTEL Nagasaki
• Summary - An experience you can only find in Nagasaki

How to enjoy Nagasaki in 2 days and 1 night

Located on the western edge of Kyushu, Nagasaki City is a city that, even within Japan, has a particularly rich international history and beautiful port scenery. It is home to Dejima, the only Izu Island that was permitted to trade with overseas countries during the period of national isolation, and the city still thrives today, with its unique streetscape where Western and Japanese cultures blend together.

A hilly town overflowing with exotic atmosphere, a beautiful night view surrounded by the sea and mountains, and streets dotted with Japanese and World Heritage Sites - Nagasaki is a city with a charm unlike any other in Japan.

© Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association

The tram is a very convenient way to travel around Nagasaki City. It has easy access to many major tourist spots and there are many trains running, making it easy to get around. We recommend using a one-day pass, as you can get on and off the tram without worrying about fares. You can also use inclined elevators like those on Glover Sky Road to reduce the strain of traveling uphill.

©NAGASAKI CITY

[Day 1] Must-see sightseeing spots in Nagasaki City!

Leave your luggage at JR KYUSHU HOTEL Nagasaki

When you arrive at Nagasaki Station, the first thing you should do is leave your luggage at JR KYUSHU HOTEL Nagasaki. The hotel is conveniently located just a 3-5 minute walk from the east exit of JR Nagasaki Station. You can leave your luggage there on the day of check-in or check-out, even before or after your stay, so you can head out sightseeing empty-handed. (*Luggage storage is only available on the day.)

JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki

850-0058 1-1 Onoe-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture

The hotel offers comfortable stays in specially designed rooms that incorporate Chinese and Western-inspired red and green designs, allowing you to feel the exotic atmosphere of Nagasaki. It is also close to JR Nagasaki Station, making it an ideal base for sightseeing and business.

JR KYUSHU HOTEL Nagasaki official website

Exploring history around Izu Island and Meganebashi Bridge

Izu Island

Izu Island is an artificial island that was the only place in Japan where trade with the West took place during the period of national isolation. During the Edo period, a Dutch trading post was established here, and it served as a valuable "window" between Japan and Europe, transmitting various Western knowledge, including academic, medical, scientific, and cultural knowledge, to Japan.

At present, Izu Island has faithfully recreated the townscape of the early 19th century based on documents from that time, and you can tour the residences of the trading post staff, warehouses, government offices, etc. The museum is also equipped with furnishings and exhibits, allowing you to get a realistic feel for the lives of people at the time and the exchanges between Japan and the West.

Additionally, in 2017, the Omotemonbashi Bridge was restored, allowing visitors to cross the bridge and enter and exit Izu Island just as they did in the past. This is a valuable spot where you can actually walk around and feel the atmosphere of the time when Izu Island existed as an island.

Izu Island is an essential place when talking about the history of international exchange in Nagasaki , and can also be said to be one of the starting points of Japan's modernization. It is not just a historical site, but continues to fascinate many people as a place where Japan and the world met.

©NAGASAKI CITY

Dejima

6-1 Dejimamachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 850-0862

Dejima, an artificial island built by order of the Edo Shogunate in 1636, served as Japan's only gateway to the West for around 200 years. The buildings and scenery from that time have been restored, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the early 19th century. In 2017, the Dejima Omotemon Bridge was completed, making it possible to enter and exit Dejima as before. Beautifully lit up at night, it has become a popular tourist spot representing Nagasaki. (Photo by AC)

▼Access from JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki to Izu Island

Enjoy the exotic atmosphere at Glover Garden and Oura Cathedral

Glover Garden
Located on a hill overlooking Nagasaki Port, the garden houses the former Glover House and other Western-style buildings from the Meiji period that have been relocated and restored. The garden is equipped with moving walkways and escalators, making it easy to stroll around. One of the attractions is searching for the heart stone, which is said to bring love to fruition. Entering from the second gate using the Glover Sky Road (inclined elevator), you can easily tour the garden as you descend.

© Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association

Glover Garden

8-1 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 850-0931

▼Access from Izu Island to Glover Garden

Oura Cathedral
This beautiful Gothic-style Catholic church is the oldest surviving church building in Japan. In 2018, it was registered as a component of the World Heritage Site "Hidden Christian Sites in the Amakusa Nagasaki ."

Oura Catholic Church

5-3 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 850-0931

Oura Cathedral is the oldest surviving wooden Gothic church in Japan, built in 1865. Its official name is the Cathedral of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2018 as part of the hidden Christian heritage of Nagasaki and the Amakusa region. The interior is decorated with beautiful stained glass and intricate decorations, attracting visitors. In addition, a panoramic view of Nagasaki Port can be seen from in front of the church, which is also one of the highlights. (Photo by AC)

▼Access from Glover Garden to Oura Cathedral

Megane Bridge (Spectacles Bridge) is the oldest arched stone bridge in Japan, spanning the Nakajima River. It was named after the reflection of the bridge on the river surface, which looks like spectacles.
There is a heart stone hidden in the seawall, and legend has it that if you find it, your love will come true.

©NAGASAKI CITY

Megane-bashi Bridge

Uonomachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 850-0874

Megane-bashi Bridge is a stone arch bridge spanning the Nakajima River that runs through Nagasaki City, and was built in 1634. It is known as the oldest arched stone bridge in Japan. The twin arches are reflected on the surface of the river, looking almost like spectacles, hence the name "Megane-bashi." It has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and attracts many tourists with its seasonal scenery. In particular, when lit up at night, it creates a fantastic atmosphere, making it a popular photo spot. (Photo by AC)

▼Access from Oura Cathedral to Meganebashi Bridge

A million-dollar night view! Mount Inasa and Mount Kanmuri Park

After sightseeing, return to the hotel, drop off your luggage, and take a break.
Afterwards, head to the commercial facility Amu Plaza Nagasaki. The elevator in your room can take you to the restaurant area in the main building of Amu Plaza, so you can easily access it without going outside and choose dinner from a variety of restaurants to suit your mood.

AMU Plaza Nagasaki official website

After your meal, head out to see Nagasaki's beautiful night view, which is so beautiful it has been named one of the "New Top Three Night Views in the World."

Mount Inasa

From the summit, 333 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic night view of Nagasaki city. The mountains surrounding the port, the lights of the houses lining the slopes, and the lights reflected on the sea - all of these combine to create a spectacular view unique to Nagasaki that is highly acclaimed around the world.

To reach the summit, we recommend taking the Nagasaki Ropeway, which allows you to enjoy a stroll through the air. The journey itself is a sightseeing experience, and you can enjoy the cityscape, which looks completely different from daytime, as you leisurely make your way to the observation deck.

There is also a free shuttle bus that runs from major hotels in the city center, making it easy for first-time visitors to get there.

© Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association

▼Access from JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki to Mount Inasa Observatory

Mount Kanmuri Park
Although Mount Kanmuri Park is lower in elevation than Mount Inasa, it is a hidden gem with a charming night view of Nagasaki Port up close. The daytime view is also wonderful, so it's also a good idea to visit at sunset. It's easily accessible, about a 10-minute walk from Glover Garden's second gate.

▼ Access from JR KYUSHU HOTEL Nagasaki to Mount Kanmuri Park

[Day 2] Must-See! Nagasaki City's World Heritage Sites and Sightseeing Spots

Landing on Gunkanjima (Hashima)! Cruise experience

On the second day, take a cruise ship from Nagasaki Port to Gunkanjima (Hashima).

The official name of Gunkanjima is Hashima Island. It is called "Battleship Island" because of its appearance, which resembles a battleship. It once flourished as an undersea coal mine, and was home to Japan's first high-rise reinforced concrete apartment buildings, boasting the highest population density in the world at its peak. It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2015, and you can now take part in a landing tour to see the island. Listen to the guide's commentary and get a real feel for the unique atmosphere of its former prosperity and its ruins.

The Gunkanjima landing cruise is very popular and often fills up, especially on weekends and holidays, so it is essential to make an early reservation. Depending on the weather, it may not be possible to land on the island, in which case you will be able to take a cruise around the island from the ship.

© Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association

▼Access from JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki to the cruise ship terminal for Gunkanjima

Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is one of the largest penguin-species facilities in Japan, housing approximately 170 penguins from nine of the 18 species that live in the world.

The main tank inside the aquarium is 4 meters deep. Through the glass, you can observe the penguins swimming around underwater as if they were flying. Their speed and graceful movements are so dynamic that it's hard to imagine them from their adorable appearance on land.

Furthermore, at the "Interactive Penguin Beach," which makes use of the natural ocean, you can see penguins walking on the sand and swimming in the sea from up close, and enjoy the experience of peeking into the wild world.

© Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association

Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium official website

▼Access from Gunkanjima to Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

Introducing recommended gourmet and souvenir spots

Enjoy local Nagasaki cuisine such as champon and sara udon

Nagasaki is rich in unique gourmet foods influenced by foreign cultures.
Champon and Sara Udon are soul foods that represent Nagasaki. The long-established restaurant Shikairo is said to be the birthplace of champon and sara udon.
Turkish rice is also known as "an adult's children's lunch," and is a hearty dish that includes pilaf, pasta, pork cutlet, and more, all piled high on one plate.

[Recommended gourmet spots]
Shinchi Chinatown
One of Japan's three largest Chinatowns, alongside Yokohama and Kobe. Chinese restaurants and Chinese confectionery shops line the streets in this compact area, so you can enjoy sampling the local cuisine while strolling around.
Izu Island Wharf
This open complex facing Nagasaki Port is lined with ocean-view restaurants and stylish cafes. You can enjoy fresh local seafood dishes and take a break while feeling the sea breeze.

© Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association

Find souvenirs at Kamome Market on Nagasaki Kaido

This lively market, which opened with the opening of the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, is a treasure trove of Nagasaki's food and souvenirs, with over 50 carefully selected shops and restaurants. Not only is there a wide selection of souvenirs unique to Nagasaki, such as Nagasaki's famous castella, Goto udon, and Nagasaki sake, but there are also restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine and alleys with eat-in spaces, making it the perfect place for a meal to end your trip and to choose souvenirs.

© Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association

Recommended for sightseeing in Nagasaki! Introducing the charms of JR KYUSHU HOTEL Nagasaki

The JR KYUSHU HOTEL Nagasaki, which we introduced as a base for your trip this time, is best known for its excellent location, just a 3-5 minute walk from the east exit of Nagasaki Station. The convenience of being able to check in immediately after arriving at the station is a major benefit for travelers with limited time to enjoy sightseeing. The guest rooms are equipped with world-renowned Simmons pocket coil mattresses. All rooms are also equipped with air purifiers with humidifying functions, allowing you to relax and unwind from your travel fatigue in a clean and comfortable space. The hotel has also installed the latest smart check-in and check-out machines, allowing for smooth check-in and check-out procedures even during busy times. Furthermore, the hotel is affiliated with the parking lot at the station building, Amu Plaza Nagasaki, making it extremely convenient to access the hotel by car as well as by public transportation.

▼For more information about JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki, click here

Book JR KYUSHU HOTEL Nagasaki at the best rate

Other recommended hotels in the area

Nagasaki Marriott Hotel

This luxury hotel is located on the waterfront overlooking Nagasaki Port. Guests can enjoy beautiful views of Nagasaki Port and Mount Inasa from its sophisticatedly designed rooms. With three dining options (all-day dining, a specialty restaurant, and a bar lounge), the hotel offers a full range of facilities to ensure a high-quality resort stay.

Nagasaki Marriott Hotel official website

Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch

Located right in front of Huis Ten Bosch, the park is within walking distance. Guests can choose between spacious rooms with park or station views. The hotel also has a full range of hot spring facilities, allowing you to relax after a day of fun. To get to the park, you can cross the canal to the harbor reserved for guests, where you can enter and leave Huis Ten Bosch.

Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch official website

Summary - An experience you can only find in Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a city packed with charm, where you can enjoy history, culture, spectacular scenery, and gourmet food all in one place. The great appeal of traveling to Nagasaki is that even a short stay of just one night and two days allows you to fully enjoy everything from city sightseeing to World Heritage sites and experience spots.

We recommend the JR KYUSHU HOTEL Nagasaki, which offers excellent access, as your base for such a trip. This smart stay, where you can leave your luggage as soon as you arrive and head out into the city light and ready, will make your trip more free and comfortable.

Walking through the exotic streets, encountering Nagasaki's unique food culture, and experiencing the breathtaking scenery and history will make each experience a special and memorable one.

Why not take a break from your busy daily life and head out to experience the "real Nagasaki" that you can only experience here?

JR KYUSHU HOTEL Nagasaki official website

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